Microscope cameras from Micropix utilise the latest sensor technology and combined with our own, in-house software – Cytocam – they offer exceptional imaging performance with easy-to-use and intuitive software.
Our new range of “Vivid” and “Elite” cameras use state-of-the-art, Sony digital sensors that offer improved dynamic range, quantum efficiency, saturation capacity, signal to noise ratio and reduced temporal dark noise (see below for definitions and explanations of these terms).
We have a camera to suit nearly all applications and budgets – more information can be found below and please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or need some advice.
Imaging made easy
We only sell 5 different models of digital microscope cameras which makes choosing a camera very simple.
Our Elite (2MP, 5MP, 12MP) and Vivid (3MP) cameras use a USB3 output, are run via a PC (not Mac compatible) and use our own Cytocam software.
Our VidCAM HD is a standalone, full HD (1920×1080) camera that uses an HDMI output. Great for live display but with the added ability to save images and video to an SD card.
CytocamLite:
- Three megapixel (3MP), 1/2″ Sony sensor.
- Fast, 30 frames per second (fps) frame rate for smooth live image display – via USB3 output.
- “Plug-and-play” camera with one-step software installer.
- Simple, high quality and cost-effective.
- £1,500 (plus VAT). Will fit any existing microscope.
Elite:
- Available in 2MP (megapixel), 5MP and 12MP versions.
- Large sensors, fast frame rates, high sensitivity to light, high dynamic range, excellent colour reproduction.
- For publications, research, fluorescence imaging and high resolution pictures.
Vivid:
- Our best all-rounder and most-popular model.
- An excellent, 3MP (megapixel) camera at a great price – just £1,950.
VidCAM HD
- Standalone (no PC required) camera.
- Best for projecting a live image e.g in an MDT / MDM room, conference or lecture theatre.
- Full HD (1920 x 1080) sensor with HDMI output.
- Camera includes a mouse which acts as a useful pointer.
- Images and video can be saved onto an SD card.
- £1,450 plus optional 11″ retina screen at £250.
| Model | Mega pixels | Resolution | Sensor size | Sensor model | Pixel size | Frames per second | Aspect ratio | ADC | Quantum Efficiency (% at 525 nm) | Temporal Dark Noise (Read Noise) (e-) | Signal to Noise Ratio Maximum (dB) | Absolute Sensitivity Threshold (γ) | Saturation Capacity (Well Depth) (e-) | Dynamic Range (dB) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vivid-3 colour | 3 MP | 2048 x 1536 | 1/1.8" CMOS | Sony IMX265 | 3.45µm | 21 | 4:3 | 12-bit | 66 | 2.22 | 40.04 | 4.2 | 10080 | 71.38 | £1,950.00 |
| Elite-2 mono | 2 MP | 1600 x 1200 | 1/1.2" CMOS | Sony IMX174 | 5.86µm | 40 | 4:3 | 12-bit | 76 | 6.83 | 45.12 | 9.77 | 32513 | 72.94 | £2,850.00 |
| Elite-5 colour | 5 MP | 2448 x 2048 | 2/3" CMOS | Sony IMX250 | 3.45µm | 25 | 6:5 | 12-bit | 67 | 2.32 | 40.14 | 4.36 | 10330 | 71.27 | £3,450.00 |
| Elite-12 colour | 12 MP | 4096 x 3000 | 1.1" CMOS | Sony IMX253 | 3.45µm | 10 | 4:3 | 12-bit | 64 | 2.43 | 40.21 | 4.61 | 10504 | 71.08 | £5,500.00 |
Analogue to Digital Converter or ADC – Refers to the digital camera’s ability to capture reality and convert it into a digital file. The process takes all of the colour, contrast, and tonal information of a scene and adapts it into the digital world by using the basic binary code of all computer technology. Higher ADCs are designed to increase the possible tonal values that the camera can capture, creating deeper shadows and smoother gradients.
Quantum efficiency (%), (HIGHER is better) – Quantum efficiency (QE) is the ability of the sensor to turn photons into electrons, or in other words, turn incoming light into an electrical signal for imaging. A higher QE % means greater sensitivity for detecting light. A sensor with a measurement of 79% means that for every 100 photons that hit the sensor an average of 79 will be detected.
Temporal Dark Noise / Read Noise (e-), (LOWER is better) – Temporal dark noise or read noise comes from energy within the sensor and the surrounding sensor electronics. Over time, random electrons are created that fall into the sensor wells and are detected and turned into signal. Models with lower read noise measurements produces cleaner images.
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB), (HIGHER is better) – The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is used as a physical measure of the sensitivity of an imaging system. Measured in decibels (dB) of power and therefore applies the 10 log rule to the “pure” SNR ratio (a ratio of 1:1 yields 0 decibels, for instance). Above 32 dB is considered excellent image quality.
Absolute Sensitivity Threshold (γ), (LOWER is better) – Absolute sensitivity threshold is the minimum number of photons needed to equal the noise level. The lower the number the less light is needed to detect useful imaging data.
Saturation Capacity / Well Depth (e-), (HIGHER is better) – The saturation capacity (well depth) is the largest charge a pixel can hold before over-saturation occurs and signal degradation begins. Saturation must be avoided because it diminishes the quantitative ability of the sensor and in the case of CCDs produces image smearing due to a phenomenon known as blooming.
Dynamic range (db), (HIGHER is better) – Dynamic range describes the camera model’s ability to detect the maximum and minimum of light intensities (shadows and highlights). Models with higher dynamic range can detect more detail in the darks and lights.