Best Microscope Cameras
When you are searching for a new microscope camera, there are many variables to consider. Cameras have different resolutions, sensitivity, frame rates, dynamic ranges, and color reproduction, all of which can drastically affect the overall image produced. If you are taking fluorescent microscopy images, you need a very sensitive camera. If you need to take video, you need a camera with a high frame rate.
Further, there are many other uses for a microscope camera that require certain microscope capabilities. Here, we have reviewed the best microscope cameras by looking at digital microscope camera reviews for a number of different uses. If you need a laboratory microscope camera, you have very different needs than if you are just a hobbyist looking for a digital microscopy camera. Check out our different categories of USB digital microscope camera to find the right laboratory microscope camera for your uses.
Our Pick for Best Microscope Camera for General Use
OMAX 18.0MP USB3.0 Digital Camera for Microscope
Check Amazon
For Latest Prices
OMAX is likely the best manufacturer of microscope cameras, and have a number of offerings that differ in resolution. The 18MP version is the highest quality camera available on the market. This microscope camera not only has the best resolution on the market, but it offers a number of other features including the ability to record and edit video, make notes on images, and even measure specimens accurately. This camera costs about $395.
What we liked ❤️
- Made by OMAX, a leader in microscopy
- Highest resolution available in microscope cameras
- Easily adapts to any microscope eyepiece lens
- Comes with calibration slides to calibrate measurement features
- Capture video and high-resolution images
What we didn’t 💔
- The high resolution of the camera may require a higher processing speed to avoid lag.
- OMAX software has not been optimized for Mac users
- Some users have complained that the software was hard to use
- More expensive than some cameras that have similar features
- Some stand-alone digital scopes are cheaper than this
Microscope Product Details
Comes with Calibration Slides for Measurement
18MP Digital Camera
Can attach to microscopes with 23mm, 30mm, and 30.5mm eyepiece ports
Connects to computer via USB 3.0
Comes with Reduction lens for full images
Our Pick for Best Microscope Camera for Fluorescence and Dark Field Microscopy
AmScope MU633-FL 6.3MP USB3.0 Fluorescence Digital Camera
Check Amazon
For Latest Prices
Some professionals have special projects which require more sensitive camera components to capture the images they are seeking. This is especially true for those professionals trying to do dark field or fluorescent microscopy. This camera is likely the best digital microscopy camera for these purposes, as it has a specialized sensor for low-light applications. However, this also makes the AmSproce Fluorescence Digital Camera one of the most pricey, at $519.
What we liked ❤️
- Great low-light capturing capabilities
- Can capture fluorescence at 1 particle per square inch
- High-speed video and high-resolution images
- Software for stitching images and focus-stacking
- Watch video while capturing images
What we didn’t 💔
- One of the most expensive digital microscope cameras
- Lower resolution than some microscope cameras
- Weighs 5 pounds, significantly more than other cameras
- Only 15fps framerate at high-definition, slightly lower than other microscope cameras
- Software is not fully compatible with Mac and Linux systems
Microscope Product Details
Made by AmScope, a leader in digital microscope cameras
6.3MP resolution
Sony IMX178 sensor for better light capture
Connects to PC via USB 3.0
Can capture dark-field and fluorescence microscopy images
Our Pick for Best Cheap Microscope Camera
Celestron Digital Microscope Imager HD
Check Amazon
For Latest Prices
If you are new to digital microscopy, you may want to invest in a much cheaper option to get started. The Celestron Digital Microscope Imager is a great way to get into digital microscopy. The small camera comes with a number of adapters for microscopes of different sizes and can be customized for about any setup. Though the camera only has a resolution of 5MP, it is also only around $88 so it is affordable for about anyone.
