What Is a Microscope Camera?
A Microscope camera is a camera that is attached to a microscope.
By using a Microscope camera, you can take still or moving images of what you are observing under the microscope. It is possible to observe through a monitor and save microscopic images as data without having to look through the eyepiece of the microscope.
Digitalization has made it possible to connect to computers and monitors via USB or HDMI terminals, making it easy to perform measurement and analysis while simultaneously observing, or to observe in real time with a large group of people.
Uses of Microscope Cameras
Microscope cameras are used for a variety of purposes in research and manufacturing, including observation, recording, and measurement.
For example, when visual confirmation by a single person alone is not sufficient evidence, the observation results can be saved as data to be presented as evidence in research presentations or business reports.
If you want to perform measurement or analysis during observation, you can connect the Microscope camera to a computer and work simultaneously with software. It is also used to share the results on a monitor during practical training or presentations or to visually explain the results to patients during medical examinations.
Principles of Microscope Cameras
A microscope observes a magnified image produced by an objective lens.
Microscope cameras have a photo projection lens (camera adapter) and a camera body. The magnified image obtained by the objective lens is converted into an electrical signal by using the photographic projection lens to form an image on the image sensor of the camera body, and the signal is output as an image.
There are several types of photographic projection lenses (camera adapters), such as those attached to the trinocular tube of a Microscope camera or those attached in place of the eyepiece. Microscope cameras capture the high-magnification object captured by the microscope, so it is necessary to quickly determine which part of the object is in focus for observation.
To accommodate quick manual movement of the microscope, each manufacturer has its innovations to obtain high-quality images at high speed by increasing resolution and frame rate.
Types of Microscope Cameras
Microscope cameras are available as color cameras and monochrome cameras. Since characteristics such as color reproducibility and resolution differ depending on the camera, it is necessary to select a Microscope camera according to the characteristics of the object to be observed and the uses of the camera.
1. Color Camera
Records the condition of the specimen being observed along with its color. Camera manufacturers use color correction technology to express colors similar to those seen through the eyepiece.
2. Monochrome Camera
By using an electron multiplication function element, a monochrome camera can detect faint light that cannot be detected by a color camera. By making it possible to visualize specimens with faint fluorescence, it demonstrates its capability in specific applications.
How to Choose a Microscope Camera
When selecting a Microscope camera, pay attention to the following items and choose one that is suited to the characteristics of the object to be observed and its uses.
1. Resolution
This indicates how finely the image can be resolved. The higher the value, the better the image quality, but the larger the image data size.
2. Frame Rate
The frame rate indicates how many images can be output per second. The higher the value, the less likely the images will be blurred or delayed even when the specimen or microscope is moving quickly.
3. Sensitivity
Sensitivity refers to the efficiency with which the image sensor converts light into electrical signals. The higher the sensitivity, the more the camera can capture images even with weak light. Due to the characteristics of the image sensor, the lower the light level, the higher the electrical noise, which is why the term “low noise” or “high S/N” is sometimes used.
4. Color Reproducibility
The human eye and the sensor of a Microscope camera have different sensitivities to light and color. For this reason, Microscope cameras are processed to match the color of the specimen being observed. Each manufacturer has its characteristics, so it is recommended to check with them.