USB Microscope Review

Welcome to our USB Microscope review, a guide to one of the most popular product lines at PeplerOptics. With over 100 models used by industry, laboratories, education, and at home the USB microscope is as popular with business as it is with the discerning hobbyists and even children. In this review we will guide you through the models and features to look for.

Image Quality - It's not all about resolution!

Resolution is simply the number of pixels and should not be relied upon as an indication of image quality. Going for the highest resolution USB microscope is not always necessary, so it is worth considering carefully what resolution your application needs. More pixels result in a larger image so 5MP or more is great for capturing large images but rarely used in live video streaming as many computers display no more than 2 megapixel (Full HD). The frame rate also slows down at high resolution making it less convenient in live imaging as larger volumes of data are being transferred to the computer. As a result, most microscopes will default to a lower resolution such as 1.3 megapixel when used for live video imaging and as a consequence 1.3MP models remain popular. However, if you need to print large images then higher resolution is a benefit and gives the ability to digitally zoom in.

Sensor Type & Optics - Quality matters

It is always better to invest in a high quality brand rather than a high resolution USB microscope. The quality of the sensor (chip) and optical lenses varies greatly with some manufacturers using much better components than others. Choosing a high resolution microscope is no guarantee of better image quality, indeed they can even be worse. However, we realise it is hard to know from the technical specification which model is best without seeing images. To help you choose we have ranked the models we stock according to image quality:

Highest to lowest image quality

Dino-Lite - Edge Plus Series

Dino-Lite – 5MP Edge Series

Dino-Lite – 1.3MP Edge Series

Dino-Lite – 1.3MP Pro series

Q-Scope – 1.3, 2 & 8MP models

Dino-Lite - Basic series

USB digital microscopes are available in either Standard or Long working distance.

Magnification and Working Distance

USB microscopes are available in either Standard or Long working distance.

Standard Working Distance, 20x to 220x. These models offer magnification ranging from 10x to 70x, with some models going as high as 200x. Be careful though as some models are not variable between 70x and 200x. Only the Edge series from Dino-Lite offer variable magnification all the way from 20x to 220x.

Long Working Distance 10x to 140x. These models offer lower magnification, up to 140x, in return for a wider field of view and longer working distance. Ideal for re-work and repair tasks where access is required to work under the microscope, or where a wider field of view is more important than magnification.

High Magnification - 400x to 900x. Models are available with higher magnification where needed. This range starts at 400x and goes up to 900x but care is needed to select the right model so it is best to contact us and discuss your application.

Software

Most USB Microscopes are supplied with software that offers image & video capture, measurement functions, camera controls and much more on some models . Both Windows and MacOS are usually supported but differences in functionality do occur so it is worth checking the technical specification of the model you are interested in, especially if you plan to use it with MacOS.

If you want to send images to a smartphone or tablet running iOS or Android you will need one of the wireless models described below. Free Apps are provided by both Dino-Lite and Q-Focus.

Visit our Youtube channel to find tutorials on USB Microscope software

As the name implies USB digital microscopes all connect to a computer using a USB cable.

Interface Type - Wired or Wireless?

As the name implies USB microscopes all connect to a computer using a USB cable. However, you may want to use your microscope with an iOS or Android smartphone/tablet, or maybe you just rather use WiFi than a USB cable to connect to a computer. Either way there are models available that support WiFi and they are ideal for field work or presentations, you can even stream images from one digital microscope to multiple devices.

There are three ways to connect a digital microscope wirelessly with a smartphone, tablet or computer:-

Choose a digital microscope with integrated WiFi. View WiFi models here.
Use a WiFi adapter such as the Dino-Lite WF-10 to wirelessly connect with a USB microscope (only compatible with certain Dino-Lite microscopes)
Android devices can connect using a USB On-The-Go cable (only compatible with certain Dino-Lite microscopes)

Special Lighting

Polarised, UV, Fluorescence, Infra-Red and stroboscope lighting is available on certain models. Let us know if your application requires specific illumination wavelength and we will be happy to guide you select the right model. In the meantime you can find our range of USB microscopes with special lighting here. You can also download the brochure on USB microscopes with special lighting.

Stands

A stand is a useful accessory and essential for Long Working Distance models. Holding a USB Microscope in your hand is possible at low magnifications, but beyond 40x it is hard to keep it still. A large choice of stands are available to suit applications and budget, as a result they are usually sold as an optional extra. Do go for a stand from the same brand as the microscope otherwise they won't fit together.

We hope this USB Microscope review will help you narrow down the choice from the huge range of models available. Whether your budget is £100 or £1,500 we have a model suitable for your application.