Swift 380T + which eyepiece camera

[SilverWolf]

Hello all,
As the title suggests I have a Swift 380T microscope coming which I want to fit a half decent eyepiece camera to. Mostly for video and recording/reviewing but on a 2560x1080 screen resolution (ultra wide), so 30fps @ 1080P in a decent size I'm hoping is possible so myself and/or someone else can view via my monitor/s. It can connect to the PC computer via which ever USB or format required, record to computer or micro-SD card etc and I hope live feed to a monitor via HDMI or the computers screen.

I will also at a later point use a DSLR (EOS 7D) but would like something more compact for everyday use for video and still's. Any thoughts or suggestions are very welcome.

[D0c]

I'm considering the SWIFT SC18031

Specifications:

Megapixels: 18
CMOS sensor size: 1/2.3"
Frames per second: 32.2fps at 1228x922, 18.1fps at 245x1842, 5.6fps at 4912x3684
Responsivity: 0.62V/lux-sec
Dynamic range: 65.8dB
SNRmax: 36.3dB
USB 3.0

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Megapixel-Micr ... 3821&psc=1

[SilverWolf]

That one seems a bit slow at larger resolutions to me or is that normal for these eye-piece cameras?

I was looking at a no-brand camera on eBay that's a 4k WiFi unit with it's own HD monitor with HDMI/USB output options for external monitor. Though it may be over-rated and junk as I have no idea if it'd be even suitable, I'm just in the looking and working out stages still at this time. Comes with S-Eye software

Body: Metal
Image Sensor: 16 Million Pixels For SONY CMOS 1/2.3 HD Sensor
Video Output: 4K / 2160P / 1080P Full HD (Via HDMI); 1080P (Via USB)
Video Format: MP4
Magnification: 150 Times The Standard Magnification (Maximum 300 Times)
Photo Resolution: 16M 4608x3456, 14M 4320x3240, 12M 4032x3024, Minimum 640x480
Photo Format: JPEG
Focus Range: 5cm-15cm
Frame Rate: 4K 24 at fps; 2160P 25 at fps; 1080P 60 at fps; 720P 120 at fps; Maximum 240f/S (VGA)
Video Output: HDMI/USB
Microphone: Support
Storage: TF Card Storage, up to 64G (Not Included)
PC Support: Support for Windows XP / 7/8/10 systems, including PC measurement software (For Gift)
WiFi: Microscope Supports WIFI Connection (Connection Range Is About 15m)
Screen Size: 5in

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1080P-4k-Di ... SwxoJdjdQk

Looks like it's a Hayear unit maybe, found the same thing on BangGood for cheaper... But then one has to wonder about the Hayear HY-1080 34MP model

https://au.banggood.com/HAYEAR-HY-1070- ... mds=search

[crb5]

Can someone post a photo taking with an 16+MP camera showing the increased detail captured compared with a 3MP camera? Isn't the resolution limited by the microscope objective numerical aperture as explained in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JhWaMFBm4I ?

[SilverWolf]

Can someone post a photo taking with an 16+MP camera showing the increased detail captured compared with a 3MP camera? Isn't the resolution limited by the microscope objective numerical aperture as explained in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JhWaMFBm4I ?

If taking still images 3MP or so would be fine, but problem is I'm after live viewing/sharing on large HD monitors and recording video, so for it to be reasonable it needs to be playable @ 30fps or better. What I want is to have a video/and or live feed for HD viewing on large monitors/screens at a decent frame rate. It's not just about the MP count but also the cameras sensors size and other features etc, a typical 3MP eyepiece camera FPS @2560x1080p is going to be around 5FPS and really good USB3 3MP HD cameras might make it upto say 10-12 FPS when playing @2560x1080p.

I'm just trying to find an affordable eyepiece option that can record/playback 2560x1080p @30fps I just wanted something more compact and easy than using one of my DSLR's how I used to use them with bellows and all set-up etc.

