Digital Camera for Microscopes Demonstrates High Level of Sensitivity

A five-megapixel color digital camera is optimized for viewing, documentation, reporting, and analysis using a microscope.

The DP26 camera can be used to browse a sample using the monitor, utilizing a rapid progressive scan readout that provides fluid natural panning and focusing, and avoids distracting artifacts. It facilitates simultaneous sample viewing for medical diagnostics, research, teaching, or the inspection and analysis of materials. It removes the physical strain imposed by using the eyepieces, improving user comfort and efficiency.


Released by Olympus, the DP26 is available in two versions, optimized either for desktop or laptop use. The camera ensures that the analysis of darkly stained samples or the use of dark-field illumination yields reliable, accurate images. In addition, it can differentiate subtle color differences due to the color-reproducibility level of the sensor. Workflow efficiency is improved and prolonged use less physically tiring than when using the oculars, the company claims.

A rate of 16 frames per second or greater is possible at the resolutions offered by most laboratory monitors, providing comfortable live viewing. For specialist equipment capable of displaying five megapixels, the system can provide a refresh rate of 7 frames per second. The DP26 generates a live image feed that is fast, fluid, and free from distracting artifacts such as image striping or color ghosts. This is achieved via the utilization of a progressive scan mode, which is available at all supported resolutions, and utilizes a rapid Firewire connection to the computer and monitor.

The high sensitivity (ISO 400) of the DP26 makes it suitable for performing phase-contrast/dark-field microscopy or working with darkly stained samples, while the high dynamic range of the system produces vivid, crisp images, rich in detail.

The camera is fully supported by all Olympus software, including Cellsens for life-science users and the Olympus Stream series of materials-science software solutions. Both provide automatic shading correction, rapid white balance tools, adjustment, autoexposure, and measurements.

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