Questions About Attaching a Camera to a Stereo Microscope
Moderators: rjlittlefield, ChrisR, Chris S., Pau
Questions About Attaching a Camera to a Stereo Microscope
I recently purchased an LED trinocular stereo microscope from Amscope that I would like to attach a camera to. Does anyone have any recommendations as to what cameras are able to do that, and are decent cameras? Is it possible to take video as well? I've read reviews that the cameras offered from Amscope are not very good so I decided against buying one of theirs, and wanted to buy my own that is of better quality. I have no experience with this, however, and need some advice/direction. I think my microscope came with some sort of adaptor, but I'm not sure and will have to double check in the manual. Thank you!
Murmelmur,
Welcome aboard!
Please post a link to your scope model or pictures showing the phototube. Also some info about your cameras and/or budget can help to give some advice.
As general comment, stereos are not very good to take high resolution pictures (limited objective NA) but you can take decent ones.
Welcome aboard!
Please post a link to your scope model or pictures showing the phototube. Also some info about your cameras and/or budget can help to give some advice.
As general comment, stereos are not very good to take high resolution pictures (limited objective NA) but you can take decent ones.
Pau
Picture of Microscope
http://www.amscope.com/microscopes/new- ... x-90x.html
Thank you
That is the model that I bought. Let me know if you need more information. I basically know nothing about cameras, I just want to take pictures of things and/or video that I find through the microscope. I'm assuming taking photos with a compound microscope yields much better photographs? As far as budget, I'd say ~$300 or less.
Thank you
That is the model that I bought. Let me know if you need more information. I basically know nothing about cameras, I just want to take pictures of things and/or video that I find through the microscope. I'm assuming taking photos with a compound microscope yields much better photographs? As far as budget, I'd say ~$300 or less.More Info
The representative at Amscope said that I should have received a trinocular port with a 23mm inner diameter. I asked him if it's possible to attach a non-Amscope camera to it, and he said "I would imagine so, just need to find a way to adapt the camera mounting to the 23mm port."
I think that the best approach within your budget and instrument would be "afocal" with a compact camera
You need a high eyepoint eyepiece to fit the trinocular tube and a camera with a short zoom (forget about superzoom models) and a system to hold it over the eyepiece at reduced distance.
A most convenient camera feature is the ability to set manual focus and set it at infinite
Jacek, one of our best photomicrographers uses a compact Canon Ixus or Panasonic over the microscope eyepiece:
http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/v ... 895#154895
To hold the camera an useful option is a digiscoping adapter
http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/ind ... aptor.html
About eyepieces you want one 10X not compensating and designed for eyeglasses. Amscope sells this kind of models, another option is to look for a used Nikon CFW, but you could also try through one of your visual eyepieces
For your trinocular port you need a 23mm diameter eyepiece. Because the camera screen will be horizontal, a camera with tilting screen or with computer tethering ability will be convenient.
Dedicated microscope cameras are in most cases expensive or of poor image quality
More info about afocal:
http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/v ... 9302#99302
Amscope photoadapters don't seem reliable: we've found many problems with different models, but also few satisfied users
You need a high eyepoint eyepiece to fit the trinocular tube and a camera with a short zoom (forget about superzoom models) and a system to hold it over the eyepiece at reduced distance.
A most convenient camera feature is the ability to set manual focus and set it at infinite
Jacek, one of our best photomicrographers uses a compact Canon Ixus or Panasonic over the microscope eyepiece:
http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/v ... 895#154895
To hold the camera an useful option is a digiscoping adapter
http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/ind ... aptor.html
About eyepieces you want one 10X not compensating and designed for eyeglasses. Amscope sells this kind of models, another option is to look for a used Nikon CFW, but you could also try through one of your visual eyepieces
For your trinocular port you need a 23mm diameter eyepiece. Because the camera screen will be horizontal, a camera with tilting screen or with computer tethering ability will be convenient.
Dedicated microscope cameras are in most cases expensive or of poor image quality
More info about afocal:
http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/v ... 9302#99302
Amscope photoadapters don't seem reliable: we've found many problems with different models, but also few satisfied users
Pau