Buy a Portable Digital Microscope to See the "Unseen World"

With the advent of the latest technology making it possible to mass produce digital cameras at extremely low prices, the technology has now been able to spill over into other optical arenas. The latest advent for students, researchers, and hobbyists is the portable digital telescope. I recently came across these products from a business associate who by profession owns and teaches at a very respectable guitar shop out of Atlanta. While classical guitar is his life and passion, he has an interesting hobby in studying micro-organisms. I thought this was fascinating as I too held this interest ever since I had to write a 35 page term paper on the subject in the 9^th grade. Here we will review five of the top portable digital microscopes for every budget and need. No matter your connection for wanting to see the "unseen world," there will be something here for you.

Digital Blue: QX3
The Digital Blue QX3 is a decent microscope for beginners or casual hobbyists. The microscope heeds its name in with its translucent blue casing. The microscope connects directly to your PC with the images displayed on your computer monitor. The included software also allows you to take snapshots of your specimens. It has a magnification selection of 10X, 60X, and 200X. This unit can be found on www.Amazon.com for 119.99. Please take note that because this is a beginner microscope the resolution is not the greatest.

Digital Mobile Microscope (FUN-300)
The FUN300 is primarily for entertainment and hobbyists, however, it will work nicely for educational purposes and simple research. This pocket size microscope is not your traditional unit and looks more like a cell phone or mp3 player. This bar-shaped microscope features a 1.8 inch LCD screen with a resolution of 640 x 480. Magnification ranges from 5X to 90X. It runs on 3 AAA batteries or can optionally be powered by USB interface. The FUN-300 sells for $199.00.

Orion Microxplore PC600
The Microxplore PC600 is a fantastic entry in our line-up. Not only is it's $199.95 price tag affordable, it offers great functionality. This microscope is more in the traditional design with rotating lenses. It has outputs to connect either to your computer via USB or directly to your TV. The included software makes it simple to capture photos and even time-lapsed video. There are 5 magnification settings: 10X, 100X, 200X, 400X, 600X. It also features LCD lighting and a built-in microphone.

Home Science Tools Digital Stereo Microscope 10/30X
Home Science Tools puts out a great stereo microscope, providing a superior viewing experience. The only drawback is that it only has two low-magnification settings of 10X and 30X. The microscope connects to your computer via USB cable. The built in digital camera and imaging software provides views of 1.3 megapixels (1280 x 1024 resolution). The video is at 30 frames/second at 640 x 480. Lighting is by 15 watt halogen bulb and the price tag at http://www.hometrainingtools.com/products/6272-digital-stereo-microscope-10-30x
is $699.00.

Scalar DG-3
Our last entry is for serious needs only as reflected by the price of $5700.00. This is the third generation by the company that introduced the portable digital microscope. It features a super high resolution 3.5 inch LCD screen and a 2.3 megapixel sensor. It ships with a 25X to 200X parfocal zoom lens with optional lenses available for up to 1000X magnification. These units are regularly used by major industrial companies, including major airlines, automobile companies, and electric companies.

One of these five portable digital microscopes will suit your needs and provide you with hours of entertainment, student learning, or professional research. Check one out today and see how the world of microscopy has changed in recent years.