What we liked ❤️
- Cheaper than most microscope camera adapters
- Only 7.8 ounces makes it one of the most compact microscope cameras
- Great for classrooms, and other low-budget applications
- Can perform the same tasks as much more expensive microscope cameras
What we didn’t 💔
- Camera limits the image field seen through the eyepiece
- Many small adjustments must be made for best picture
- The software left many users wanting more
- Shutter is delayed several seconds before a picture is taken
- Hard to match image camera produced to what you see through the eyepiece
Microscope Product Details
Simple aluminum housing
5MP resolution camera
Takes high-resolution images and 30fps video
USB powered
Only 6.5 inches long and 7.8 ounces
Our Pick for Best Microscope Camera for Hobbyists
Celestron MicroDirect 1080p HD Handheld Digital Micro Viewing Digital Microscope
Check Amazon
For Latest Prices
For hobbyists, the stereoscope above might be too much. For $40 less you can get a digital microscope that is just as powerful, with fewer features. The Celestron MicroDirect does not have a screen, but still has a steady platform and adjustable stand. This digital microscope is best for hobbyists such as coin collectors, naturalists, and others who want a cheap way to discover the world.
What we liked ❤️
- Great for imaging circuit boards and other small components
- Easy plug-and-play operation
- Great for connecting to a large screen for viewing
- Capture images on an SD card
- Cheap enough for use in classrooms
What we didn’t 💔
- Some users have complained that the focus will not lock in place
- Does not have professional software
- Users had issues connecting to a computer with only an HDMI option
- Cheaper construction than some microscopes
- Some units got very hot during operation
Microscope Product Details
1080p video streaming
HDMI cable to connect directly to any screen
High-speed 3.5MP sensor for video
10x – 220x power magnification
Captures video at 30fps
Our Pick for Best Microscope Camera with Binocular Analog Lenses
OMAX 40X-2500X Full Size Lab Digital Trinocular Compound LED Microscope
Check Amazon
For Latest Prices
In some microscope applications, it is best to have both an analog viewing eyepiece and a digital microscope camera to capture images. If you do not already have a microscope, you will be able to save some money and get an overall better scope if you buy a trinocular scope with a microscope camera already attached. Of all the choices, the OMAX Digital Trinocular Microscope is likely the best choice at $615.
What we liked ❤️
- Very well built, rugged construction
- 14MP, high-resolution camera
- Capture photo or video
- Capable in professional, research-oriented environments
- Easy to use, no additional purchases necessary for a digital microscope camera solution
What we didn’t 💔
- Weighs a massive 14 pounds
- Some users received damaged goods upon arrival
- OMAX customer support has had complaints
- Not great for novice microscopy enthusiasts
- Very powerful scope, but you must learn how to use
Microscope Product Details
Up to 2500x Magnification
Oil, light-field, and dark-field microscopy
Binocular analog eye-pieces, plus camera attachment
Mechanical stage with multiple adjustments
Fine and coarse focus knobs
Our Pick for Best Microscope Camera for Kids
OptixCam Summit OCS-KK2-1.3 – 1.3MP – Digital Microscope Eyepiece Camera for Kids Microscopes
Check Amazon
For Latest Prices
If you have a student or child that has a microscope, you may not want to spend hundreds of dollars to make the microscope digital. With the OptixCam Summit, you need not search any further. This small microscope camera can fit most microscopes and instantly makes them digital without much fuss. Plus, at only $59 it is one of the absolute cheapest adapters on the market.
What we liked ❤️
- Super cheap!
- Capture images and video
- Plug-and-play software makes it easy
- Connect to a phone or tablet
- Fits any 23.5mm microscope
What we didn’t 💔
- 25-30% reduction in Field of View
- Poor software
- Only 1.3MP resolution
- No adapters for microscopes bigger than 23.5mm
- Not a large microscope camera manufacturer
Microscope Product Details
1.3MP digital sensor
Fits any 23.5mm microscope
Connects via USB to computer or tablet
Works with Windows Operating Systems
Weighs 12 ounces
Our Pick for Best Microscope Camera for Quick Conversion
640×480 Pixel Still Photo & Live Video Microscope Imager USB Digital Camera
Check Amazon
For Latest Prices
If you have a professional-grade microscope and simply would like to see what digitizing it may bring you, this microscope camera is likely your best option. Though the resolution is low, the cost is also the lowest you will find. This camera supports a number of options for capturing files and can fit almost any scope. For only $47, this is a steal.