[Scarodactyl]

Can someone post a photo taking with an 16+MP camera showing the increased detail captured compared with a 3MP camera? Isn't the resolution limited by the microscope objective numerical aperture as explained in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JhWaMFBm4I ?

Here's a simulation. This is the first appropriate picture that came to hand--it was taken with my Canon T6 (18mp, aps-c sensor) with a mitutoyo objective, I don't remember which. Mitutoyos do have a big image circle so I don't need to enlarge the image at all to fit on my camera, but they're long working distance objectives so the NA isn't as high compared to a good biological objective of the same magnification.
Overview of the picture:

And here I have cropped a section from the center. Frame 1 is the crop blown up 2x. Frame 2 is the crop first downsized to .5x then blown up to match frame 1 to simulate a 4.5mp sensor.

Clearly the 18mp sensor is capturing more information than a 4.5mp one would, and this picture was taken with epi DIC which doesn't necessarily give the sharpest results to start with.

[crb5]

Thanks for the simulation with an APS-C sensor. So a smaller sensor size (1/2.3inch in above mentioned cameras) would require a <0.5x reduction lens to take advantage of an 18 MP sensor. Otherwise the pixel size (around 1.2 x 1.2 um) would be significantly smaller than the resolution of typical objective. (e.g. 10x 0.25NA gives > 6.7 um diameter diffraction-limited primary image).

[Scarodactyl]

A reduction lens is definitely necessary for these tiny sensors to avoid running into diffraction. While it's technically possible to get an image without one it's an essential component.

[HowardHopkinson]

I use the Swiftcam SC1803R Highspeed camera with my Swift SW380T and it works great. The camera comes with a 0.5x reduction lens and an adapter that fits the scopes trinocular port.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08 ... UTF8&psc=1

[crb5]

I use the Swiftcam SC1803R Highspeed camera with my Swift SW380T and it works great

To return to Silver wolf's original question, what resolution can you achieve with the Swift SC1803 camera operating at 30 fps via the USB-3 port? Can you post some photos taken at 3MP and 18 MP so we can see the difference?

[HowardHopkinson]

The 3 selectable resolutions are as follows.
1: 1632x1224 pixels
2: 2448x1836 pixels
3: 4880x3720 pixels

I save all my pictures at 4880x3720 pixels resolution so don't have anything smaller I'm afraid.
Also, I don't think the forum would allow photos that large to be attached.

I hope this helps.

[SilverWolf]

I use the Swiftcam SC1803R Highspeed camera with my Swift SW380T and it works great

To return to Silver wolf's original question, what resolution can you achieve with the Swift SC1803 camera operating at 30 fps via the USB-3 port? Can you post some photos taken at 3MP and 18 MP so we can see the difference?

Many thanks for asking crb5.

The 3 selectable resolutions are as follows.
1: 1632x1224 pixels
2: 2448x1836 pixels
3: 4880x3720 pixels

I save all my pictures at 4880x3720 pixels resolution so don't have anything smaller I'm afraid.
Also, I don't think the forum would allow photos that large to be attached.

I hope this helps.

Many thanks, seems this model is capable of 2448x1836 pixels @ 40fps which would be enough for what I wanted, so they are out there. I might wade my way through more of these unbranded C-mount mini cameras to see if decent/more affordable options are about.

My partner is also interested in microscopy but has impaired vision and difficulty in using eyepiece's and doesn't want a big bulky DSLR and lenses etc to contend with, they will need something more simplistic and convenient which is what started me down this path (that and I'll admit I like new toys, who doesn't). They wish to do all viewing via a large monitor at a reasonable frame rate (without lag) and to be honest I think it'd be just as nice for my use with it as well. But I'm not in any rush and for now I can do what I want myself using one of my DSLR's (already have super macro/micro lenses, adapters, bellows etc).

Just would be fun, easy and good to include/encourage my partner's interest in microscopy.

