There are a lot of microscopes with eyepiece camera that are available in the market today. Buying these types of microscopes is very tempting. And much of it is because of the fact that these devices are fully interactive when connected to a personal computer.

With the today’s advancement in technology, there are a lot of microscopes that are equipped with an eyepiece camera. And these microscopes don’t necessarily have to be special types of microscopes at that. Most of the time, they are the simplest traditional tabletop microscopes that are frequently used in schools and home laboratories. The mere attachment of an eyepiece camera is what transforms them to become digital microscopes, which have the ability to produce and store digital images on a computer.

You can use an eyepiece camera with your existing microscope. It is very simple to install and use as well. And for those who have bought microscopes with eyepiece cameras, here is a guide on how to use it:

1. Calibrate your microscope as usual.
This step is for a traditional microscope that is to be equipped with the eyepiece camera. Before removing any part, make sure that the microscope is fully calibrated. Put a sample specimen on the stage and use the 10x eyepiece with the lowest objective lens available. Proceed to adjust the focus, contrast, and brightness of the sample being viewed. Do this step in the exact same way that you calibrate the microscope for initial use.

2. Replace the regular eyepiece of the microscope with the eyepiece camera.
Most eyepiece cameras are equipped with the 10x magnification power like the most commonly used eyepiece of a traditional microscope. If the magnification of these two eyepieces is the same, then there should be no problem with the focus. It should remain the same. On the other hand, the microscopes that include an eyepiece camera are usually pre-installed, so there’s no need for changing lenses. Otherwise, perform this step.

3. Run the software that came with the eyepiece camera in your computer.
Software is included in the package of an eyepiece camera. Install it in your computer in the same way as you would install any other program. But be sure the software is compatible with your computer before attempting anything. Most eyepiece cameras work with all Windows operating system. If you have a Macintosh or a Linux computer, specifically buy a microscope with an eyepiece camera that supports your system.

4. Connect the USB cable of the eyepiece camera to a computer system.
After the software has run, it should ask the user to connect the microscope with the eyepiece camera at some point. Take that as a signal to do so. The eyepiece camera is equipped with a cable that can be connected to the USB port on the computer. Most eyepiece cameras are compatible with both 1.1 and 2.0 USB versions. But to be sure, it is best to clear this detail with the store. After plugging the device in, the software should continue installing the software. Go ahead with the installation until it finishes. Restart the computer as necessary.

5. Launch the software installed in the computer.
The controls of a microscope with eyepiece camera are usually on the software rather than on the microscope itself. For traditional microscopes that are merely made to work with eyepiece cameras, the controls can be found both on the software and on the microscope, of course. The controls on the software works in complement with that of the microscope’s physical knobs so there’s really no need to worry. Fine-tune the image as necessary.

6. View, edit, manipulate, store, and share the digital images produced.
The moment the software was launched is also the time the microscope with eyepiece camera starts working. And so you just have to view your specimen under the objective lenses of the microscope on your computer screen instead of through the eyepiece. What was originally seen through the eyepiece is the same as what shows on the screen. Depending upon the resolution and the quality of the eyepiece camera used, expect more vivid colors and better resolution projected on the monitor. Those same images seen on the screen can then be saved in a digital format. It is also possible to create videos of your samples using the eyepiece camera. The saved images or video can then be edited through the popular image and video editing software today.

These are the steps on how you can properly use a microscope with eyepiece cameras, or even traditional microscopes made to work with eyepiece cameras, for that matter. Get eyepiece cameras for your standard cameras to enjoy added functionality. The devices also make your microscope at par with today’s technology.