What is a Digital Microscope?
A digital microscope is a magnifying device equipped with a digital camera. Basically, there are two types; one type is a microscope or magnifying device with a built-in digital camera while the other type is a standard style microscope adapted with a digital camera.
Dino digital microscopes function as microscope, camera, video-cam and as well as a web cam, depending on the model.
How do I choose a Dino-Lite?
Dino-Lite Microscopes are available with a wide variety of features and specifications with models ranging from general use to very specific applications. Some of the key distinguishing factors between different models are connectivity, resolution, magnification, working distance, and lighting.
For model number / feature key, refer to: Product Codes »
Connectivity
Most Dino-Lite microscopes connect to a Windows or Mac computer using USB. These models come with software that allows them to capture images and video, annotate, and measure(with supported models). In addition to USB models, other Dino-Lite models will connect to a TV screen via RCA/Composite Video (4012 series) or to a computer monitor using a VGA connection (4016 series).
Resolution
Dino-Lite microscopes are available in several different resolutions.
USB models:
640x480 - Basic models support up to 640x480 pixels (VGA). This is sufficient for viewing on a small to medium monitor, and capturing images for email and the web.
1280x1028 - High definition 1.3MP roughly between HDTV 720p (1MP) and 1080P (2MP). Good for viewing on medium to large monitors, capturing images for email/the web, and small to medium prints.
2592x1944 - High resolution 5MP. Good for viewing on large monitors, capturing images for email/the web, and medium to large prints.
Analog models:
510x496 (NTSC) - Composite video connection
800x600 - VGA connection
Magnification & Working Distance
Most Dino-Lite microscopes have variable magnification, ranging from about 10X to 220X. Special enhanced working distance ("L") models are available with magnifications up to 90X. Other models include the "T5" which has a fixed 500X magnification.
Lighting
Most Dino-Lite microscopes have 8 white LED lights built in. Different wavelengths and types of lighting are available for special applications.
Special lighting:
Polarized - ("ZT") models. A built-in polarizer helps reduce glare on reflective surfaces.
Strobe - ("TB") models. Strobe lighting helps capture rapidly moving objects.
Alternate wavelengths:
Near UV 390nm
Near UV-2 370nm
Infrared 850nm
Infrared-2 940nm
Blue 510nm
Green 570nm
How do I use DinoCapture?
What is the largest magnification you carry on the Digital Microscope?
The Dino Digital AM Series Handheld Microscopes offer magnification ranges from 10X to 220X.
The Dino Digital AM413 T5 Handheld Microscopes offer 500x fixed magnification.
The Dino Digital AM4013ZT4 Handheld Microscopes offer magnification from 400X to 470X.
Dino-eye series such as AM423 series is ~ 20X with Objective lens 40X or 100X obtain magnification 800X or 2,000X.
How does the Focus work on a Dino-Lite Microscope?
The Dino-Lite digital microscopes are designed to achieve the specified maximum magnification and clear focus with the scope either in contact with or on the same level as the observed object or surface, such as the skin, etc. The nozzle length is designed to provide the appropriate focal length to achieve this. When the scope is in this optimum position then the user will be able to achieve a clear focus in two distinct magnification ranges. In order to focus in the maximum magnification range simply continue to zoom beyond the first clear focus range on the observed object or surface until you see the object again come into focus. This second stage is the maximum magnification of the scope. When the scope is further away from the observed object or surface you will only be able to focus in at one magnification range.
General example how the Dino-Lite handheld digital microscopes optics works
The way the optics works with our scope is that there is one focus point in each distance. So farther you go the lower the magnification you can get. There is one exception at touching point where there are two focus points. One at around 50x and the other at around 200x. The device would get out of focus and into focus again from around 50x to 200x. To receive the magnification values in between, the focus point would be within the clear protective plastic lens.
How do I use the Dino-Lite Digital Microscope?
Part A.
1. Place the illuminated specimen on the center of the microscope stage.
2. Always start observing using the lowest magnification with the microscope.
3. Aim the specimen through the objective lens.
4. Focus the microscope by slowly turning the coarse Adjustment Focus Knob, for different magnifications, until an image forms ,slowly adjust the focus back and forth to get the best focus, or to reveal hidden structure at different depths of the specimen being examined.
