What Is a Digital Microscope?

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Robert Bellinger

27 August, 2019

If you’ve ever worked in a lab, you know an optical microscope uses an eyepiece and objective to magnify a small object. But as technology continues to advance, digital microscopes are becoming more popular.

Today’s blog post will share what a digital microscope is, explore how it works, discuss the benefits of using one, and provide some applications. Here are some answers to common digital microscope questions.

What is a digital microscope?

Put simply, a digital microscope is a microscope that uses a digital camera instead of an eyepiece. Digital microscopes connect to a computer monitor to show the results in real time.

How does a digital microscope work?

A digital microscope uses optics and a digital camera to output captured images to a computer monitor. They range in complexity from simple handheld versions to advanced systems that offer a variety of observation methods and measurement functions.

Many digital microscopes use computer software that can perform advanced tasks. For instance, some of this software comes with features to record video, adjust images, edit video footage, analyze 3D samples, make measurements, and create reports.

DSX1000 Optical System

What are the benefits of using a digital microscope?

A digital microscope can perform the same tasks as an optical microscope, but it comes with extra benefits. Here are six examples:

What is a digital microscope used for?

A digital microscope is an efficient tool to inspect and analyze various objects from micro-fabricated parts to large electronic devices. Digital microscopes are used in a wide range of industries, such as education, research, medicine, forensics, and industrial manufacturing. Here are some common applications:

Quality Counts

Keep in mind, not all digital microscopes are created equal. To get the full benefits of a digital microscope, look for a model with features that meet your specific application.

For example, the Olympus DSX1000 digital microscope enables you to switch observation methods without changing lenses. This feature is a time-saver during automobile brake pad inspections because inspectors often try multiple observation methods to see which one works best.

Learn more about the DSX1000 digital microscope to choose the model that best suits your needs.

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Robert Bellinger

Product Applications Manager, Industrial Microscopes

Rob Bellinger is a product applications manager for industrial microscopes at Evident. He has been part of Evident for more than 15 years. He currently provides application support for our industrial microscope systems in the US, Canada, and Latin America.