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DIGITAL IMAGING
Digital photomicroscopy has totally replaced silver halide photomicroscopy. Kodachrome film is now discontinued, slide projectors have been replaced by DLP and power point presentations. Image archiving, printing and display is SOP these days.
Key decisions must be made by the microscopist prior to making a final selection of digital components such as a camera, PC operating system, displayer, motorized microscope components and software. CMOS or CCD sensor in the camera? PC or Mac? SXGA or WSXGA monitor? Motorized focus or stage x/y travel? Simple image capture or quantification of the image (image analysis)? What can I afford today and where do I want to be with my digital imaging system a year from now?
The Bunton CMOS cameras with HD15 connectivity (NO PC) are ideal for real time discussions (30 fps or better) of the image … they have replace the low resolution (640x480) analog cameras of yesterday. Some of the NO PC CMOS cameras we offer have the SD card slot for digital image capture up to 1.7MP … all at prices well under $1000.00! Our CMOS 3MP, 5MP and 9MP cameras with USB2 connectivity to Windows operating systems are an excellent start for the most basic digital photomicroscopy requirements … still capture, video clips, linear measurements, counting objects and realtime discussion of live images. CMOS cameras are excellent choices for those who only need the "basics". CMOS sensors are perfect for brightfield, phase contrast and some darkfield methods. They use less power than a CCD sensor and are usually less expensive than CCD cameras.
CCD cameras have an edge over CMOS when it comes to light sensitivity. Peltier cooled CCD cameras for fluorescence microscopy are rather typical these days. These cameras eliminate dark current noise from low light emissions. The sensors are usually made by Sony or Kodak. The Bunton CCD cameras use Sony sensors and are connected to Windows PCs via USB2. CCD cameras from Motic, Jenoptik et al use the exact same sensors but have the price tags up to 4X that of our cameras. The price differential is caused by country of origin, sales channel and software. Many of the advanced (high priced) cameras will operate on either Mac or WINTEL machines. Some are still using the 1394a camera interface. Some are now using GigE interface and operate only in Windows environments.
 Here is a CCD Bunton camera mounted on an older Leitz microscope with a c-mount zoom lens. Most digital microscope cameras are c-mount using 8mm diganonal (aka ½") sensors … CMOS or CCD. A few new cameras now use sensors that are the same size as 35mm film. These cameras use what is called T-mount … such as the Bunton 6MP as shown on the home page with the new Infiniprobe. C-mount is considered "small format" and T-mount is considered "large format". Selection of the proper microscope coupler to match the sensor size is very important. Today we can purchase a Kodak 20MP sensor camera (large format with 43mm diagonal) for about $28,000.00!! Do you really need 20MP? That kind of pixel count is very close to the number of silver grains found on a frame of Kodachrome … think about it!
Proper set up and use of the microscope is the first step to successful digital photomicroscopy. Even (Koehler) illumination, cleanliness of optical surfaces/samples and finding the best combination of resolution and contrast are critical. GIGO.
Selecting a camera based on pixel count is a mistake. Most digital photomicroscopy today is performed using cameras in the 3 to 9MP range. Anything more than this can be overkill … beyond the performance of the optics on the microscope and impossible to display. Camera makers like to talk about pixel counts … notice that the price tags may come out to about $1000.00 per megapixel! Bunton has digital photomicroscopy solutions that all sell for under this $1000.00 threshhold … with performance up to 9MP. Call or email us with any questions or quote requests.
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ZOOM
MACROSCOPE XSZ - (1:6.5 ZOOM RANGE)
Zoom macroscopes are far more versatile and result in better images and more accurate measurements when compared to a stereo microscope with a camera connected to one of the two optical channels. If binocular stereo viewing is not as important as a good image capture…..forget about stereo microscopes….be thinking about MACROZOOMS of INFINITY PRODUCTS (www.infinity-usa.com). Here you will see a typical macrozoom with a camera attached. Typical configurations with a camera included are under $1000.00! Do your viewing form you PC monitor…click on our 2D Digital Imaging page for more details on our newest cameras and accessories..
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 MZ
MACROZOOM WITH EXTRA FEATURES
The new MZ (6:1) macrozoom is the next step up from the XSZ macrozoom.
