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Digital microscopes are the most time-saving and cost-efficient improvement in educational microscopy in 10 years. These educational tools are so affordable that a science class can have one for every computer in the classroom. Instructors used to spend time going to each microscope, making sure students actually saw the intended specimen and not an air bubble or their own eyelash. Digital microscopes rid us of this task; the entire class sees the image as it should appear, via the instructor’s microscope.

Live image sharing
A digital microscope is basically a standard microscope with a digital camera built into the head. The USB port in the base connects to a computer, allowing a class to view a live image on the computer monitor or on a larger screen such as a smart board or data projector. Now instructors and students see the same image at the same time. This transforms microscopy into a group activity that encourages collaborative learning instead of what was typically a very isolated process. When used in conjunction with traditional microscopes, digital microscopes dramatically increase students’ awareness of what they should be seeing.

Captured image sharing
Adding an analog camera to an existing microscope can mimic the shared-view feature of digital microscopes. But what really makes the digital microscope different is its ability to capture images. The microscope can load stills, time-lapse photography, or video clips right onto the computer. Most digital microscopes come with software that processes, measures, and even transfers the image into other programs such as Microsoft® Word or PowerPoint® for additional presentation opportunities. A digital microscope makes microscopy easier to teach and more fun for students.

Carolina™ offers a wide range of digital microscopes starting as low as $160.00, and we have them for every grade level. If you already have a quality microscope, consider adding a Moticam digital camera. It fits over the eyepiece of virtually any full-sized microscope, giving you all the features of digital microscopy at a lower cost.

Be sure to check the resolution specifications before purchasing a digital microscope or camera. Lower-priced products capture a file size of 640 × 480, which is usually adequate for viewing on a computer screen. However, if you plan to project or print the images, a resolution of at least 1,280 × 1,024 is better.

Revolutionary digital technology allows you to attach your microscope to a computer, projector, or SMART Board™. Special Motic® Images Plus 2.0ML software is included free with all Wolfe® digital microscopes.