5. To increase magnification, rotate the magnifications or the Objective Lens depending on the models of the Microscope
6. Focusing becomes more critical when using higher magnifications as the objective lens would need to come closer to the specimen to obtain a focus.
7. Use the same techniques cautions in coarse and fine focusing as described above and use care so that the Objective Lens does not come in direct contact with the specimen when achieving a final focus.
8. CLick on “picture” button or “video” button from DinoCapture software for taking the picture you want or recording the video.
9. What are the applications for Dino digital microscopes? Industrial Inspection, Scientific, teaching tool, Skin Check, Scalp Check, Textile Inspection, Jewelry Inspection, Coin Inspection, Printing Inspection, Reading Aid, Web cam for Online chatting, and more.
Part B.
How would we know what magnification to choose for our imaging products?
Always start observing using the lowest magnification with the microscope.
Adjust the objective lens or magnification knob until the desired image comes into focus.
Then increase magnification gradually until satisfied.
To reduce glare simply change the point of view the angle of either the object or the scope by a few degrees.
On models AM311S and higher you are also able to turn off the LED lights if desired.
The TV Video models utilize NTSC analog format which provides “no-delay” images, whereas the USB models use a digital format which may cause a slight delay when focusing.
The current DinoCapture measurement functions have been tested by major LCD manufacturers to be
within a 5% margin of error under 200 x magnifications.
When examining LCD panels it may be necessary to apply a thin coat of oil (baby oil, etc) to the panel
surface in order to view sub-pixels. The “hard coating” (HC) applied to the LCD panel at the factory
may make this necessary in order to view the pixels beyond the polarize level.
Use time-lapsed capture function problem under Windows OS-
Cannot start after using time-lapsed capture function. only shows dino-lite logo and hangs there.
Possible cause: dino-lite accidentally created a corrupted .avi file from time-lapsed capture
solution: Search this particular .avi file, find and delete it.
Which TV version of the DinoLite microscopes should I choose?
AM4012N
10x-220x magnification, from 4.8"~ zero distance/touching object
AM4012N »
AM4012NZT
10x-220x magnification, from 4.8" ~ zero distance/touching object with additional polarizer feature
AM4012NZT »
AD4012NTL, AD4012MNTL
10x-92x magnification, from 5.7" ~2 " working distance with additional MicroTouch feature to turn LED's on and off. Interchangeable nozzle feature.
AM4012NTL »
AM4012MNTL »
AD4012MNT
10x-220x magnification, from 4.8"~ zero distance/touching object with aluminum alloy housing for industrial usage as well as protection from heat and harsh environments.
AM4012MNT »
Applications for Digital Microscope and eyepiece cameras?
For slides, a traditional microscope would probably work better, however it would be possible to use handheld.
The Handheld microscopes offer a range of magnification of 10x-50x and also focus again at 200x. However to reach the focal points of 50x and 200x the microscope itself must be touching the object. The handheld microscope is for use for versatile movement and not particularly for slides. The 8 LED lights emanate from within the microscope downward as opposed to traditional microscopes.
- Industrial Inspection
- Assembly and Quality Control (Electronics, Mechanical, etc)
- Scientific teaching tool
- Laboratory Research
- Medical analysis
- School Research tool
- Insect or Plant Dissection/Examination
- Dermatology (Skin/Scalp) Examination
- Textile Inspection
- Gemstone/Mineral Inspection
- Hobbies & Collecting (coin, stamp, watch, jewelry, etc.)
- Printing Inspection
- Law Enforcement (Counterfeit ID, Crime Lab, etc)
- Reading Aid
- On-line chatting
- Teacher Aid as Projector
- Presentation
And many more!
Should I choose a Handheld Digital Microscope or Eyepiece camera?
There are advantages and disadvantages to both types. The handheld digital microscope with the built in camera is more portable and versatile and can provide up to a 360 degree view perspective but is usually more expensive. Digital camera eyepieces for microscopes are generally less expensive and can be adapted for use as an accessory with any standard microscope. Both types generally come with software which can be easily upgraded via download. Both are self contained units and require only simple cleaning for maintenance. Any serious repair work needs to be handled through the distributor or dealer.
If you require portability, hand-held or mounted versatility and convenience then choose one of the Dino-Lite series of digital microscopes to satisfy these requirements. If you have an existing standard type (biological, stereo or compound) microscope and you want to convert it to a digital microscope, then you should chose a suitable “AM” series digital camera for your microscope.