This unit (as shown in the photo) offers an iris diaphragm to control
depth of focus and contrast. There is also a version with detents
(click-stops) on the zoom for calibration and measurement accuracy.
Add a digital camera and connect directly to your PC or purchase
our newest XGA-HD15 color camera for direct high resolution imaging
on any computer display or projector ... without having to connect
to the PC!
The MZ is shown
with a very nice X/Y mechanical stage that includes a theta rotation
table for small sample manipulations. The fiber optic illuminator
is connected to a mini-fiber optic ringlight for high intensity,
shadow-free illumination of 3D objects. A basic incident light
stand offers high stability and a very reasonable pricetag. Contact
us for special optical/camera package prices that include the
MZ, Infiniprobe and low power macro lens with our new XGA-HD15
camera included. |
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New
Z-14 Macrozoom for USB or Analog S-Video Connection
The Z-14 will
launch Q4-05 and feature motorized zoom and motorized focus via
remote control and/or foot pedal. The camera will connect directly
to a composite or S-Video monitor or directly to a PC (Windows 98SE
or better) via USB. This 14:1 zoom system is the perfect solution
for PCB inspection and rework (as shown). The large travel scanning
stage will hold a 18" x 14" sample and scan range is 16"
x 8". This special stand is available without the Z-14 for
use with stereo microscopes and other macrozooms offered by Bunton
(some adapters may be required). Prices will be under $5,000.00
for complete workstations with this stand. Fluorescent or the latest
LED ring lighting is best for PCBs. This instrument will also be
useful for small art object conservation, small animal surgery/instruction
and many industrial applications involving large samples such as
12" wafers and LCD screens. Further details will be available
in September 2005 for delivery by year end.The stand with focus
drive alone is just under $1,000.00. |
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Here is the 18-108mm macro zoom lens connected
to the Jenoptik C-10 color digital camera (3MP). Note the fixture
of the lens to the support stand vertical post and the two extender
arms to easily control the focal length and focus. May be mounted
to a boom stand, copy stand or tripod with 1/4-20 or 3/8 bushing
mount on the Progres cameras.
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The ProgRes family of high performance cameras from Jenoptik in Germany offers the microscopist the ultimate in digital technology and performance … Windows or Mac o/s. New cameras include CMOS versions as well as USB2 connectivity options.
More than a dozen different models ranging in price from $2200.00 to $10,000.00 promise an imaging solution for every budget and requirement. The CMOS cameras range in price from $2200 – $3250.00. Both color and monochrome versions are available and resolution ranges from 1.3MP to 5MP with Firewire and USB2 connectivity.
The CCD cameras include special SCAN versions, monochrome or color and two microscanning cameras with Peltier cooling function. The C14 also offers TRUE COLOR CO-SITE SAMPLING for the ultimate in color reproduction.
The best middle-of-the road ProgRes camera for pathology is the CF Color model at $4500.00. this is a 2/3” CCD sensor with Bayer filter and very fast refresh (33fps). Pixel size is 6.45 micron and the latest 2/3” Sony sensor is used.
Unique software for camera operation includes the ability to capture multiple images and superimpose them for mutli-wavelength fluorescence or fluorescence image overlay with a phase or DIC transmission image. The unique ProgRes design provides efficient sensor cooling with one or two stage Peltier design. All cameras are C-MOUNT and include appropriate cable, software and instructions with USA and factory (Jena, Germany) tech support at no charge.
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New
Low Magnification GFP Fluorescence System...MACROZOOM-FL!
The adaptation of a binocular stereo microscope is fine for visual
3D observation of low magnification stereoscopic images. The Macrozoom-FL
is intended for those who want to capture high resolution 2D and 3D
digital images using their high-end digital cameras to achieve superior
resolution and performance--for less money! This very efficient single
channel ZOOM (1:12.5) microscope includes integrated fine focus, interchangeable
front optics and interchangeable camera optics (including F-bayonet,
ENG and C- Mount) Macrozoom-FL is made in America and includes fully
interchangeable filter modules (USA-Chroma) for your specific excitation
requirements. The complete system is easily used on a basic support
stand or connected to a USA-made brightfield/darkfield transillumination
base.
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