Compatibility of Microscope Cameras

Do you have any microscopy questions, which you are afraid to ask? This is your place.
Post Reply
Message
Author
PurrMaster
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Jun 27, 2020 5:05 pm

Compatibility of Microscope Cameras

#1 Post by PurrMaster » Sat Jun 27, 2020 5:19 pm

Hi guys, nice to meet you

Just got my first two microscopes a couple of weeks ago: a stereo and a compound light from Bresser [1][2]. MicrobeHunter has been an amazing resource to get up to speed with the absolute basics. Now I want an HDMI camera such that my smaller kids can also observe what's on those mysterious glass slides. We already have a spare screen with HDMI port standing around and collecting dust. The problem is that the Bresser cameras [3] for my microscopes are extremely expensive, close to EUR 900 in fact.

Here's the crucial question: do my microscopes follow some form of industry standard that allows me to mount an equivalent but cheaper no-name camera (e.g. [4])? In that case, could anyone please recommend a solid lower-priced alternative? Or does it have to be one of the Bresser cameras?

All the best, and thanks in advance

[1] https://www.bresser.de/en/Microscopes-M ... scope.html
[2] https://www.bresser.de/en/Brand/Bresser ... scope.html
[3] https://www.bresser.de/en/Microscopes-M ... amera.html
[4] https://www.amazon.nl/Akozon-industri%C ... 07LB37LYX/

User avatar
75RR
Posts: 8207
Joined: Sun Oct 12, 2014 2:34 am
Location: Estepona, Spain

Re: Compatibility of Microscope Cameras

#2 Post by 75RR » Sat Jun 27, 2020 6:08 pm

Here is a link to a discussion on alternative cameras: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=7588&p
Zeiss Standard WL (somewhat fashion challenged) & Wild M8
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)

Scarodactyl
Posts: 2775
Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2018 9:09 pm

Re: Compatibility of Microscope Cameras

#3 Post by Scarodactyl » Sat Jun 27, 2020 6:27 pm

While you should read the above link, yes. Microscope cameras almost all use a standard c-mount to connect. Different sensor sizes call for different relay optics for best results though.

Hobbyst46
Posts: 4277
Joined: Mon Aug 21, 2017 9:02 pm

Re: Compatibility of Microscope Cameras

#4 Post by Hobbyst46 » Sat Jun 27, 2020 7:25 pm

Not only can you fit a much less expensive camera; some of them are supplied with a 0.5X reducing lens, that yields better coverage of the field of view by the camera, as well as adapters for two phototube diameters: 23.2mm on the compound scope and 30mm on the stereo.

The Bresser camera in the link appears to be connected through USB 2. Its video output might be inhibited by the slow connection - this is what several forum member claim (I do not know since I mostly record still images). And I do not see any 0.5X lens. For 900 Euro I would expect more - USB 3 for instance.

Bresser microscopes owners have described their experience with camera connection in the forum in the past couple of years.
Some time ago I posted my experience with a <70Euro camera (cannot find it right now) that may perhaps provide some insight.

User avatar
micro
Posts: 203
Joined: Mon Jul 22, 2019 6:11 am

Re: Compatibility of Microscope Cameras

#5 Post by micro » Sat Jun 27, 2020 9:44 pm

Get a dslr because you can use them for the microscope as well as other photography. It's a vastly better option as long as you can get an adapter but the issue with that is you will likely need a custom 3d printed one. You can also live stream with a cellphone if you want a way to have the image on a monitor for kids to watch if you don't mind a delay. If you get a cheap USB camera the images will be so bad you'll realize all you did was waste $100.

Post Reply