Educational digital microscope cameras are often used as accessories for conventional optical microscopes.  These instruments supplement the functionality of many microscopes – to enhance, capture and store images.  This is often necessary when images have to be documented, sent or kept as files.  As educational tools, digital microscope cameras can also be an effective tool for lectures or presentations.

Educational digital microscope cameras are not regular components of optical microscopy.  They are optional instruments often used to produce clear, high resolution images of the specimen.  This is performed by focusing the digital camera lens through the eyepiece or through a port in the microscope.  Digital cameras offer higher resolution compared to more conventional cameras, producing images of excellent quality.  Digital images are the preferred choice in photography and imaging because of the high resolution, allowing images to be enlarged significantly with minimal distortion.

Taking the picture
Educational digital microscope cameras rely on its optical system to take a good picture.  Otherwise, no amount of editing will produce an image that can translate what the microscope sees.  Lens quality is an important consideration when it comes to cameras.  However, most digital microscope cameras are equipped with CCDs or charge coupled device chips, meaning that the most important set of lens is already in place inside the microscope.  In this case, it is important that the microscope itself has high quality optics in order to maximize the functionality of the digital microscope camera itself.

When taking the picture, look through the microscope and compare the image with the preview screen on the camera.  If they are the same, the image may be captured.  If not, the focus should be adjusted.

What are CCDs?
CCDs are chips used to convert the optical images we see through the eyepiece of the microscope to process it and turn it into the image in the camera or on a monitor.  To ensure picture quality, choose digital microscope cameras with at least 2 megapixels.  A 1 megapixel digital camera will usually suffice, but if the images will be enlarged, higher megapixel cameras are always the better choice.

It is also better if a standard C mount microscope is used with the digital microscope camera.  In this set up, the object or specimen will be placed at the plane of focus.  This will in turn produce a picture in the CCD sensor.  When considering the mount of the digital camera, make sure that it is compatible with the microscope.  If the camera and the microscope are not matched, this might result to the capture of the sample’s image that is too small.

Lighting the digital image
There is no need to produce additional light sources when using digital microscope cameras.  All the lighting you will ever need will already be provided by the microscope.  Illumination is usually direct light or reflected light which can be regulated using an adjuster, such as a dimmer switch.  The usual light bulbs used with microscopes are halogen lamps and fiber optic lights, providing effective illumination for magnifications that begin at 100x and below.

When using light with digital microscope cameras, remember that the use of intense lighting is often misused.  The type of light intensity that reduces eye strain is often not effective when used in digital photography.  If the illumination is brighter than you’re used to, it’s usually better for the camera.  If that is not an option, colors may be adjusted on the digital camera itself or filters may be used for color correction.  If too much light is a problem or if the specimen produces a reflection, a polarizing density filter may be used.

Storing the digital images
Some digital microscope cameras have a built-in memory or attached memory card.  This is done using a USB port to which the camera can be connected to the microscope.  This setup will allow digital images taken through the microscope to be stored.  Memory capabilities can range from about 32 MB to 1 GB – even more – so hundreds or even thousands of digital images can be kept efficiently.  Once the digital images are taken and stored, they can be edited, resized and otherwise manipulated.

Powering the camera
Educational digital microscope cameras are battery powered devices, allowing for wireless usage.  Depending on the unit, these cameras can run for several hours.  The batteries are renewed using a charger, usually an accessory that is included in the camera package.

Connections
An advantage of using educational digital microscope cameras is that they can be connected with computers.  With higher storage capabilities, more images may be stored and even sent as e-mail attachments.  Furthermore, they can be projected more effectively, allowing instructors and students to view the images at the same time.