Digital microscope provide a better preview image, frequently with focusing aids, and the ability to acquire the image directly into various imaging software though a TWAIN or plug-in interface. They have the advantage of being directly controlled by a computer since dedicated microscope digital cameras typically cost more for less resolution. Most digital camera output the full resolution image as the preview, while higher MP cameras provide a lower resolution preview than the final still image will be. Scientific cameras just aren’t able to keep up. Consumer hand-held cameras are recommended for routine micrography, especially as a replacement for instant film. The versatility, being useable both on and off of the microscope, and for the ease with which they can be moved from one microscope to another are the main convenience in digital microscopes.

This can present a problem if the image files need to be named as they are saved, and also may be inconvenient if the images need to be manipulated or measured immediately upon being captured. They stored on internal memory cards from which they must be downloaded to the computer. The sensor, either a CCD or a CMOS type, is the heart of every digital camera. The analog devices, converting photons into electrical signals are the all seniors. The process by which the analog information is changed to digital is called Analog to Digital Conversion.  These things can happen in the sensor itself, or in the camera, or in the PC, as was the case with older video camera or frame grabber technology. Another consideration is the sensor size. The larger the Sensor size, the lighter sensitive the Sensor should be, so larger is better, at least in theory.

The total number of picture elements or Pixels forming the image is called the Sensor resolution. Resolution ranges from 0.3 Megapixels (MP) for 640×480 standard video resolution to over 10MP. There is a 4x jump in total pixels from 0.3MP to 1.3MP, roughly double the resolution both horizontally and vertically (0.3 x4 = 1.2), so we can see a vast improvement in 1.3MP cameras over older video resolution cameras.  Images in this category are still relatively small in file size, so are fine for email in jpg format.  Next come 2MP and 3.3MP cameras which are less apparent improvements over 1.3MP.  Eight, ten, twelve MP cameras, again, are improvements over 5MP cameras, but the next big 4x step will require 20MP cameras which will in all probability exceed the resolution of the microscope optics. In 8MP cameras, it is possible to experience an empty magnification. Higher megapixel images can provide greater detail over a wider field-of-view, allow for cropping more detailed areas of interest, and can yield more accurate measurements.

They can also be used to make larger photo quality (300dpi) prints. This is very important role in selecting the proper camera for a specific application. This aspect will mainly impact dedicated microscope cameras since consumers usually do not directly interface with a computer. This will allow a preview image to be viewed on the computer monitor which may be of the full camera resolution or may be a reduced resolution for a faster refresh rate. Some software for driving the camera is included in all dedicated microscopes cameras.