Since their release in the 1980s, digital microscopes have risen in popularity due to their ease of use, high-quality video capabilities and relatively low costs. Unlike traditional microscopes, these instruments don’t rely on an eyepiece to view the sample - instead, they use a digital camera to upload images directly to a computer allowing the images to be viewed on a monitor. While this results in less sensitivity than optical microscopes, the ergonomic design and specialized software allow you to comfortably view and analyze your samples on a larger screen. Though specs might be similar between different instruments, it’s crucial to be well-informed before purchasing a new digital microscope to ensure that it is ideal for your specific research needs.
Before starting your microscope research, you should ask yourself a few essential questions:
- Identify the applications for this new digital instrument. What software are you using with your microscope? Will any specialized training be required?
- What does your budget look like? What size of digital microscope would suit your needs, and how much space do you have for storage?
- What are your expectations of the microscope vendor? Will you require technical support or service and maintenance?
- Think about your imaging needs. Do you need a balanced image showing both bright and dark sections? If so, HDR functionality can help in obtaining these types of images.
After answering some critical questions, you’re well on your way to finding a suitable digital microscope.
We’ve curated a list of some of the best digital microscopes according to Biocompare reviewers, each with their own opinions and first-hand experience. Take a look below to learn more about all your options.
Etaluma
Lumascope 620 Automated Fluorescence Microscope
With its easy-to-use focus and modern LED design, the Lumascope 620 from Etaluma lets you get clearer, sharper images with ease. According to the company, this inverted fluorescence microscope can detect a range of blue, green, and red fluorophores and allows you to upload photos or time-lapses directly to your computer via USB. Biocompare reviewer Mark Henteleff from UC Berkely reported that his lab had been using this microscope for over five years at the time of writing and that it worked well for both teaching and wet lab settings. He added that the robust scopes can endure wear and tear from students while still providing bright images. Plus, the microscope stack allows for easy storage, making this device perfect for even the tiniest spaces.
Lumascope 720 Automated Fluorescence Microscope
According to Etaluma, their Lumascope 720 Automated Fluorescence Microscope offers a “whole new world of automated microscopy." This versatile inverted fluorescence microscope produces high-resolution images at an affordable price, with a compact design similar to their Lumascope 620 model. However, this newer model features XY motion control and motorized focus for z-stacks. These features allow researchers, like Biocompare reviewer Alex Zambon, to extract real-time data from time-lapse imaging with ease. With this instrument, their lab was able to stop using ELISA-based “broken” cell assays and start acquiring data points at single-cell resolution over time.
Miltenyi Biotec
UltraMicroscope II Light Sheet Microscope
Miltenyi Biotec’s UltraMicroscope II Light Sheet is another good option for whole tissue imaging. With this instrument, you can obtain sharp and bright images of large tissue samples or entire organs. For reviewers like Yingrou Tan, this microscope is suitable for immunostaining human specimens. They stated that their lab had been using this microscope for over five years at the time of writing, in tandem with their Zoombody immersion lens, for precise whole tissue imaging. In their experience, acquisition is rapid, and the sCMOS camera offers 16-bit depth data for a dynamic staining range for different intensities. While the software has been reported to have a few bugs, Yingrou stated that the Miltenyi Biotec team was accommodating and easy to reach.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
EVOS XL Core Configured Microscope
Thermo Fisher’s EVOS XL Core Configured Microscope is another good instrument for visualizing cell and tissue cultures. Its simple user interface, coupled with a digital transmitted-light inverted imaging system, results in high-definition images of culture microscopy. The 4X, 10X, and 20X long working distance phase contrast objectives make it easy to analyze your specimen at various magnifications, and the USB outlet makes for quick image capture. Biocompare reviewer Rachel Crossland from Newcastle University praised this microscope’s ease of use, stating that a simple push of a button captures images that are “of publication standard” directly onto a flash drive.
Evos Fluorescent (FL) Imaging System
According to Biocompare reviewer J Chal, this microscope from Thermo Fisher Scientific worked perfectly to analyze fluorescent signals from cell cultures and histological staining. The EVOS Fluorescent Imaging System touts several unique features, like the fluorescence channels simultaneously accommodating up to four fluorescent light cubes and an adjustable-intensity LED with over 50,000 hours per light cube. Biocompare reviewer Chal uses this system for all staining and signal acquisition for their work. The system has a small footprint and doesn’t require a dark room for usage.
Conclusion
Finding a digital microscope that suits your specific research needs and budget is essential for any lab. Do your research and get product demos for your top options. Many microscopes have unique features that can reportedly propel your work to new heights, it would be wise to see them in action. Whether you’re looking for a new teaching microscope or striving for publication-quality images, check out what Biocompare reviewers have to say for an inside scoop on the best microscopes on the market. And, if you have any opinions about the microscopes, antibodies, reagents, kits, or services used in your lab, you can also fill out a Biocompare review detailing your experience for a $20 Amazon gift card.