Synopsis
This article discusses the major differences between digital and traditional microscopes. Although both types of microscopes find application in fields such as biology, pathology, and medicine in general, the digital microscope represents a paradigm shift when it comes to image observation and analysis. There are five major differences between digital and traditional microscopes. Image viewing, software, magnification, image quality, and affordability are the reasons why users opt for a digital microscope over a traditional microscope.
Evolution of Digital Microscopes
The evolution of microscopy started with the development of digital microscopes. These microscopes can easily fit the needs of all users including medical entities. The Hirox Company, a lens company based in Japan, developed the first digital microscope in 1986. The model consisted of a control box and a lens connected to the computer. Compared to today’s digital microscopes, it may not be very impressive, but it paved the way for technology to advance quickly. With time, many manufacturers came up with their models.
Varied Applications of Digital Microscopes
The digital microscope is suitable for diverse types of users. It finds its place among curious hobbyists, curious educators, meticulous professionals, top scientists, and others. The advanced technology of digital microscopes allows every user to capture stunning images and videos of tissue samples, analyze every detail they are interested in, and save and share all or parts of their work with other experts they are working with. From examining rare coins to observing cancer tissue specimens, digital microscopes have found their existence in diverse laboratories, fields, and professions.
Digital Vs. Traditional Microscope – Five Major Differences
There are a few ways the digital microscope differs from a traditional microscope, however, there are two major aspects. The first one is technical involving image viewing, quality, and magnification. The other difference is with the software used. Software installed in the digital microscope controls all the working processes and ensures the work is of high quality.
1. Image Viewing
One significant contrast occurs when viewing images. The digital model utilizes optics and cameras to capture high-quality images. Users then transfer these images to a computer or tablet and observe and interpret them in detail. A digital microscope does not involve the eyepiece; the user can view the specimen multiple times once the images are uploaded. The monitor connected to a digital microscope displays the images captured by the camera. The user of a traditional microscope uses eyepieces that do not come with a camera or with the facility to store the images.
2. Magnification
The design of a digital microscope opens the possibilities for greater magnification than in the case of a traditional microscope. When it comes to the traditional microscope, the magnification power is determined by multiplying the eyepiece magnification by the lens magnification. Since the digital unit has eliminated the eyepiece, the major factor of magnification is the monitor size and resolution of the computer.
3. Depth of Field
This term refers to the area visible during inspection. With a digital microscope, depth-of-field is bigger than on an optical microscope even if both microscopes are at the same magnification level. Users can see more of a sample on a digital microscope than on an optical microscope. With higher magnifications, the depth of field becomes shallower in an optical microscope, while in a digital microscope, the depth of field is 20 times more.
4. Software
Another important difference between the digital microscope and its traditional counterpart is the software included in the equipment. The software is responsible for controlling the microscope, capturing images, and processing the photos for display on a computer screen. Most digital microscopes have a software package that facilitates capturing high-quality images. With the help of software, the user can hover over the images, zoom in and out; and adjust the resolution, brightness, or contrast. Many of these adjustments can be automatically set through the software, thus simplifying the preparation of tissue sample images.
5. Affordability
As is the case with all types of microscopes, digital microscopes come in various price ranges. Depending on the needs of the user, they can be purchased for a few to several thousand dollars. Connection, software, the quality of the technology, and most importantly the requirements of the users influence the price. The average model comes with software that allows the observation and analysis of the images. The different pricing levels make a digital microscope affordable to users on a budget.
Conclusion
Both digital and traditional microscopy are widely available in today’s market. Five key differences influence purchasing power. Often, a digital microscope is considered the pathbreaker, especially in the field of digital pathology. Decisions are mostly based on the digital microscope’s image viewing, software, magnification, depth-of-view, and affordability. iO:M8 Light Digital Microscope and M8 Microscope and Scanner represent the future of digital microscopy. Everything is automated and digitized on the device, and there is no need for eyepieces or manual focus knobs. Similarly, our O8 oil Microscope and Scanner scans entire slides and selected regions of interest with air and oil lenses up to 100x.
