1. How do I choose a Microscope Eyepiece camera?
Types of Cameras
There are a variety of different digital eyepiece cameras available designed specifically for use with standard (monocular, binocular, or trinocular) microscopes. The BigCatch "EM" series are compatible with both the 23mm and 30mm diameter ocular tubes found on most standard microscopes. The installation of the eyepiece camera is the same for both versions and requires the removal of the microscope eyepiece from one of the ocular tubes and simply inserting the eyepiece camera. Certain trinocular version microscopes may require a special C-mount adaptor which comes with the EM(C) model C-Mount eyepiece cameras.
Considerations
You need to consider certain performance features of the digital camera and determine if they meet your requirements. You also need to ensure that your computer and operating system are compatible with the eyepiece digital camera software. Other things to consider;
* Determine the desired camera field of view.
* The camera must match the objective lens par-focalization.
* The camera must offer a sharp and clear image in true color.
* The camera should offer video imaging at speeds of 15-30 frames /sec.
Quality of sensor
There are Four types of sensors that we currently carry. Super Color CCD, CCD, Enhanced Color CMOS, and CMOS
Each one has certain advantages and disadvantages depending on application.
The CMOS sensor (Model # : EM-XXX) offers basic performance.
The Enhanced Color CMOS sensor (Model # : EM-X10) is an improved CMOS with great color quality & refresh rate.
The CCD sensor (Model # : EM-CXXX) has a fast transfer rate and also is great for florescent or darker applications.
The Super Color HP CCD (Model # : EM-XXXF) is an improved CCD that has excellent color quality with a refresh rate comparable to the CCD.
Finally, you should consider the software supplied with the camera. Some other cameras come without imaging software. Some come with basic imaging software with simple photo and video capturing functions only. Some users require enhanced software features with measurement and other image processing capabilities such as the "ScopePhoto" software included with the "EM" series eyepiece cameras.
Types of Microscopes
A binocular is a microscope with a head that has two eyepiece lens. Nowadays, binocular is typically used to refer to compound or high power microscopes where the two eyepieces view through a single objective lens. A stereo (or low power microscope) may also have two eyepieces, but since each eyepiece views through a separate objective lens, the specimen appears in stereo (3-Dimensional).
A trinocular port on a microscope is the third port. It is used for microphotography and video applications. This port is where cameras are attached, so the viewing port for the human eyes is left open for viewing the specimen. This dedicated port is typically located on the top of the microscope head. However, on some models, it can be located horizontal and off to the side.
BigCatch eyepiece cameras are capable of adapting to binocular and trinocular microscopes. BigCatch c-mount cameras are designed specifically for trinocular microscopes.
2. How do I install the Eyepiece camera in a traditional microscope?
| How to Select and Setup BigCatch Microscope Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Arrangement: | Use this camera: | Installation: |
 #1 Binocular Microscope Camera replaces one microscope eyepiece | EM-xxxM EMC-xxxM |  Step 1. Remove one eyepiece from ocular tube Step 2. Attach the relay lens to the C-Mount camera Step 3. Insert the camera into the ocular tube |
 #2 C-Mount 3rd Ocular Camera connected to third ocular through relay lens | EM-xxxM EMC-xxxM |  Step 1. Connect relay lens to C-Mount camera Step 2. Insert the camera into the third ocular |
 #3 C-Mount Straight Photo Tube Camera connected to straight photo tube with camera adaptor | EM-xxxC EMC-xxxC |  Step 1. Connect the camera adaptor to the photo tube Step 2. Connect the camera to the camera adaptor |
3. Field of View
Below are several example configurations, along with an estimate of the human eye field of view (FOV) for comparison.
Compound Microscope
| Model | Sensor Size | FOV @ 64x (16x4) | Objecteve @ 64x | FOV @ 160x (16x10) | Objective @ 160x |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Eye | --- | EST 3.3mm x 3.3mm | EST. 1.3mm x 1.3mm | ||
| EM-130 | 1/3 | 3.4mm x 2.6mm | 90% | 1.34mm x 1.06mm | 92% |
| EM-310 | 1/2 | 2.77mm x 2.07mm | 73% | ||
| EM-510 | 1/2.5 | 2.4mm x 1.8mm | 63% | 0.93mm x 0.69mm | 62% |
Stereoscope
| Model | Sensor Size | FOV @ 64x (16x4) | Objecteve @ 64x | FOV @ 160x (16x10) | Objective @ 160x |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Eye | --- | EST 3.3mm x 3.3mm | |||
| EM-130 | 1/3 | 2.9mm x 2.3mm | 86% | --- | --- |
| EM-310 | 1/2 | 3.2mm x 2.4mm | 92% | --- | --- |
| EM-510 | 1/2.5 | 2.0mm x 1.5mm | 58% | --- | --- |
4. What are the system requirements for my computer?
CPU: Equal to Intel Core2 2.8GHz or Higher
Microsoft® Windows® XP / Vista / 7 (32 & 64 bit)
Memory: 2GB or More
Hi-speed USB 2.0Port
CD-ROM drive
16-bit color display monitor or higher
21″ display monitor or higher (Recommended)
5. How to improve the image color quality for best results?
One-push White Balance
Setup > Video Source Properties > One-push
To get the most precise and consistent white balance results, adjust the white balance rectangle to a background region (where the color temperature of the illumination is reflected) and then click the One Push button. The size of the rectangle does not matter, but the area contained within the rectangle must be white.
6. Maintenance and Cleaning
Camera Care
All eyepiece camera internal components are sealed within the housing and require only occasional cleaning outer to maintain their optical integrity. It is recommended that these instruments be used and stored in a clean, cool and dry environment and that care be taken to keep them free of dust and other contaminants.
Avoid exposing to fumes and extreme temperatures and never immerse or rinse in water. Also it is advised to use the plastic or other scope or eyepiece cover when not in use.
Cleaning
If cleaning is required then first attempt to gently blow off any dust or other contaminants with compressed air. If no compressed air is available then try to lightly brush off any lose debris with a fine brush (a makeup brush will work well). If it becomes necessary to clean the lens then we recommend using a standard optical lens cleaning solution. To make your own optical lens cleaning solution, mix one part alcohol (C2H5OH) with three parts ether ((C2H5)2O). Simply saturate a cotton swab and gently wipe the lens surface clean.
Caution!
Avoid touching the surface of the lens with your finger tips. Never disassemble or open the scope or camera body. This will introduce dust and other contaminants and may cause permanent damage.