There is a host of solutions to connect a camera to a microscope, some are low cost, and others are DIYs or other commercial options. Each one has its own distinct pros and cons. The camera can be either connected via phototube on a trinocular head, microscope camera adapter or can be added to one of the microscope eyepieces, depending on the setup.
Connecting an analog video camera to the microscope allows fast video display on a TV making it suitable to use in a classroom. The speed is in real time and faster. The downside is that a separate power supply is needed and the camera must be compatible with the TV system.
Connecting a SLR to the microscope is an expensive solution but it provides the best results. The image produced is of top quality and the projection ocular corrects the chromatic aberrations and generates a flat field of view. The SLR also has a high dynamic range and a high resolution. The sensor is also quite large thus, the signal to noise ratio is high making it suitable for low light photography and very short exposure time. The main drawback is the high cost of both SLR and associated adapter tube. SLRs likewise cannot be used for focal photography as the lens diameter is too large.
Using a mobile phone camera works great as it focuses to infinity and also, the lens of the mobile phone is smaller than the image produced by the eyepiece. It is a simple, fast and cost-effective solution. Microscopy app, which is easily available, calculates magnification and the images can be sent directly to another user from the phone.
One of the most suitable approaches is to use an adapter which is specifically designed for the microscope. These adapters are equipped with high quality, plan achromatic optical system which enables the user to capture photographs in high resolution and yield a flat field of view without loss of focus at the edges.
Connecting an analog video camera to the microscope allows fast video display on a TV making it suitable to use in a classroom. The speed is in real time and faster. The downside is that a separate power supply is needed and the camera must be compatible with the TV system.
Connecting a SLR to the microscope is an expensive solution but it provides the best results. The image produced is of top quality and the projection ocular corrects the chromatic aberrations and generates a flat field of view. The SLR also has a high dynamic range and a high resolution. The sensor is also quite large thus, the signal to noise ratio is high making it suitable for low light photography and very short exposure time. The main drawback is the high cost of both SLR and associated adapter tube. SLRs likewise cannot be used for focal photography as the lens diameter is too large.
Using a mobile phone camera works great as it focuses to infinity and also, the lens of the mobile phone is smaller than the image produced by the eyepiece. It is a simple, fast and cost-effective solution. Microscopy app, which is easily available, calculates magnification and the images can be sent directly to another user from the phone.
One of the most suitable approaches is to use an adapter which is specifically designed for the microscope. These adapters are equipped with high quality, plan achromatic optical system which enables the user to capture photographs in high resolution and yield a flat field of view without loss of focus at the edges.
