Without a doubt, microscopes have been the key to revelations in the field of science. Innumerable hours of looking through the eyepieces of this apparatus are responsible for several inventions we enjoy today. Scientists have had to pay the prices of prolonged stares with watery eyes, strained necks, and aching backs. That was going to remain so until the invention of digital microscopes.
Wikipedia describes digital microscopes as “a variation of a traditional optical microscope that uses optics and a digital camera to output an image to a monitor, sometimes using software running on a computer.” In few words, the computer does the looking, and a monitor does the revealing.
But the question is, which are the best digital microscopes? Not to worry, this and many more questions will be answered in this post. Just dive in and let’s go!
Why do you need a digital microscope?
The need for a digital microscope rests much on the benefits you stand to gain from owning one. Some of the advantages of using a digital microscope include the following:
1. Ergonomic Features
This is perhaps one of the foremost reasons you should get one of these devices. You can forever say goodbye to straining the eyes and neck due to hours of staring through the scopes. Digital microscopes also allow you to pick a convenient viewing angle, so you can sit relaxed even when doing some serious work.
2. Sharing Possibility
Two eyes and more are better than one. You don’t have to take turns anymore looking through the eyepieces. Digital microscopes allow every participant to see the same thing and make meaningful contributions.
3. Real-time Magnification
We know computers to be far more efficient than we can be. So, when it gets to magnification and balancing the view, computers do it better. Digital microscopes use charged coupling devices (CCD) sensors along with the lens to provide a better experience than peeping through an eyepiece.
Moreover, digital microscopes offer a higher magnification than stereo microscopes. The computer monitor size ultimately determines their magnification and not a multiplication of lens powers.
4. Higher Image Quality
Since image projection is direct to the camera, digital microscopes offer quality images at resolutions impossible on ordinary microscopes. Digital microscopes also have a high dynamic range (HDR) and a broader view range to balance contrast and provide quality imaging.
5. Preserve Moments
Digital microscopes allow you to not only see colorful images but relive them through captured images and video recordings. You can sore sessions for others to go over. Besides, you can send clips to colleagues to join in a study and get more information.
6. Fans interest of students and hobbyists
The rigors and complications of fixing lenses and looking through eyepieces are absent. Hence, more people are encouraged to use the microscope. Children and adults alike would find it more interesting to relate to the microenvironment with many colors and ease.
Which are the best digital microscopes?
The best digital microscopes are the ones that enable you to connect to other devices with no hassle. They also possess some features that make studies more interesting than before. Part of this feature is numerous LED lights for proper illumination.
Interestingly, we’ve taken our time to research digital microscopes with all these scintillating features for you. Here are the three best digital microscopes on the market today.
1. ANNLOV 7″ LCD Digital Microscope
The ANNLOV 7″ LCD Digital Microscope will doubtlessly please you with its incredible features. The device boasts a seven-inch rotatable screen and 1080P display, comparable to the tabs we use. You have an angle of freedom up to 90 degrees, so you get to choose your convenient viewing angle while working.
Need a bigger screen? That’s no problem. You can connect the device to a PC using its USB cord. Unlike most devices, using it on your system doesn’t require any software aside from your PC’s default camera.
Even more, it has a maximum magnification of 1200x, which is 20% more than you can get on a conventional stereo microscope. Eight LED lights illuminate the sample, and one light at both sides can also do the job, should the glare of the former be too much for you. The result is a perfect view of the tiniest details regardless of the time of the day or location.
Moreover, you can conveniently take shots and record videos using its wired remote control. Don’t worry! It boasts a 32 Gb TF card to save as many pictures and clips as you will.
The broad base of its sturdy stand allows you to place large items like circuit boards on them to work. With the ANNLOV 7″ LCD Digital Microscope, you can take your studies outdoor. You only have to take the microscope off the stand and use holding it yourself. The microscope is rechargeable and compact. A 2000MAh ensures you have enough power to explore the micro-world anywhere you are.
Lastly, setting up and use doesn’t require any professional skill. Hence, it is suitable for all and sundry.
Pros
- Seven inches display screen
- 1080P resolution
- Easy PC connection
- Long battery life
- Photos and video capturing
Cons
- Can flip over
2. Andonstar ADSM302 Digital Microscope
The Andonstar ADSM302 Digital Microscope is definitely what you should have in your laboratory. This microscope has a five inches LCD screen for viewing. The screen is adaptable to any convenient angle to suit your viewing. Control buttons grace the panel to allow you to zoom in or out, capture images and video clips, and do a few other activities.
You can store pictures and videos on it by purchasing up to a 32 Gb memory card. The device also features a wireless remote control; this makes it very easy to use.
Besides, the apparatus generously has four different outputs, namely AV, USB, HDMI, and memory cards. With these options, you can connect it directly to a projector, monitor, and computer. When connected to the computer, you get to use its free advanced image measurement software.
The device sits on a sturdy stand with adjustable height. You can control the vertical length using a knob, and that also affects its magnification. Overall, the device can continuously magnify images for 560x when connected to a large display.
For illumination, the Andonstar ADSM302 Digital Microscope utilizes an 8 LED lighting system. That aids its 3M HD sensors to pick the image with all clarity. You also have the option of two side lamps, which you can bend over to focus on the specimen. Thanks to its dimmer, you can easily adjust the illumination.
Furthermore, the equipment has a rugged build, metal being the choice material for several parts. What more? The bracket base is solid enough to resist shaking and toppling. Besides, this thoughtful construction of the bracket base allows specimen balance properly on the microscope.
