Valley Microscope now offers a complete line of many different types of digital cameras that will suit your microscopic needs.
You may be asking yourself, "Why so many different types of digital cameras for microscopes? This can be confusing!"
Sure, it may be a little bit overwhelming, perhaps intimidating or frustrating for some in deciding which digital camera one should choose to match their needs. Here at Valley Microscope, we help educate and recommend products tailored to your specific needs so you can make an informed decision of products we have to offer before placing a purchase with us. So lets talk about these digital microscope cameras. I'll explain to you the benefits and features of the various models available. First, let me ask you some of the following questions:
Do you want to have a computer in the loop for digital imaging capture?
Do you just want to discuss digital images in real time and take a few snap shot photos from time to time?
What type of microscope would you be using the camera with? Stereoscope, Light Compound Microscope, Fluorescent microscope, Darkfield, Brightfield, Phase Contrast?
If using a computer for digital image capture, are you using Windows XP/Vista/7 or a Mac computer?
Is your full screen resolution at least 1024x768 or greater? If you're not sure, click here to find out instantly-->Test Screen Resolution
Understanding your screen resolution is important especially if you desire crisp detailed images. Screen resolutions on computers are used to explain pixel dimensions (ex: 1024 x 768, 800 x 600). If your resolution is set to 1024 x 768 then you have 1,024 vertical horizontal lines and 768 vertical lines forming the image on your screen. As of 2010 over 70% of computer monitors have a resolution of 1024 x 768 or higher. The higher your resolution the more crisp your display is.
Here are some helpful links that will give you a better explanation of screen resolution and digital camera resolution.
It is important to note that a proper color display card in the PC (NVidia best) especially with desktop computers and a good display monitor are critical for good digital imaging.
Do you need an all in one camera solution with a built-in LCD screen, store images on SD card, display images using PC, Projector, or TV?
Will camera be utilized for inspecting electronic solder joints or shiny metals?
Will you be using camera to count objects?
Once you're able to answer the above questions we can better assist in providing you the best recommendation.
XGA Camera This high definition camera may be used with any display equipment (computer display monitors, digital projectors, LCD/plasma) that
has a HD 15-pin analog input connector. Older XGA computer CRT's may be put back to use for use by students or in classroom environments. It is
important to note that this RGB/XGA camera offers more than two and one half times the number of pixels offered in NTSC/YC type analog cameras.
This unique camera is the perfect solution for those who want a substantially sharper image than they are getting with older analog video cameras
(VGA 640x480). The XGA-HD15 offers 2.5 times the number of pixels & superior color fidelity, and 1024x768 full screen resolution on any 4:3 or 16:9 display device.This camera is recommended for those who only want to discuss images in real time without a computer and doesn't have a need for an image storage device.
If you were to purchase this camera and later on you find a need to start storing images, you can obtain a VGA frame grabber from www.epiphan.com
SXGA & WSXGA Cameras An SXGA 1.3MP camera is offered for those still using 4:3 display devices. This camera can also be used on current 16:9 displays but
the image will be stretched somewhat in the horizontal direction. This new SXGA color camera is very similiar to the XGA HD-15 camera, main difference
is this SXGA camera has a built in SD card slot giving it the ability to store images on a 1GB SD memory card which is included. Also included is a
tethered remote shutter release to take photos at any time. The menu screen appears on the viewing monitor or projection system without needing
software or a computer.
There are three different types each of SXGA and WSXGA cameras:
One with on/off crossline, second with glare reduction, and third type comes
with an 8-line variable generator.
The glare reduction version SXGA camera has a built-in circuit to reduce highly reflective glare coming from the
samples. This model is ideal for PCB inspections and repairs of solder joints using LED and fluorescent ringlights on the microscope/macrozoom.
The
8-line variable generator version is for those industrial-type customers who wish to generate horizontal and vertical lines (up to 4 in each direction) as needed.
8-line variable line generator (four vertical and four horizontal) is set up for counting and go/no-go decision making. You may place these lines anywhere on the display screen/viewing FOV.
Each line is only one pixel width. You may select up to 8 color for these generated lines..all 24 bit true color at 1024x768 XGA. This far exceeds any
image you would get with a single or triple CCD analog VGA camera (640x480).
PLEASE NOTE: If you know you are going to display on a classroom or conference room display set up for 16:9 … you will want to select one of our
WSXGA cameras. Same features as the SXGA 1.3PM camera, but you now fill the entire 16:9 frame without horizontal stretching of the image.
Letterboxed if you use this camera on a 4:3 display.
A WSXGA 1.7MP camera is offered for those using 16:9 display devices such as in a classroom or conference room.
