First images with new camera

[david3167]

Hello there...I just thought I would post several images of my first pretty decent looking images. Very little post processing has been done on these. I purchased some darkfield masks, colored filters and Rheinberg filters which I have enjoyed experimenting with and I know I need to get better with focusing. I will also post one or two videos. Comments and helpful criticism would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Microworld Steve]

Awesome pictures. What set up are you using?

[david3167]

Hello Steve...thanks for the response. I'm using a vintage Nikon Model S binocular microscope with an aftermarket LED light source and an Amscope 18MP, 3.0 USB high speed camera. I also decided to upgrade to Amscope 10x and 40x plan achromatic objectives. The microscope came with achromatic objectives, but I can definitely see more sharpness across the field to the edges with the upgrades (I was surprised). As I mentioned in my post I'm also experimenting with darkfield masks, colored filters and Rheinberg filters as well as the software. Not only is this a new camera...but it's my first as well. These are some of my first images taken. I also have some videos but am trying to figure out what format works here. David.

[Microworld Steve]

Those are really great pictures and you should be proud of them. Take more and post them.
Was there a big difference between the achromatic and plan achromatic objectives?

[david3167]

The plan achromatic objectives correct chromatic and spherical aberration better than achromatic objectives. Reducing color fringe and giving a more flat field of view. The ones I got from Amscope are not the most expensive but I can definitely tell the difference. And thanks again for your comments...I will be doing more observing and imaging this weekend. Using the darkfield masks and colored filters is fun and challenging to see what works best with what is on your slide. I have several small jars of local nature preserve creek water to work with so there is plenty to keep me busy.

[Microworld Steve]

From reading your comment, I'm now thinking about getting a set of 4 Plans and the 20x and 60x Plans. I have several microscopes I can use them on. If I like them, maybe I'll get a second set. What I'm trying to find is the darkfield mask.

[david3167]

Below is a link to where I purchased my darkfield masks...from ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/32mm-Microscop ... 2749.l2649

If you scroll down the page a bit you'll find more masks and filters.

You need to make sure you order the proper size (diameter) for your filter holder. These masks should also come with one adaptor as well, just make sure to read the product descriptions.

These work well for me with the lower power objectives...10x and 40x...60x too.

The Amscope objectives (plan achromatic) are decent and economical. I started with the lower cost 4x and 10x just to make sure I was happy with them...I then bought the 40x and 60x. I may even get the 20x at some point.

[Microworld Steve]

Thank you for the link. I'll have to measure my filters so I can get the proper darkfield masks.
As far as the Plans go, I'll order them like you did, one or two at a time.

[david3167]

What scopes do you have?....just like to see what other people are using,.

[Microworld Steve]

I ordered a set of masks from ebay, and it's on the way. I'll use them with my Omano OM 159. I also have a couple of Amscopes, Omax, Celestron, and a couple of Swifts. One of the Swift is an older one, and that's the one that got me started. I bought it used back in the middle 1980's from a local microscope shop in Lakeland, Florida when I was living there.

[Rossf]

Nice work particularly the dark field-what camera is it model wise and do you know how many FPS it can do in video? A lot of microscope cameras have disappointing frame rates (ie 10 or 15fps) too slow to keep up with action scenes..
Regards Ross

[david3167]

Ross...thanks for the response and kind words. I spent a lot of time researching computer, monitor and camera requirements in order to get good images since I was going to spend money upgrading my monitor and buy my first camera. Here is some good information from my research and my final purchases. Not only is camera frame rate important but so are monitor and computer specifications. My camera is an Amscope 18MP high speed, 3.0 USB, CMOS model SKU: MU1803-HS-CK. Frames rates are 54.4 fps at 1228 x 922, 34.3 fps at 2456 x 1842 and 13.1 fps at 4912 x 3684. My monitor is a 27" HP OMEN gaming monitor with HDMI and display ports (I use the display port). My computer is an older Dell Optiplex desktop.

So what's important to know? For any camera to work well the monitor you use has to have a high Maximum Refresh Rate in hertz...my monitor goes as high as 165Hz but my computer only as high as 120Hz, so my monitor runs at 120Hz (most consumer monitors max out at 75Hz). Monitor Response Time is important too...mine has a 1 millisecond response time (most consumer monitors max out at 5 or 3 milliseconds). These two factors work with the cameras fps to give smooth video performance. My monitor Maximum Resolution is 2560 x 1440 but it does get a bit slow for video at this resolution due to my Maximum Refresh Rate... so for videos I use 1228 x 922 which I can follow moving diatoms or protozoa but for still images I use 2456 x 1842. If my computer had a higher Maximum Refresh Rate at 144 or 165Hz my videos at 2456 x 1842 would be smoother and not as choppy.

The camera software allows you to adjust a lot of capture functions, ie. exposure time, brightness, contrast, gamma, color, histogram...as well as post processing functions.

This may all be more than you were looking for in a reply from me, especially all the technical information...but I thought I'd share what I found to be important for an imaging/video setup for microscopy. I'm relatively new to using my microscope with a camera, darkfield masks and filters so I'm still learning as I go.

Cheers,

David.