Biological Microscope Site
Fluorescence Observation
Tips for Selecting Appropriate Cameras
Cameras for microscopes have steadily and rapidly developed and various models are now available in the market. You need to select an appropriate camera according to your observation target and mode.
- Color CMOS
This type of camera has a CMOS sensor and is mainly suitable for capturing images under brightfield observation. They are characterized by relatively low prices and easy operation. Previously, CMOS sensors were rated as inferior to CCD sensors, but the performance has improved significantly in recent years. Now, some cameras even have high-sensitivity sCMOS sensors.
- Color CCD
In addition to brightfield observation, this camera is suitable for capturing high-quality fluorescence images. Most cameras are equipped with an infrared cut filter for capturing natural color, so they are not suitable for fluorescence observation in near-infrared wavelengths.
- Monochrome CCD
Unlike color CCDs, this type of camera has no color filter and thus does not reduce the received light, supporting high-sensitivity capture of weak fluorescence. With no infrared cut filter, the monochrome CCD can capture images in the near-infrared wavelength which also makes it suitable for live-cell imaging.
- Cooled CCD
Even when a CCD is not being exposed to any light, dark current signals are being generated and create unwanted noise in an image. This noise is largely temperature dependent, increasing as a CCD gets warmer. Cooling the CCD can reduce dark current and enable high-sensitivity capture with less noise. This type of camera is suitable for observing weak light, such as during darkfield and fluorescence observation.
