Digital microscopes use optics and a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera to send a digital image to a monitor, and are used in labs where samples and specimen images need to be saved onto a hard drive for later inspection, or displayed on a monitor so that several people can see a specimen at the same time. Since the optical image is projected directly on the CCD camera, the entire system is designed for the monitor image. The optics for the human eye are omitted. The digital microscope camera can be permanently attached or "dedicated" to the microscope, or connected to the microscope by a removable digital adapter. Most models can take photos, videos and do measurement functions. Look for an ergonomic design, small footprint, and a flexible model with high-resolution camera chips.