The type, size and quality of sensor (chip) inside microscope cameras vary greatly with some manufacturers offering much better quality sensors than others. This is part of the reason why different cameras with the same resolution do not offer the same image quality and performance. It is nearly always better to invest in sensor quality rather than resolution.

Sensor size is also important as it effects the field of view (image size). Most commercially available microscope cameras use either 1/3, 1/2 or 2/3 inch sensors, with a few more expensive models having 1 inch. The larger sensor generally offers a wider field of view.  Go for as large a sensor as you can afford as small sensors can lead to disappointment at the small field of view especially when the user compares what is seen through eyepieces on an optical microscope.

Sensor type is also a consideration as the use of CCD sensors instead of CMOS result in more light sensitive cameras, however they are also more expensive and less common now. Most commercially available cameras use CMOS now.

Inspection only applications favour a high frame rate so a high speed camera with HDMI connection direct to a monitor is often preferred. With no computer required the image moves quickly across the monitor without any delay or lag and this is much preferred by operators performing inspection.

Measurement - when measurement is the main focus we recommend selecting a camera which is not high resolution, 2 MP is usually sufficient.

Fluorescence and other low light applications place special demands on microscope cameras with long exposure times required. Not all cameras can handle this so careful selection is needed for such low light applications.  Cameras such as the DC.6000i from Euromex with a CCD chip and Peltier cooling are designed especially for such low light applications. However, it is not always necessary to use a cooled CCD camera and often some of the more advanced CMOS sensor cameras will perform adequately. In this bracket we would consider the sCMEX series from Euromex such as the DC.6000s

It is also possible to fit some models of Digital Single Lens Reflex Cameras such as from Canon or Nikon. If you already have one then this can be a very good option for capturing high quality images from your microscope without buying a dedicated microscope camera. However, there are some things to consider:-

1. You will need a special adapter to fit the DSLR onto the microscope. We sell these here: You need to buy the adapter with a 2.0x lens and the relevant T2 ring to fit either Canon or Nikon cameras. The adapter only fits to tubes of 23.2 mm diameter so check the photo-tube on your microscope is compatible (Note: all Euromex microscopes with a trinocular head are compatible)
2. Check the DSLR camera comes with software and a cable to connect to your computer or monitor and transfer images. It is also worth checking what functionality the software provides and comparing this to the microscopes cameras referred to in this blog.
3. If you do not have a DSLR camera but still prefer this option then you can buy the camera body only, without any lenses which are not required to fit it onto a microscope; for example the Canon ES2000D. We do not sell these and you will probably find that the combined purchase price of a Canon and the adapter is higher than a good quality microscope camera.
4. A power supply for the DSLR is an optional extra which will avoid having to change batteries.

Learn more on our blog with suggested further reading:-

• Your Guide to Choosing a C-Mount Adapter
• Stereo Microscope Guide