Digital microscopes are the ideal optical companions for the microphotography enthusiast. They utilize high magnification and in-built cameras to capture images and videos of the microscopic world in real-time, and aid in viewing comfort by displaying the images on your mobile device or PC. The ideal digital microscope should be compact, lightweight, yield excellent image quality, and should be very compatible with a host of operating systems.
Best Digital Microscopes
Digital microscopes are still a fairly new technology, so, choosing the right product can be quite tasking. Below, we save you the effort and time as we take a look at our top five digital microscopes on the market that boast of great functionality.
1. Plugable USB 2.0 Digital Microscope
This outstanding digital microscope boasts of impressive reviews and is the ideal model microscope for students and hobbyists. It comes with a 2.0 MP camera backed with 250x magnification for an up-close view of tiny objects. It supports different operating systems, comes with LED illumination with brightness control, and a highly flexible stand for maximum maneuverability.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Impressive magnification and high-quality optics.
- Great compatibility and maneuverability.
2. OMAX 40X-2500X Full Size Compound Microscope
This gadget from OMAX boasts of a 40x to 2500x magnification range backed with a powerful 14 MP camera for the best image results. Its sturdy metallic frame is built for durability, flexibility, and stability, and control is easily achieved with its array of knobs and switches. It connects seamlessly with different operating systems to quickly capture images and record videos.
- Powerful 14 MP camera with high 40x to 2500x magnification.
- Durable design and excellent controls.
- Great compatibility and media flexibility.
3. Jiusion 40 to 1000x Magnification Endoscope
The Jiusion Magnification Endoscope boasts of an impressive 40x to 1000x magnification range and is a great buy for both kids and adults. It comes with a sleek design and sturdy stand, is highly compatible with different operating systems, and features LED illumination with brightness and focus control. With it, you can take the most outstanding photos and videos of micro profiles.
- Impressive 40x to 1000x magnification range.
- Sleek design and superb compatibility with different operating systems.
- LED illumination and media recording support.
4. Celestron – 5 MP Digital Microscope Pro
This digital microscope from Celestron comes with a 5 MP camera backed by an impressive 20x to 200x magnification range for the best microphotography experience. It comes in a sleek, compact design, is easily mounted for stationary viewing, a generous 4ft. cable for viewing large surfaces, and is highly compatible with different operating systems.
- 0MP camera with 20x to 200x magnification.
- Great compatibility with a host of operating systems.
- Compact and lightweight, with a viewing stand.
5. Celestron – LCD Digital Microscope II
This top of the line digital microscope from Celestron emphasizes superb ergonomics and comes with a 5 MP camera and a powerful 40x to 1600x magnification range. It sports a sleek, sturdy design, excellent controls, and comes with a host of accessories for added value. It nonetheless, supports projected viewing via its USB port and comes with great customer support.
- 0 MP camera with 40x to 1600x magnification.
- Built-in display screen with USB connection support.
- Durable design and extra accessories.
Digital Microscopes Buying Guide
Digital microscopes combine the high magnification of regular microscopes with the functionality of cameras to enable real-time projections of the magnified profile on mobile devices or PCs. They are the ideal choice for convenient microscopic viewing as you don’t have to strain your eyes looking through eyepieces.
When on the market for a digital microscope, there are some qualities you want to look out for to ensure you end up with the best bang for your buck. This buying guide reviews the best digital microscopes based on their specified features to help you make an informed choice quickly.
Compound vs. Stereo
All microscopes perform the prime function of magnifying an object so it appears much larger and detailed through the eyepiece. When choosing a microscope, the magnification is one of the most important factors to consider. In general, microscopes are classified based on their magnifications or ‘power’ as stereo microscopes and compound microscopes.
Stereo usually come magnifications in the order of a few to several tens – between 10x to 90x and are great for viewing coins, jewelry, small insects, etc.
Compound microscopes, on the other hand, boast of much higher magnification ranges – between 90x to 2500x and are used in laboratories and research centers for viewing much smaller specimens like bacteria, fungi, plant and animal cells, etc.
Camera Logistics
The next important factor to consider is the logistics of your microscope camera. Digital cameras can either have their cameras built-in or attached externally. The quality of the final image displayed depends on the resolution of the camera. The resolution is a measure of how detailed the captured is or how large the image can be made without getting blurry, and is measured in pixels. The higher the resolution, the better the image quality.
For simple viewing and light-duty jobs, a camera with at least 2.0 MP is recommended. Higher resolutions improve the image print quality steadily. The camera memory space is also another important factor to consider. A larger memory enables more images and videos to be taken before it gets full.
Compatibility
Digital microscopes work with external devices like mobile devices and PCs and project the magnified profile via a USB or HDMI connection. It is therefore important that you check the product description to ensure the microscope is compatible with the operating system of your local device before you make a purchase.
Many digital microscopes don’t support iOS. On Windows and Mac, however, many are compatible with default applications and will run seamlessly right out of the box. Some, however, will require you to install specified applications before they can run.