MICROSCOPE CAMERA

Microscope cameras from Leica are particularly remarkable for their fast live images, short reaction times, high resolution and clear contrast. And they are compatible with almost all Leica microscopes and macroscopes.

MICROSCOPE CAMERA

We have the right camera for every application to record exactly what you see through our high-performance instruments. Photographs with a resolution of more than 12 million pixels, ultra high sensitivity and optimum color fidelity are possible with our Microscope Cameras

Our product range covers digital Microscope Cameras with intuitive software for archiving, measurement, analysis and presentation. 100% reproducibility of the exposures and highly convenient remote control of the cameras and ensure a fast and economical workflow.

To obtain excellent fluorescence images, you need a highly sensitive camera delivering a high signal-to-noise ratio and a large dynamic range resulting in a crisp fluorescence signal. Also, live-cell imaging often requires a high acquisition speed to capture fast dynamic processes.

The Leica fluorescence cameras are based on highly sensitive sCMOS or CCD sensors that are ideally suited for low light applications and can detect even weak signals. One camera is passively cooled to help reduce noise. The sensors also have high quantum efficiency so that you can reduce exposure times, protecting your samples from photodamage.

Our monochrome and color cameras are designed for a broad range of applications, from basic documentation tasks to advanced live-cell imaging applications. Our Leica Application Suite (LAS) X software seamlessly integrates our cameras into the microscope system, supporting high-speed triggering.

Life science research has a broad range of imaging needs that require solutions which address a wide variety of different applications. Microscopes cameras are vital for many life science imaging workflows like monitoring cell cultures, documenting stained specimens during morphological examinations, live-cell imaging, and the analytical methods FRAP and FRET. They generate reliable, reproducible, and quantifiable data that are essential for analysis and comparison.

For fluorescence applications, cameras should capture as many photons emitted from the sample as possible while introducing minimal additional noise to the data. Leica Microsystems offers a range of color or monochrome fluorescence cameras using sCMOS or CCD sensors.

Industrial applications require microscope cameras which: i) are capable of high frame rates for fast live images to accommodate a rapid workflow; ii) can provide excellent image quality for precise analysis; and iii) are easy to use even for inexperienced users.

As a leader in microscopy innovation, Leica Microsystems provides high-performance digital microscope cameras for PC-based or stand-alone systems. The Leica portfolio includes various color cameras with CMOS- or CCD-based sensors having up to 20 MPs.

Shifting perspective from single microscope components to a full working live cell imaging solution, Leica Microsystems integrates microscope, LAS X imaging software, cameras, and dedicated third-party components into a complete live cell imaging system.

Leica microscope cameras can have from 1 to 20 megapixels. In terms of imaging resolution, it is the pixel size that is important. However, smaller pixels generally mean a greater number of megapixels on a sensor, depending on the sensor size. For more information, refer to the following articles: Introduction to Digital Camera Technology, Digital Cameras, Definitions of Basic Technical Terms for Digital Microscope Cameras and Image Analysis, What Does 30,000:1 Magnification Really Mean?

Thanks to recent advances in technology, there are many interesting microscopy-dedicated cameras available on the market. Here, we summarize the current methods and technologies used by these cameras as a guideline for achieving high-quality images and maximizing the benefits of the latest techniques for your observations and experiments.

The most important factor in ensuring successful microscopic imaging is choosing the appropriate optics and camera for your application. For example, an sCMOS (scientific complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) camera is a great choice for most fluorescence imaging but unsuitable for long-exposure applications, such as bioluminescence imaging. The following sections detail the major elements to consider regarding microscope camera capabilities and advantages according to the application.

