Video Microscopes

New technology has made the science of microscopy more attractive. With all the electronic advances of the last few years, microscopes have come a long way. Microscopes have evolved from humble beginnings in the late 16th century with great minds like Robert Hooke, Zacharias Janssen and Anton Von Leeuwenhoek to the use of digital imaging today. Microscopy, or the science of microscopic observation, is forever advancing.

With the innovation of digital imaging, microscopes take on a whole new role in the new scientific revolution. Video microscopes, or digital microscopes, work much like their simple optical counterparts, with a few differences.
Rather than using a light source underneath the sample, these digital video microscopes have the light source above the sample. This type of microscope is called “inverted” as a result. The image is not two-dimensional or even three-dimensional, but a live digital image in real time. This is sort of like what you get on your digital camera that takes video.

Now we can watch mitosis (cell division) or photosynthesis (how plants produce their own food) or even a reaction of cancer cells to a new drug. There are even attachments that allow the user to view the image on a separate monitor or screen. In this manner, video microscopes are widely used in seminars and educational meetings worldwide.

Though you may not need to do anything that spectacular (but you may. Who knows?), where can you find an affordable video microscope and how much can you expect to pay for one?

Glad you asked…I have a couple of suggestions for you…

Microscope World has a nice selection of video microscopes. These are all brand new and start at around $1400. Of course that is an advanced model. May be too much for the home user. They also offer all other types of optical, digital video and biological microscopes as well. 

The Microscope Depot is another real good place to look. They have a real good selection of video digital microscopes starting at about $350 for a student model to over $3000 for an extremely advanced scientific model.

There are many other websites that offer these video microscopes at competitive prices. If you don’t have the money to invest in one, here is an option. There are companies that make an adapter to hook your computer to the eyepiece of your standard optical light microscope. Then you can view the image of your study on the computer monitor. This is a lower cost option for some.

Whatever you are doing, make sure you are getting the best deal for the money. Remember, as always, to be careful when shopping online. Ask about warranties and return policies. Be sure you understand the rules before you buy.