How to Take Pictures Through a Microscope

Taking photographs through a microscope can be challenging as most microscopes lack built-in cameras. Then, how to take pictures through a microscope?

You can take images through a microscope using a microscopy camera, mobile phone, or DSLR. The image quality will depend on your microscope’s magnification, resolution, and camera quality. You can also record videos and view the multimedia on a screen. So many options allow you to choose which suits your needs the best.

This article covers all the ways you can take pictures through a microscope.

How to Take Pictures Through a Microscope

Taking pictures through a camera is incredibly convenient with microscope USB and Wi-Fi cameras. You can easily insert them into the microscope to get high-quality pictures. Furthermore, you can opt for mobile phones if you do not have a high budget. However, using a DSLR gives you the best-quality images. Let’s tell you the different ways to take pictures through different types of microscopes and their pros and cons.

How to Take Pictures Through a Microscope Using a Microscope Camera

The best way to take pictures through a microscope is by using microscope cameras. These cameras enter the eye tube or camera port in trinocular microscopes. You can find microscope cameras in all price ranges. However, you must attach the microscope to a computer or laptop to view the images. Here’s how you can use microscope cameras to take photographs of specimens:

• Attach the camera to the microscope’s camera or USB port.
• Also, connect the microscope to a computer screen.
• Focus on the specimen using the microscope camera.
• Take pictures; view and store them on the computer.

Alternatively, you can attach a wi-fi camera to your microscope to show the images on the computer without attaching the microscope. They’re easy to find and connect to the microscope for sharing images remotely.

Pros

• Most convenient
• The camera attaches to the microscope easily

Cons

• Microscope cameras can be expensive

How to Take Pictures Through a Microscope with a Mobile Phone

If you do not have the budget to buy a microscope camera, using a smartphone is another budget-friendly way to take microscopic pictures. It helps you take images of the specimen without the need for any other instrument. However, the quality might not be as crisp as a high-quality microscope camera.

• Put your phone lens directly onto the eyepiece. You will get a view of the specimen on your mobile.
• Move the slide until you can see what you want to take the image of.
• Tap and hold on to your phone to lock focus.
• At this stage, you can move the phone away slightly to get a wider field of view.
• If possible, rest your elbows on the table to ensure you do not get blurred images.
• Now, take multiple pictures, keeping the phone steady.

You can also place your finger below the eyepiece lens to stabilize your hand and avoid movement.

Pros

• No need to buy special equipment
• More suitable for hobbyists

Cons

• Need to ensure mobile stability
• Pictures may be blurred

How to Take Pictures Through a Microscope using a DSLR

Besides microscope cameras and mobile phones, DSLRs are more suitable for high-quality images. The method is quite similar to using a mobile phone to take pictures through a microscope:

• Hold the DSLR just above the microscope eyepiece.
• Focus on the image and take pictures.
• Adjust the zoom if needed to get a wider or narrower field of view.
• Save the image for viewing later.

Pros

• Best-quality images
• Options to enhance quality when taking pictures

Cons

• DSLR is expensive
• Heavier than mobile phones

How to Take Better Pictures Using Mobile Phones and DSLR

Tripod

If you are not confident about taking high-quality pictures by adjusting the mobile with your hand, using a tripod is a suitable choice. Using a tripod to hold your mobile or DSLR lets you take more precise pictures.

• Adjust the tripod according to the height of the microscope.
• Attach your phone or DSLR to the tripod in front of the eyepiece.
• Click on the phone or DSLR to focus on the specimen; lock the focus.
• Take as many images as you want.
• Slowly move the tripod from the microscope to get a wider field of focus and click more photos.

Adapter

Besides a tripod, a mobile phone adapter can be a suitable and pocket-friendly choice to enjoy hands-free photography. Using an adapter on a microscope is simple and convenient.

• Attach the adapter to the eyepiece lens.
• Mount your mobile phone on the adapter.
• Focus on the specimen and adjust the magnification if needed.
• Click pictures of the specimen using the mobile phone.
• Save them in your mobile phone or transfer them to the computer for viewing later.

How to Illuminate Your Specimen for Microscope Photography

The simplest way to light up your specimen is to use the in-built lighting within the microscope. Some microscopes also allow you to adjust the illumination. If you still think the pictures need better lighting, use fiber-optic lighting. Regulate the lights according to your preference and the need of the specimen image. Make sure the angle of the light provides enough brightness to the specimen.

When illuminating an object against a dark background, direct it onto the sample at oblique angles. Though it gives you dramatically lit images, this lighting also makes other elements of the slide prominent, like dirt and scratches.

If you do not have extra lights to improve the specimen’s visibility, use your mobile phone’s flashlight. While it’s not the best idea, it’s better than nothing!

How to Edit Pictures Taken from a Microscope?

The raw pictures may or may not be how you want them. However, that does not mean you have to compromise on the quality. Editing the pictures in Photoshop or any other photo editing app can help improve them. Besides adjusting the colors and brightness of the images, you can also remove unneeded elements like dirt and black or white points.

How to View the Images Through a Microscope?

While you can use mobile phones, microscope cameras, and a DSLR to take photos, you need a screen to view the final image. Mostly, people view the images on a monitor by connecting the microscope to the screen. Moreover, you may also attach an LCD screen to the trinocular microscope for convenient viewing.

Tips for Taking Good-Quality Images

• Ensure your slides are properly prepared, and the specimen is clearly visible.
• Clean the eyepiece and objective lenses thoroughly to remove any dirt or dust.
• Illuminate the sample properly to get all the details in the photograph.
• Hold the camera tightly above the eyepiece or use a USB camera to avoid blurred images.
• Choose a camera with a high resolution for better images.
• Edit the sharpness, color balance, contrast, etc., to improve the image.
• Save the images in the right file formats.

The Bottom Line

You can take pictures through a microscope using a mobile phone, DSLR, or microscope camera. Mobile phones are readily accessible but give comparatively low-quality images. At the same time, microscope cameras are convenient and give better image quality compared to the DSLR. You can find microscope cameras in different resolutions and prices to choose from. Pick what suits your needs the best and capture images to view and share later.

FAQs

Can you take a picture through a microscope with an iPhone?

You can use an iPhone to take pictures like any other smartphone. The iPhone offers nice camera quality, and you might get good images. It allows you to focus the images in place while slightly moving them to increase focal view.

What is a picture photo seen through a microscope called?

Pictures taken through the microscope are called micrographs, and taking photographs of microscopic specimens is known as microphotography.

Does the microscope need light to show you the image?

Microscopes have in-built illuminators to illuminate the specimen for observation and recording. You might need extra light to brighten the samples for photography.

Does iPhone have a microscope app?

You can use the Magnifier app on your iPhone to observe an object around you. But it is only suitable for hobbyists and children; you must not rely on the Magnifier app for professional use or emergencies.