How to Choose a Microscope with Eyepiece Camera
If a loved one’s birthday is coming up and you know his main interest lies in the wonderful and still-mysterious world of science, one of the best gifts you can give him is a microscope with eyepiece camera.
How to Choose a Microscope with Eyepiece Camera
Age, Experience, and Suitability – How old is your recipient? There are microscopes with eyepiece cameras specifically designed for kids while many others are suitable for adult use. What about experience? How long has he been using a microscope? Will he be able to take advantage of all the features offered by a high end microscope?
How about the type of work he does? Is he interested in biology, mineralogy, or maybe botany? There are specialized microscopes with unique features aimed at helping a user in a given field or profession. Certain microscopes are manufactured more for indoor use while others are designed to withstand common travel problems.
Stage – While most stages of microscopes are integrated, some users prefer to have a mechanical stage for more accurate adjustment and positioning of the sample.
Total Magnification – The higher the total magnification of a microscope the more expensive the microscope. To know the total magnification of a microscope, you have to multiply the objective magnification with the eyepiece used.
Eyepiece – If there is only one eyepiece provided, this will be replaced by the eyepiece camera when the latter’s in use. At this time, you won’t have to view the sample through the microscope but rely on the images captured by your eyepiece camera.
If, however, there are dual eyepieces provided, you can use one for your eyes and then attach the eyepiece camera to the other.
Image Resolution – Eyepiece cameras aren’t as sophisticated as stand-alone digital cameras. Eyepiece cameras usually have image resolution at more than one mega pixel only. The higher the image resolution, the clearer the photo!
Light and Power Source – What type of light is used in a microscope? Some people use electrically powered light while others use mirrors and an electronic source. Light is essential to making the sample as clearly visible as possible. Check the type of light bulb used as well. As for power, some microscopes are battery-operated while others have to be plugged in first.
Image Software Application – When you attach an eyepiece camera to a microscope, you’ll be able to transmit photos immediately to a computer or another connected device if it is using USB 2.0 As most devices today are USB 2.0 compatible, you can enjoy great speed and bandwidth when exchanging files.
But if you wish to edit an image in your computer, you can only do so if you install the software application provided with the eyepiece camera. Check if the application is easy to install, doesn’t take up much disk space, and user-friendly.
Image Editing – What kind of controls are offered to let you edit captured images? Can you adjust or change levels of brightness, sharpness, contrast, and balance? How about color? Can you capture photos in monochromatic or colored modes? Can you add text and video overlays? Can you provide labels and subtitles for the images? Can they be stored in various formats and sent immediately in a pre-chosen destination?
Other Camera Functions – Can you provide a preview for live images? Can you split the screen into two, three, or four parts for comparison viewing? Can you create a crosshair to serve as pointer when studying a live image? Can you record a video as well? How much built-in memory does the eyepiece camera comes with? Can you insert a memory card to use or connect it with another storage device?
Separate or Combined Purchase – Once you’ve determined what your loved one needs from both a microscope and an eyepiece camera, you’ll now be able to determine if you’re lucky enough to find a microscope with a built-in eyepiece camera suitable for your recipient. If not, and this is true in most cases, you’ll have to buy a microscope and eyepiece camera separately. Of course, don’t forget to make sure both parts are compatible with each other before buying!
Warranty and Service – It’s better if you purchase the same brand for both the microscope and camera to have an easier time using your warranty in case it gets broken. Review the warranty contract before paying for anything. Do you think everything important has been completely and justly covered? Do they offer live customer support?
Consider all these factors when choosing a microscope with eyepiece camera and you’re sure to end up with the best gift for your loved one. Don’t let yourself overspend though!