314Innovative: Wolfvision EYE-10 and EYE-12 cameras on the microscope
We have wondered for quite some time if it would be possible to effectively use the high-quality live image cameras from Wolfvision on the microscope. Until now we have hesitated to perform any tests with these cameras, as quite simply we were held up by the lack of an interchangeable lens fitting.
We had the Wolfvision EYE-12 camera available as a test device. It is designed for live image presentations, e.g. for live room-to-room transmissions. The EYE-12 has a high resolution (CCD: 1,280 x 960 pixels) and delivers 30 frames per second.
We now offer LM digital adapter solutions for connecting the Wolfvision EYE-10 and EYE-12 cameras to almost every conventional microscope. As the cameras are relatively heavy, we recommend fitting them vertically to the photo port. It is also possible to install the camera on the eyepiece tube or on a side photo port, but careful attention should then be paid to ensuring that the camera is well supported. If you are interested in an adapter solution, please contact us.
Holding the camera in one’s hands, it is immediately evident that it is a high-quality product. It is very well made and has a permanently integrated wide angle lens. Away from microscopy, it delivers an excellent image quality with continuous autofocus and also offers extensive settings options (directly on the camera):
- Zoom
- Autofocus vs. manuel focus
- Lighting control (automatic vs. manuel)
However, when using it for microscopy applications, certain trade-offs have to be made in terms of image quality, as the camera lens cannot be removed. In general, the zoom lens is not needed in photomicrography. This makes working more complicated, as the image section can be modified significantly using the zoom lens. The optimum zoom setting of the lens is where no peripheral darkening (vignetting) from the tube edge can be seen.
We have developed a special LM digital adapter which makes it possible to achieve a high image quality with a Wolfvision EYE-10 or EYE-12 camera attached to a microscope or macroscope, despite the integrated lens. Peripheral darkening (vignetting) can be seen in the image in the wide angle setting of the 12x zoom lens. If the zoom setting is changed, the circle disappears and the image is depicted as desired in full frame. When using the camera on the microscope, we recommend disabling the camera’s autofocus. Then set the integrated lens of the camera to the infinity position and focus the image yourself via the microscope.
The camera has an amazing number of connection options. Regrettably, though, the Wolfvision EYE-10 and EYE-12 have no HDMI connection. However, an HDMI cable can be connected to the DVI-I connector with a plug-in adapter. This makes it possible to use modern, high-resolution monitors and projectors. For optimum use of full HD monitors, however, a somewhat higher sensor resolution would be advantageous (Wolfvision EYE-12: 1,280 x 960). This will be implemented in the next generation of cameras with the Wolfvision EYE-14.
Due to the permanently integrated lens (filter thread 46 mm) the camera loses flexibility for use in microscopy and macroscopy. Cameras with an interchangeable lens mount are better suited for working on microscopes and macroscopes, as the lens is not in itself needed for this type of application because the LM digital adapters take over the optical adjustment.
The camera (Wolfvision EYE-12) comes with a comprehensive software package. Using a USB2 or network cable (LAN), the live image can be transmitted to a computer and controlled from there.
Images and videos can also be saved directly to the hard drive of a computer.
In addition, it is possible to add tags and comments to the images.
Conclusion:
The Wolfvision EYE-12 is an excellent multifunction camera, especially for live presentations. In addition, it offers a large variety of connection options and comes with an excellent software package. As the cameras are somewhat heavy, they should be used on a vertical photo tube where possible. An interchangeable lens would make the camera considerably more flexible, and it would also be easier to use it on the microscope. For anyone who wants to work exclusively on the microscope or macroscope, we recommend a camera system with an interchangeable lens mount.
31.07.2014