What we liked ❤️
- Great for easy sharing of microscope images
- Perfect for applications like electronics and fixed-slides
- Capture images or video easily
- Will work for most general-purpose applications
- One of the cheapest analog scope adapters
What we didn’t 💔
- Reduces the field of view without the proper adapter
- Some users have complained that the image quality was too low to be helpful
- Poor construction, USB port can become loose
- Decreases the field of view significantly
- Lower resolution than similar products
Microscope Product Details
Only 8.8 ounces
Produced by AmScope, their cheapest adapter
Connect to computer via USB cable
640×480 pixels
CMOS color sensor, the same as higher-end models
Our Pick for Best Microscope Camera that is Fully Digital
Levenhuk D320L 3.1M Digital Monocular Microscope
Check Amazon
For Latest Prices
Those in the market for a new microscope would do well to consider a fully digital scope. This scope, the Levenhuk Digital Monocular Microscope, can get you into digital microscopy for the very reasonable price of $239. With all the standard features of a basic microscope, the kit also comes with a camera that is very capable. Learning digital microscopy first can eliminate the need to do analog microscopy.
What we liked ❤️
- Fully digital microscope
- Capture images at 1000x
- Microscope capable of oil immersion, dark field, and other forms of microscopy
- Fully maneuverable slide stage
- Auto or Manual white balance and exposure control
What we didn’t 💔
- No native video support
- Only 3MP resolution
- No analog eyepiece
- No connectivity to TVs or HDMI output
- More expensive than microscope cameras alone
Microscope Product Details
Microscope and digital camera included
4 objective lenses, 4x-100x
Oil immersion ready
Coarse and fine focus adjustment
USB connectivity
Our Pick for Best Microscope Camera Cell Phone Adapter
Microscope Lens Adapter, Microscope Smartphone Camera Adaptor – for Microscope Eyepiece Tube 23.2mm
Check Amazon
For Latest Prices
For all of those users with smartphones that already have fantastic cameras, there is a much cheaper option you should consider. Microscope lens adapters like these exist for smartphones, and this is one of the best. The adaptor places the phone’s camera in exactly the right spot to view a standard microscope eyepiece. For only $25, this is a great option for users who are unsure if they need a full digital microscope camera.
What we liked ❤️
- No extra camera needed!
- Fits most smartphone cameras
- Depending on your smartphone, can produce high-quality results
- Creates a screen to view your microscopy on
- Fits all 23.5mm microscopes
What we didn’t 💔
- Reduced the field of view significantly
- Cheaply made
- Does not fit certain microscopes
- Some users assumed it came with a microscope, it does not.
- Does not work for low-light applications
- Poor instructions on how to use
Microscope Product Details
Simple phone-holding device to properly position your smartphone
Can be used with most microscopes
Quickly converts a smartphone into a digital microscope camera
Phone protected by padding to eliminate scratches
Made of high-strength plastic
Our Pick for Best Microscope Camera for Large Specimens
Koolertron 5 inch LCD 1080P Wireless Remote Control Digital Microscope
Check Amazon
For Latest Prices
For those who need to image larger specimens, the traditional microscope camera is not going to cut it. Unfortunately, there are few options for converting a stereoscope into a digital microscope. However, the Koolertron Digital Microscope makes for an inexpensive and effective replacement. For only $199, the scope includes a 5-inch screen, computer connectivity, and even a remote control for adjusting the microscope remotely.
What we liked ❤️
- Multiple output methods to connect to a TV or a computer
- Comes with a remote to control the scope from across the room
- Use either hand to control the focus and zoom
- No computer? Store your images and videos on SD memory cards
- One of the largest screens in digital stereoscopes
What we didn’t 💔
- More expensive than other models of digital stereoscope
- Zoom has a limited range, more than a coin but only up to 200x
- Many hobbyists find the scope to have more functions than they need
- Some users find the software complicated to use
- Screen does not tilt or rotate
Microscope Product Details
Focus controllers on both sides of the monitor
Metal stand, which is fully adjustable
Two specimens lights, both are flexible
Supports output via AV, USB, HDMI or memory cards
Comes with a remote control
As you can see, the variety of digital microscope cameras is immense. Using this guide, you can easily find the best digital microscope for your needs. These reviews were based on multiple online user reviews and professional research. So whether you are looking for a laboratory microscope camera, an HDMI microscope camera to connect to a TV, or simply the cheapest option to produce digital microscope images, this guide should help!
