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Newsletter Archive: September 2025

Dear microscopy enthusiasts and customers,

Over the past few months, we were busy testing Nikon’s latest premium mirrorless system cameras, combined with our newest wide-field microscope adapter solution, on a variety of microscopes. We’ve now distilled the insights gained from our tests into three reviews which are also available on our website.

When using Nikon’s 45-megapixel full-frame mirrorless system cameras on a microscope, does the priciest model always deliver the best image or video quality? Not necessarily…

Shown in the image: inner surface of a raspberry. Image taken with the LM photomicroscope, StackShot focusing rail, Helicon software and Nikon Z7 II

Nikon’s lineup of top-tier full-frame cameras includes the Nikon Z7 II, the Nikon Z8 and Nikon’s flagship model – the Z9. The most budget-friendly option, the Z7 II, starts at around € 2,000; the Z8 retails at about € 3,500, and the premium version, the Z9, at approximately € 4,700.

For all three cameras, we can offer a microscope adapter solution that is compatible with a wide range of microscopes. The camera can be attached to either the phototube or the eyepiece tube of the microscope, or directly to the microscope body.

Breakdown of the key differences between the three camera models:

Nikon Z9: Engineered as a professional-grade camera and the flagship of Nikon’s camera lineup, the Z9 is designed to deliver unparalleled image quality, superfast processing speeds, advanced AI-driven autofocus capabilities with subject recognition and top-tier Ultra HD 8 video quality. Its advanced camera technology also makes it an exceptional choice for use as a microscope camera. The Z9’s superior image processing performance and superfast shutter speeds open up new possibilities when it comes to capturing moving subjects under the microscope with exceptional precision and clarity. For low-light conditions, such as those encountered in fluorescence microscopy, the Z9 has a feature that brightens up the Live View image, making it significantly easier to focus in dark environments. However, in regular photo mode with single shots taken through a brightfield microscope, we found that the dynamic performance of the Z7 II was slightly better. Continue to the test report

Nikon Z8: The Nikon Z8’s technology draws extensively on that of the Z9, although it has shed some of the Z9’s standout features to accommodate a more compact design. It can be considered a capable all-round microscope camera for both photography and video work. Continue to the test report

Nikon Z7 II: This is the most budget-friendly option among Nikon’s FX cameras. It is equipped with the same powerful 45 megapixel sensor found in its pricier counterparts, but lags slightly behind the Z8 and Z9 in processing speed and high-end video features. However, it excels when it comes to capturing still images. Our tests have shown that it delivers exceptional dynamic range in single-shot photo mode, making it the camera with the best price/performance ratio. Continue to the test report

Each of the three cameras is perfectly suited for focus stacking, a powerful digital imaging technique. With the popular Helicon Focus software, the camera can be conveniently controlled remotely from a computer. All three models are indicated on the compatibility list of the Helicon Remote software. Using a motorised focusing rail, a batch of more than 100 individual images can be stacked automatically and then, once the series is complete, merged into one perfect photo.

For further questions or advice regarding your microscope adapter solution, please contact us.

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