Digital microscopy adds to the tools of the scientist. One of the greatest advantages of some digital microscopy software is the ability to very accurately measure on the microscopic scale. The system is calibrated by capturing the image a precise object (dot or scale) and entering both the size of the object and the magnification of the objective. The software can then calculate the number of pixels on the screen that represent that object. Other specimens can then be measured by entering the magnification of the objective in use and then moving the curser across the part of the image to be measured. The measurement can be saved right on the image and exported to a spreadsheet for further analysis. Stereo microscopes are designed for viewing whole objects such as minerals, insects, and plant parts, although they can also be used to view slides. Its magnification power is usually 20x or 30x. Digital Dissecting microscopes are stereo microscopes that can be used to show greater specimen detail during a dissection. Top lighting is the best kind to use with a dissection, as the light will reflect back up off the opaque surface of the specimen.

All of these stereo microscopes have standard “rack and pinion” focusing. To focus, you just turn a knob to slide the head of the microscope up and down. Excellent tools for exploring natural wonders are made up of stereo and digital dissecting microscopes. The 20x Explorer stereo microscope is inexpensive, but has a large field of view and provides a clear image using only natural or room light. It has a large working distance, accommodating specimens up to 60 mm off-stage. This makes it an excellent digital dissecting microscope as well. 60mm with a 70mm maximum specimen size off-stage is the working distance. As a dissecting work, this and the top lighting make it work great. It has a binocular head for extra-comfortable viewing. The deluxe 20x/40x Stereo microscope also makes a great digital dissecting microscope. The 30x Stereo microscope has top lighting with a halogen bulb and provides 3D unrevised images with great resolution. Just turn the objective turret to choose 20x or 40x magnification. It has both top and bottom lighting and more room for specimens the working distance is 65 mm with a 55 mm maximum specimen size on-stage. The binocular head is responsible for an extra comfortable view.

If you’re looking for a zoom stereo microscope, the 10x-40x Stereo Zoom microscope is the most affordable one we’ve found. It provides magnification from 10 to 40 xs and every point in between just by rotating the objective tu`rret. This model has both top and bottom lighting and an 80 mm working distance with 110 mm maximum specimen height. The head of the binocular makes the viewing comfortable. Use for grade seven and up. The two separate lenses of the binocular dissecting microscope allow one to see objects in three dimensions, i.e., in stereo. Digital Dissecting microscopes do not magnify to the extent of compound microscopes. The dissecting microscope is configured to allow low magnification of three-dimensional objects- objects larger or thicker than the compound microscope can accommodate. The microscope models we have in the Biology Department magnify from about 10X up to 40X with either variable or zoomed magnification. From incident light or from transmitted light that utilized by the dissecting microscopes. Opaque objects placed on the microscope stage can be directly illuminated with incident light from an illuminator. This method of illumination requires the clear glass insert in the microscope stage. However, in most instances the opaque stage insert, which has a white side and a black side, and direct lighting is most commonly used.

Digital microscopy is the latest technology advance in the field. Essentially, a digital microscope is a standard light microscope that combined with a digital camera and software, allows microscopic images to be displayed on a computer screen or TV where they can be shared with others, and captured and saved to the computer? Hard drive where they can be studied, measured, and manipulated. There are different types of illuminators. In this case the illuminator can be mounted in an opening in the arm of the microscope, or in an adapter ring attached to a separate illuminator base. Light from a source such as a lamp can be reflected through a translucent object from underneath using the sub stage mirror. Of course a digital microscope is an excellent way to quickly record results. Images can be used in reports and presentations or shared with others over the internet. In the classroom this allows students to quickly include images in lab reports. It allows teachers to use an image from a laboratory investigation in later assessment; or to have it available for students who missed that lab. One of the most powerful uses for digital microscopy in the schools is for special needs students. Students who have trouble seeing through the eyepiece of a microscope can do their viewing on a computer screen.