Update: After a discussion with the supplier, I am still unable to use HDMI. On that basis, the camera is essentially unusable and a waste of money.
This is the camera if you want to stay away from it! ð
I received a new camera in the mail. It is a 34 megapixel microscope digital camera. Past experience has indicated that these types of cameras are usually quite poor in terms of quality of image, and previous ones that I have been aware of are between 1 and 5 megapixels.
I was hoping that this one would be a good option for taking quick shots, and not intended to be a replacement for my current super macro setup.
So what is included? The camera itself is metal and appears to be fairly substantial. It includes a 0.5x lens (required to match the magnification that you see through the scope eyepiece) and a couple of adapters. It includes a CD with the program required to run it, as well as a help pdf and a couple of other files. It also includes a USB cable and a HDMI cable and a remote control. There is also a slot in the camera for a micro SD card.
So how did it go?
CD: I don't have a CD/DVD reader on my computer, so decided to use another to transfer the files to a USB drive. That failed. The executable would not read. I found a likely option online, although it is for a different model camera, but it mostly works. I have asked the supplier to provide one that I can download. Waiting to see hoe that goes.
Resolution: USB won't allow what is stated to be the full resolution. The maximum image size that I can achieve is 1920x1080. I can't select anything higher in the program. I saw something in my trawling that suggested a higher resolution image might be possible by saving it on a micro SD card on the camera. I have failed to be able to do that (maybe the wrong software could be causing that). So why not try the HDMI cable? I connected it up, but then realised that I needed to supply power to the camera (not needed for USB method as it gets its power from the USB). I had to search for a universal travel adapter. Found one after bit of a search. Plugged it in. Switched it on. Now what? No idea. Software doesn't recognise it. Supplied user manual doesn't even mention HDMI!
Remote: Does nothing.
Quality: Not bad, but I was expecting a bit better. 34 megapixels sounds great but the sensor is a small one (1/2.33 inch) and the pixel size is 1.335Ξm. A fair bit of flaring is evident on reflective faces and some areas don't have great resolution. At least there is no pixelation. Of course, you could stack a few images too...
The two images below are of a wulfenite specimen from Whim Creek, Western Australia. One taken at 10x, the other at 40x magnification. The individual crystals are mostly a bit over half a millimetre across.
Cost: AU$127.50 plus postage.
Value? That will depend on what the to-be-provided software brings. And whether HDMI can be utilised or not. Stay tuned.