Frame rate: Fast frame rates are the first requirement for smooth operation during live image viewing. Thanks to high-speed interfaces, such as USB 3.0, and CMOS technology, many recent cameras have frame rates that are higher than 30 frames per second (fps) with practical resolution. However, there are many applications that require even higher frame rates; for example, (1) pathology consultation and case conferences, which require smooth live imaging to follow the rapid microscope operation, (2) high-quality imaging of fast biological phenomena, (3) volumetric observation such as with light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM), and (4) computational imaging, including image-processing-based super resolution. In the case of dim fluorescence microscopy, there is a practical limitation related to exposure time. To resolve this issue, binning or other image processing techniques to enhance the SNR are used. The image distortion caused by the rolling shutter is a side effect of the fast readout feature of CMOS sensors. For fast moving samples, a global shutter followed by the global reset feature is an ideal solution that can help suppress the distortion.

Field of view (FOV): There are some cameras with large image sensors that can provide a FOV over an 18 mm diagonal range, even with a 1X camera adaptor. Other cameras, those with comparatively smaller sensors, achieve a wide FOV by using camera adaptors with less than 1X magnification. However, doing so raises concerns about shading and optical aberration, particularly when you go farther from the optical axis (over 18 mm diagonally) (Fig 3) and when you perform image stitching (Fig 4).

All the key elements discussed in this section are not independent. Resolution, sensitivity, frame rate, and FOV, in particular, are deeply correlated. When observing an area of a sample, a smaller pixel pitch provides higher resolution, but less sensitivity, whereas a camera adaptor with lower magnification provides less resolution, higher sensitivity, and a wider FOV. To avoid phototoxicity damage to your sample during preparation, it can be helpful to use binning, which shortens the exposure time and increases the frame rate. Admittedly, some of the resolution is sacrificed when you use the binning technique, but the resolution is less crucial during the experiment set up phase.

For some applications, image processing is used to exceed the traditional optical and physical limitations. The extended focus image (EFI) technique can be used to acquire a thick sample in one image (Fig. 6), with stereo microscopes, in particular. High dynamic range (HDR) imaging is often used for industrial inspection because of its ability to capture reflective samples (Fig. 7). There are several techniques to enhance the SNR of fluorescence live images. For example, automatic multiframe averaging, which only functions when the microscope stage is stationary, is one way to achieve both a fast frame rate and high SNR, while minimizing phototoxic damage to your sample.

Discussions regarding image quality are complex because the key elements are so interrelated; however, when selecting a microscope camera, it is best to base your decision on the most important requirements for your microscopic observation. There are a wide variety of camera choices on the market, enabling you to build a system that balances each element. A thorough evaluation before your purchase is a reliable method for determining the appropriate camera for your application because of the complexity and the performance differences between cameras that are not described in their specification sheets. Selecting the proper optics and camera for your application gives you more data and higher image quality, and advanced image processing enables you to go beyond the traditional limitations of microscopic imaging.

Enabling fast, easy capture of high-quality images that can be clearly observed on a large screen, the DP23 microscope digital camera eases routine life science and clinical research, conferencing, or teaching. Integrate it seamlessly into your microscopy workflow and easily share or stream images.

The MU503B is part of our high-speed camera line. With improved image-processing and USB 3.0 connectivity, this 5MP camera can achieve framerates of up to 101fps. The compact, all-metal design makes this a go-anywhere imaging...

The MU1000B is an updated version of our MU series cameras. With the universal USB 2.0 interface, this bus-powered 10MP camera is a go-anywhere imaging solution. Deriving power from the USB connection, MU series...

The SKYE WiFiTM camera brings researchers and educators a new level of convenience and flexibility across a broad range of microscopy imaging applications for documentation, analysis, education and collaboration. Transmitting its...

The HC210R is a 1080p camera with wired remote capable of standalone recording, specially designed for microscopes. The camera can be mounted to a microscope with a C-mount imaging-port, or various other...

The HD202-S11B includes our 1080p WiFi camera and an 11.6" monitor, delivering HD video up to 60fps, even in low light. The highly-sensitive digital sensor makes this camera ideal for low-light applications,...

Various types of cameras are available. Cameras intended to be used with computers will use USB, wi-fi, or LAN to connect to the computer, and typically include specialized software. Cameras with HDMI, VGA, or analog video interfaces can be attached directly to a compatible display device such as a monitor or television, and do not require a computer to operate. 041b061a72