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In microscopy, digital SLR cameras are the better video cameras!

Digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras are the better video cameras thanks to their HDMI video output and “Live View” function. Modern DSLR cameras with HDMI output (High Definition Multimedia Interface) and Live View function are ideally suited to presentations and discussions using large HD monitors and projectors. Old analogue NTSC or PAL video cameras only have a maximum resolution of 768 x 576 pixels. With the aid of the digital HDMI output, a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 (FULL HD) is possible.

Using large-area sensors (36 mm x 24 mm “full frame”) results in a much better signal to noise ratio than is the case with the majority of video cameras (CCD and CMOS), which generally only use small sensors.

A far superior image quality is achieved through the digital transfer. The high data transfer rate (10.2 Gbit/s) of the HDMI 1.3 connection permits colour depths and 30 to 48 bits for each pixel. The versatility of digital SLR cameras and the superior image quality at very reasonable prices make them indispensable for many applications. Large batch sizes result in an unbeatable price/performance ratio. Unfortunately, HDMI output is not yet the standard video output for all digital cameras. In most cases, only analogue video output (TV out) is available. However, with the better DSLRs, HDMI output is available.