[SilverWolf]

2nd edit: had to cancel camera on order as they couldn't for-fill shipment

Edit:
Just went and gave my Swift 380T a good going over and cleaning as it turned up Friday and was dirty as sadly, dust and finger prints even on objectives and inside eye-piece. All started when I noticed how filthy my slides and cover glass was lol, huge cleaning spree of everything today. But not sure if anyone has noticed or mentioned it but the coarse focus has a friction/traction adjustment it seems, on the right hand side (from the front, or same side of the mechanical stage adjuster if you like).

You have the small outer knob for fine adjustment, the main knob for coarse and then close to the body is a thinner ring (on both sides of scope) that I thought was cosmetic, well seems the right-hand side is a tension adjuster for the main/coarse focus. You can set it so it's not so stiff and forceful or hard as if you like, mine was so firm it wasn't smooth and I can not use my thumbs which made it difficult for me. Now it's as smooth and easy as. Just don't make it too loose or small bump and it'll travel and lose your focal point with ease.

[SilverWolf]

New update, well I was after a faster frame rate but my beautiful wife saw the swift microscope and went looking at camera options herself also and has already bought me a camera of some description that should be very good she thinks. So no idea, will report back once I get it and have a play. No idea how fast frame rate it has but I think we'll just work with it anyways unless it's really slow, but she did say it's USB3

I also ordered a 20x and 60x objective from a local shop to add to the scope as I think they will get more use than the 100x oil. Fun times ahead, thank you everyone for your help and suggestions

[HowardHopkinson]

Which 20X objective did you buy? The reason I ask, is I'm thinking of replacing the 100X oil objective which I don't use and want a 20X objective that is compatible with the scope.

[SilverWolf]

It was a local (to me) seller off eBay that does microscopes, I told them that I had a Swift 380T and what I wanted and they think these should be a good fit/option with the Swift. I got the 60x from the same person, I should have them within the week I imagine. Can't comment until I have tried them to be honest though.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-20X-DIN ... 2749.l2649

[HowardHopkinson]

Thanks for that Silverwolf, much appreciated.

[SilverWolf]

Most welcome, though I'm a total noob myself and have no idea lol. The same seller also have a Semi Plan- DIN objective in the 20x though I have no idea if in use this is any better than the standard acro 20x I bought. As I said I should have them within a week or so and will share my thoughts soon as I get them, I hope they are good and a match in focus to the existing objectives though not essential I guess long as they are clear.

Oh and BTW it's just Wolf lol, used to be silver but more just white these days hahaha. Objectives are already in post and it says 5-6 days roughly.

[HowardHopkinson]

I just purchased this 20X objective, it should arrive in a few days. If it works OK then that'll be great, if it doesn't work as expected, then I won't have wasted too much money lol.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Cased-DI ... 2749.l2649

[SilverWolf]

You would think it should work, only obvious difference is it's silver. Say's it's DIN 160/0.17 lets hope we're both on winners I think the 20x will be very useful filling between 10x & 40x... Let me know how you go with your objective also please Howard.

Edit: Wife caved and told me which camera she has bought for me/us, she was after the same as yours Howard the 18MP fast unit but it seems the best in stock at the time was the 16MP usb3 model which she has ordered.

[HowardHopkinson]

Yes, fingers crossed. What I intend to do is remove the 100X oil objective, then take out the 40X and put it where the oil objective was then put the 20X where the 40X was. The reason for this is I'm finding the 40x has just too much magnification for some specimens.

[SilverWolf]

My thoughts exactly, I grabbed a 60x for occasional use but will just change it out when needed with the 40x or the spotter (4x). I figure it's most likely best to keep them in order etc. Just makes sense that way

[SilverWolf]

Well had some new slides and the eyepiece camera the wife got for me (Swift 16MP) turn up today, might be a week or or so till I have a chance for a good look but the camera seems high quality, slower frame rate than I ideally wanted but I'll live with it. The simplicity of a single USB3 connection for everything and just using your computer to monitor everything (is so under rated) makes life oh so easy, wish it was as fast as HDMI but it's usable. Looks and feels like a high quality camera unit.