This new WSXGA color camera has same features as the SXGA camera, except main difference is this WSXGA camera has higher resolution
capability(1680x1050) and intended for 16:9 display devices.
DC3 Digi-Cam 3Mega-Pixel Camera (Use with or without computer)
Color camera with built-in 2" LCD display. C-mount. 3MP with USB2 and runs in XP or 7. Includes SD card to capture images without PC.
Includes easy-to-use software for measurement and capture with PC. Includes wireless and tethered remote control, power supply plus SD
card slot and 2GB SD card with instructions. The DC3 will do time lapse photomicroscopy....i.e. taking a photo every few seconds,
minutes or hours......and keep them organized in a file for playback later. The camera can also do .avi full motion video directly on
to the SD card (without PC) or into your "my videos" file on the hard drive of your Wintel PC. Sorry, no Mac for this model.....just yet.
The DC3 has the desirable feature of being able to take linear dimension measurements from a live view window. This versatile camera
may be used with a variety of microscopes without a trinocular port tube by simply removing one of the ocular eyepieces from the binocular
head unit and sliding in a customized C-mount fitting into the ocular port hole of binocular compound microscopes as pictured on left.
Click here for full screen DC3 Camera demonstration-->Video Demo #1_____________Video Demo #2 Digital 2.0 MP Camera w/3.5" LCD Screen
This digital LCD camera for microscopes allows users to easily view specimens or objects on the screen. This provides comfortable and adequate
viewing for individuals and small groups. Digital snapshots or videos can be taken using the digital camera, which can be viewed using your TV
monitor or used for further learning. Features:
■3.5" LCD screen - displays full screen image
■SD Card Slot - other cards can be used up to 2GB
■LCD Micro offers you three possibilities for image output and storage: view images directly on the LCD monitor, store photographs on an SD card, or transfer the photographs to your PC
■System requirements for USB connection/memory card use: Windows Operating System, main board with USB connection, media program, memory card, and memory card reader
■Includes adapter for stereomicroscopes, USB cable and AC adapter
■5V DC power adapter
■Instruction manual included
Our digital eyepiece cameras are designed to work with most microscopes including
biological and stereo microscopes. This technology incorporates observing live or still images on a computer screen. This camera comes complete
with ScopePhoto, an easy to use software program that enables communication between your computer and the digital eyepiece camera.
Simply remove the eyepiece from the microscope ocular tube, insert the camera into the ocular tube and follow the instruction manual included in
the CD provided. Digital eyepiece cameras allow you to capture, measure, manipulate, save, print and share images.
CMOS Sensor Digital Cameras
This CMOS camera is recommended for ones using lower magnification from 2x up to 500x total magnification and is best used with instruments such
as a stereoscope, zoom stereoscope, or macrozoom. However, CMOS cameras are excellent choices for those who only need the "basics". CMOS sensors
are perfect for brightfield, phase contrast and some darkfield microscopy methods. They use less power than a CCD sensor and are usually less
expensive than CCD cameras. This unit will work with light compound microscopes, but the higher the total magnification is the image quality
will degrade therefore not giving you the desired image quality. In case such as this, our CCD cameras are best recommended for ones with higher
magnification requirements using instruments such as light compound and research microscopes.
This color CCD camera is recommended and best used with higher magnification instruments such as light compound and research microscopes.
All of our CCD cameras come with top of the line Sony sensors with Bayer color filter that have an edge over CMOS when it comes to light
sensitivity, and gives you superior image quality when needed most at higher magnification & resolution levels. This color CCD camera
comes with a USB2 interface where you can connect this camera device to a computer utilizing USB2 port. Camera is compatible for use with Windows7
and XP platform operating systems. USB2 cable and imaging software & driver CD included with camera.
A new Peltier-cooled camera is highly recommended and a perfect add-on for fluorescence microscopy.
The new 3.3MP CCD Peltier-cooled camera comes in distinctive (and functional) blue metal housing that promises to be the best bang for the buck
in these tight economic and budget times. Peltier cooled cameras uses the latest Sony CCD sensor and sensor is cooled to 30 degrees C below ambient
temperature. It is one of the only Peltier cooled digital cameras on the market with USB2 connectivity.
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XGA Camera
SXGA & WSXGA Cameras 
DC3 Digi-Cam 3Mega-Pixel Camera (Use with or without computer)
Digital 2.0 MP Camera w/3.5" LCD Screen
Digital Eyepiece Cameras
CMOS Sensor Digital Cameras
CCD Sony Sensor Digital Cameras
Peltier Cooled Digital Cameras for Fluorescence Microscopy