Pros
- Portable and compact
- Image measurement software
- Wireless remote control
- Adjustable screen angle
- Bracket with height adjustment
Cons
- No free memory card
- Relatively lesser magnification
3. TOMLOV DM201 Digital Microscope
We are not making a bogus statement saying that the TOMLOV DM201 HDMI LCD Digital Microscope is the real deal. The device boasts a superb picture quality with a 16MP HD camera that rivals most phones. The camera boasts of a broad focusing range and spares no details or color when reproducing on the screen.
The device sits on a premium chrome-plated stand with a height adjustment up to 7 inches allowing the camera to achieve a magnification effect of 1 to 1200x. That’s impressive, especially when you recall that most microscopes cannot capture a whole object. Its unique wide focusing knob also helps to balance any errors from magnification.
Providing illumination for the camera are six LED lights with two optional flexible LED fill lights. The easy-slide button allows you to adjust brightness and power the lighting on or off.
Talking of the screen, at 7 inches, it delivers crystal clear images without compromising appearance. You can also adapt the screen to any angle that is comfortable for your viewing. At 2.4 pounds, you don’t need any physical strength to carry it from one place to another.
Furthermore, you can take your view to wider screens and connect with a computer using the HDMI cable. It’s good news to know that it would work with any TV or monitor you have. When connecting to the computer, there is no need to download any software to make it run. You only have to plug and play, and then use the default camera app of your computer.
The device comes with an antiglare hood to protect your eyes while staring at the screen. You won’t have to touch the LED touch control as it comes with a wireless remote control to give all the commands. Snap as many pictures and record videos as you will. The apparatus comes with 32 GB to allow your maximum expression.
Pros
- 7-inches LCD screen
- Adjustable monitor
- LED touch control
- Plug and play connection
- Comes with an antiglare hood
Cons
- Uses only USB-A chargers
How to maintain your digital microscope
A digital microscope is no less delicate than other types of microscopes. You need to give adequate care and maintenance to it so it will serve you long and well. Here are some tips to maintain it:
- By all means, keep the lens clean and unscathed by objects. After all, lenses are the principal components of any microscope.
- Charge the device with the only recommended charger. Like any electronic device, the wrong charger can damage it.
- Ensure the computer and other memory cards you use with it are virus-free.
- For outdoor use, keep the microscope free from torrid weather condition, be it from sun or rain to prevent emergency damage.
- Ensure to study the instruction manual that comes with it to know the dos and don’ts of your device.
How to choose the best digital microscopes
Digital microscopes now flood the market, but as you should know by now, not all will please you. There are several things to factor in after deciding to purchase a digital microscope. Here are some of them.
1. Proposed application
You should know that any microscope that is adaptable for a digital camera qualifies as a digital microscope. Your job may require examining items that need very high magnification. In that case, you can go for trinocular optical microscopes with digital cameras. Most fully digital cameras have magnification within the range of a stereomicroscope. Hence, it is perfect for examining details on objects like coins, electric circuit boards, insects, flowers, and lots more.
2. User
Digital microscopes come in different types. Some are perfect for kids, and there are some for adults. Any of these devices you’ve chosen to purchase must not exceed the experience level of the would-be user.
3. Magnification
The purpose of a microscope is to provide enlarged images of items. Choose the one that does the business to the level your work would require. Magnifications would vary between 1x to 1200x. Most manufacturers would state this on their features, so making a choice shouldn’t be difficult.
4. Illumination
Digital or not, microscopes would always require illumination of the sample. Ascertain the light source of the microscope and its efficiency in getting the job done. The best digital microscopes often feature numerous LED lights as the principal lighting and additional fill lights as an alternative.
5. Camera and Screen Specification
No doubt, the microscope camera specification would affect the quality of the image you see. The rating of a camera is in the number of pixels. That said, the best digital microscope has cameras with resolutions between 5 to 20 megapixels. You would also need a quality screen to match the quality of the camera. So, going for the one with a 1024*600 display screen is not bad.
6. Connectivity
The ease of connectivity to other devices matters a lot. After all, that’s one of the reasons we love digital microscopes. It must not be tedious getting to project to larger screens and monitors. At the same time, it should be compatible with most of the larger display screens.
7. Software Compatibility
Ensure the device is compatible with the type of computer you have, be it Windows or a Mac. See that there isn’t much demand to use the digital microscope on the computer. Think of those with only plug and play.
8. Budget
Without a doubt, digital microscopes come in different price ranges. Some are pricey while some are very cheap. There are cheaper ones that can do the job well. So, you don’t have to break the bank before owning a digital microscope. You would find the best upon reading our review.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the limitations of digital microscopes?
Digital microscopes have boundaries of their own. Principal among them is the need for a power connection before you can view a specimen. That is not so with the traditional microscopes.
2. Can I see bacteria with a digital microscope?
Yes, you can see bacteria with a digital microscope depending on the one you purchase. There are high-end digital microscopes with high magnifications, only that they come at premium costs. By evidence, you can see bacteria under 1000x magnification, and that is what some of the digital microscopes in our review would offer.
3. Can Digital microscopes see cells?
Yes, digital microscopes can see cells. Both animal and plant cells are within 0.001 to 0.003 cm in diameter. They offer ample magnification with the right purchase.
4. Are images of a digital microscope the same as seen through an eyepiece?
Yes, the images are similar in perception. However, they will only be in 2D compared to the 3D enjoyed peeping through an eyepiece of a stereomicroscope. There are other types such as iphone microscopes, pocket microscopes, and usb microscopes that also improve magnification that eyepieces can’t reach.
Bottom Line
Digital microscopes are excellent, but you can be jaded the moment you buy a fickle one. Therefore before deciding to buy one, ensure you are conversant with what the best digital microscope must-have.
Moreover, easy as they are to use, so are they to mismanage. Ensure you disassemble after use and store each part in its protective casing. If you do this together with some maintenance tips shared in this review, you are not going to replace your digital microscope any time soon.