Will report back soon when I get time and collect my thoughts, but it's pretty good as a first impression. I did notice I had a lot of pollutants on all the lenses through-out the Swift microscopy system but a good clean of everything has it clear now.

[SilverWolf]

Well had a chance for a play today so went down to the local wetlands and grabbed a water sample, came home excited cleaned slides and got everything ready. Still not certain on camera settings etc but this was my first video unedited and a little long lol. This is the SwiftCam 16MP USB 3 model with the Swift 380T, a lot of this was taken using a 10x/20x objective and 40x even. Fairly clear for the level of microscope, I have poor vision so forgive my focusing please. I may need to re-clean the microscope glass and objectives again as they had a finger print and horrid oil smears when I first looked through them.

Here's my first two video's, I need to learn to edit lol. First is long and follows me exploring a slide, 2nd video is higher quality and shorter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEeHQhi ... e=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACcMDg_ ... e=youtu.be

[HowardHopkinson]

Superb videos mate. Unfortunately, you have comments turned off, otherwise I'd have left you some feedback. I have subscibed to your channel.

BTW: Your second video is indeed a rotifer or more precisely Rotifer Vulgaris.

[SilverWolf]

I'm not used to using YouTube and they were not publicly listed at the time, also said yes to they ok for kids but seems that disables comments. Removed that and seems comments can be made, thank you for watching and letting me know so I could fix it.

Camera was crazy laggy and slow upon first attempt, so much so I was extremely disappointed at first. Default settings of the software were way-off so was just a matter of working through the settings until I got the frame rates up. I still think I'll give all optics a once over clean again just to be sure though maybe it's just the level of microscope/objectives glass etc. It's a 100% better than when I first looked through the scope. But now it's recording and displaying around the just under/over 30fps on the low and medium settings, 1080p and 1440p seem fine on playback on my large screens and the wife could see them clearly (and was grossed out by what she saw lol and went around the house cleaning )

[ValdoPolaroil]

Hello,

I am a complete beginner in the field of microscopy but very enthusiastic about biology. I am for instance amazed by the video of Vorticella referenced in this threat and would like to do the same sort of examination, I cannot wait till I can explore samples of water taken form various sources.

I will also get a swift 380T, but I would appreciate your help for the choice of the corresponding camera. I have seen that Swift has cameras ranging from 5mp USB2 to 18mp USB 3, and possibly above that, but at prices superior to that of the microscope itself.

I have found an 18mp USB3 swift camera (SC1803, not the SC1803R) on discount for just twice the price of the basic 5mp camera (ie cheaper than a 10mp). Would you recommend going for that one or would the 5mp be amply sufficient? I am not too concerned by the price difference but I'd rather avoid buying excessive gear.

thanks a lot for your help!

Valdo

[Lostboys]

Hi Wolf
Could I please have a copy of your settings (software) for this camera, as I am really struggling to get video images like yours, I agree,out of the box default settings are not good, any help would be much appreciated, like you I need a screen to view slides as my vision is making it difficult through eyepiece.

[Balfroni]

Hello all,
As the title suggests I have a Swift 380T microscope coming which I want to fit a half decent eyepiece camera to. Mostly for video and recording/reviewing but on a 2560x1080 screen resolution (ultra wide), so 30fps @ 1080P in a decent size I'm hoping is possible so myself and/or someone else can view via my monitor/s. It can connect to the PC computer via which ever USB or format required, record to computer or micro-SD card etc and I hope live feed to a monitor via HDMI or the computers screen.

I will also at a later point use a DSLR (EOS 7D) but would like something more compact for everyday use for video and still's. Any thoughts or suggestions are very welcome.

Hi, I am wondering about this too. How did you get on? Did you find a good solution?