Next-generation sCMOS Microscope Cameras Offer High Resolution Live Cell Imaging

A new generation of microscope cameras enables investigators to obtain images of living cells under near-native conditions.

Leica Microsystems (Wetzlar, Germany) has introduced the Leica DFC9000 monochrome microscope camera with a highly sensitive third-generation sCMOS sensor. Scientific CMOS (sCMOS) is a breakthrough technology that offers an advanced set of performance features that render it ideal to high fidelity, quantitative scientific measurement. The multi-megapixel sensors offer a large field of view and high resolution, without compromising read noise, dynamic range or frame rate.


The Leica DFC9000 features an sCMOS sensor with high quantum efficiency over the entire spectrum of light, which provides a high signal-to-noise ratio to securely detect even faint signals. Compared to the second-generation sensor, the maximum quantum efficiency has increased by 14%, totaling up to 82% depending on wavelength.

The camera acquires full-frame images at a standard rate of 50 frames per second in the USB 3.0 interface version and at 90 frames per second with the Camera Link interface version.

“sCMOS cameras have become the gold standard in demanding, high-end live cell imaging,” said Markus Lusser, president of Leica Microsystems. “Their sensitivity and speed ensure that users can capture data even from very fast processes – with other sensors these would be lost. With the Leica DFC9000, we launch the first Leica sCMOS camera. It enables researchers to get closer to reality, because they can image live cells under near-native conditions. This camera fits many of our research microscopes perfectly: Their 19 millimeter camera ports are designed to take full advantage of the 19 millimeter sensor diagonal, making sure researchers benefit from this really large field of view.”

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