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USB Digital Microscope: What are the Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Microscope Microscope Camera Strategies A microscope is an instrument for viewing. It is mainly used in examining objects which are too small for the eyes. This apparatus is usually used in scientific fields because most of the time the objects in these fields are microscopic. This is very common in biology since living organisms have microscopic biological structures and it is impossible for one to study these structures without relying on microscopes. History The first ever microscope was introduced in the 1500s. In this era, inventors used glasses from telescopes to view small objects. Galileo also help modernized the microscope by using convex and a concave lens to view small objects. Meanwhile, Robert Hook and Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek help popularized the instrument. Because of their scientific study using the microscope, the instrument became a popular tool in scientific research in their time. After that, there were many scientists who followed their path and this helped modernized the instrument further more when manufacturers began modernizing the microscope. Right now, there are many types of microscopes to choose from and each carry specific purpose. What to Consider When Buying a Microscope When planning to purchase a microscope, it is important to consider this instrument as an investment, after all these things come with a hefty price. When buying, make sure that you have taken into account your need so as to avoid purchasing the wrong instrument. For example, if you are to examine leaves, bugs, rocks, and gems, this calls for a basic microscope. In this scenario the perfect choice will be a stereo microscope. For examining smaller objects like blood, bacteria, and more, you need a microscope that can magnify these things a hundred times. In this scenario, the compound microscope is the right instrument to purchase. In addition, you should also consider features in these instruments which you will find useful in your research. For instance, there are microscopes which can be connected to personal computers via USB. This type of apparatus is helpful especially if you are viewing hundreds of specimens because you can now store images of your research directly in your PC. Lastly, make sure that the construction is strong. Although fragile, it must possess certain degree of durability. Since it is an investment, you can appreciate the instrument further if it is capable of lasting for a lifetime. However, since wear and tear is usually expected in most things, it will be nice if the instrument comes with a warranty from the manufacturer Buying a microscope can be confusing especially to the uninitiated or for first time buyers which is why it is important to read and study the different aspects of the instrument. When a person is able to understand the whole equipment and how it functions, that is the time he

USB Digital Microscope: What are the Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Microscope

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Page 1: USB Digital Microscope: What are the Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Microscope

USB Digital Microscope: What are the Factors to ConsiderWhen Purchasing a Microscope

Microscope Camera Strategies A microscope is an instrument for viewing. It is mainly used in examining objects which are

too small for the eyes. This apparatus is usually used in scientific fields because most of the

time the objects in these fields are microscopic. This is very common in biology since living

organisms have microscopic biological structures and it is impossible for one to study these

structures without relying on microscopes.

History

The first ever microscope was introduced in the 1500s. In this era, inventors used glasses

from telescopes to view small objects. Galileo also help modernized the microscope by using

convex and a concave lens to view small objects. Meanwhile, Robert Hook and Antonie Van

Leeuwenhoek help popularized the instrument. Because of their scientific study using the

microscope, the instrument became a popular tool in scientific research in their time. After

that, there were many scientists who followed their path and this helped modernized the

instrument further more when manufacturers began modernizing the microscope. Right now,

there are many types of microscopes to choose from and each carry specific purpose.

What to Consider When Buying a Microscope

When planning to purchase a microscope, it is important to consider this instrument as an

investment, after all these things come with a hefty price. When buying, make sure that you

have taken into account your need so as to avoid purchasing the wrong instrument. For

example, if you are to examine leaves, bugs, rocks, and gems, this calls for a basic

microscope. In this scenario the perfect choice will be a stereo microscope. For examining

smaller objects like blood, bacteria, and more, you need a microscope that can magnify

these things a hundred times. In this scenario, the compound microscope is the right

instrument to purchase.

In addition, you should also consider features in these instruments which you will find useful

in your research. For instance, there are microscopes which can be connected to personal

computers via USB. This type of apparatus is helpful especially if you are viewing hundreds

of specimens because you can now store images of your research directly in your PC.

Lastly, make sure that the construction is strong. Although fragile, it must possess certain

degree of durability. Since it is an investment, you can appreciate the instrument further if it is

capable of lasting for a lifetime. However, since wear and tear is usually expected in most

things, it will be nice if the instrument comes with a warranty from the manufacturer

Buying a microscope can be confusing especially to the uninitiated or for first time buyers

which is why it is important to read and study the different aspects of the instrument. When a

person is able to understand the whole equipment and how it functions, that is the time he

Page 2: USB Digital Microscope: What are the Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Microscope

will be able to purchase the correct microscope.

Next Page

Below are topics that discuss different aspects and components of the microscope so you will

understand and hopefully make the right choice.

Compound or Stereo

Compound microscopes are used in advanced applications due to the high levels of

magnification it provides. Blood samples, bacteria, and other small object are usually studied

under a compound microscope. These specimens require high powered magnification which

only a compound microscope can provide. A compound microscope can have 3 to 5 lenses.

These lenses can magnify objects up to 100x.

Stereo microscopes are used in viewing leaves, rocks, gems, and insects since these objects

are not really small compared to specimens viewed in compound microscopes. In other

words, a stereo microscope is a basic instrument capable of magnifying objects up to 40x;

the lowest can be 6.5x.

Quality

It is important to take into account the quality of the instrument. This is to avoid spending

huge money on mediocre instruments. Usually German and Japanese brands are the most

sought after because the construction is really excellent but the downside is they are quite

expensive to own. If your budget is limited, there are budget friendly microscopes with

amazing quality too but they may lack features which are basic in high end microscopes.

Apart from the quality of the body, it is also important to consider the optical quality. Objective

lenses and the eye pieces must be reliable so as to view the images properly. An achromatic

lens for example is quite good. These lenses are capable of correcting colors and producing

enhanced images. For more sophisticated application, there are high end lenses called plan

objectives which produce better quality and flatter images.