Below is a 2 column list of articles for download. All articles are
in PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader® for viewing.
If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader® installed on
your computer yet, you can down load a copy for free by using the
link below.
Prosumer digital cameras are those cameras with a megapixel sensor (2.1 to 5.0 megapixels) and relatively
sophisticated electronics that do not have interchangeable lenses. Professional digital cameras have removable
interchangeable lens and are similar to conventional 35mm cameras.
Both types of cameras can be used with a microscope but the equipment requirements are different.
Prosumer digital cameras are those cameras with a megapixel sensor (2.1 to 5.0 megapixels) and relatively
sophisticated electronics that do not have interchangeable lenses. Professional digital cameras have removable
interchangeable lens and are similar to conventional 35mm cameras.
Both types of cameras can be used with a microscope but the equipment requirements are different.
There is a balance between the ISO rating, the selected aperture and the desired shutter speed.
Increasing the sensitivity of the chip increases the noise in the image. The ISO 100 setting has minimal noise.
The ISO 200 setting is very usable with only slightly more noise than ISO 100. The ISO 400 setting has noticeable
but not obnoxious noise and the ISO 800 setting has significant noise. Much of the effects of noise can be reduced
in post processing and downsizing the image eliminates most of it. With the exception of the ISO 800 the effects
of noise can usually be ignored since most of our images are downsized for use.
The correct position of the zoom is approximately half way through the zoom range. Too wide of a setting
will reslut in vignetting. Too close of a setting and the image will vignette with a "bloom" around it. In the
CAMERA mode there is a small sweet spot there there is no vignetting. For some reason, in the MEMORY mode,
it is impossible to completely eliminate a small amount of vignetting. The zoom seems to be easier to adjust with
the remote since it reacts slower than the control on the camera.