What is the highest optical magnification of the LCD Digital Microscope II?
The highest optical magnification is 400x, achieved using the 40x achromatic objective lens. The 1600x magnification figure is reached by applying a 4x digital zoom to the 400x optical view.
Can I use the Celestron LCD Digital Microscope II without a computer?
Yes. The microscope is a fully self-contained unit. The built-in 3.5" LCD screen, internal firmware, and SD card slot allow you to view, capture, and store images and videos without ever connecting to a computer. You only need a computer to transfer the files from the SD card later.
How many images can the included 2GB SD card hold on the LCD Digital Microscope II?
The included 2GB SD card can store over 600 images at the sensor's maximum resolution of 2592 x 1944 pixels. The microscope supports SD cards up to 32GB for significantly more storage capacity.
How does the LCD Digital Microscope II's rotating screen help in a classroom setting when viewing one of the 5 prepared slides?
The 180° rotating screen is ideal for collaboration. An instructor can set up one of the 5 included slides, focus the image, and then rotate the screen for a student to see without the student needing to move. This is also perfect for small groups, allowing multiple people to view the specimen comfortably from different sides of a lab table.
Can I power the LCD Digital Microscope II for fieldwork, for example, when collecting pond water samples?
Absolutely. The microscope can be powered by four AA batteries (not included), making it fully portable for use in the field. The included carrying case makes transport safe and easy, allowing you to analyze samples on-site immediately after collection.
What is the difference between the still image resolution and the video resolution?
The Celestron LCD Digital Microscope II can capture high-resolution still images up to 2592 x 1944 pixels (5MP). However, its video capture capability is limited to a standard VGA resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. This is a common trade-off to ensure smooth video recording with the internal processor.
How do I connect the microscope to a larger screen for a presentation?
The microscope features a Video/TV out port. You can use a standard composite video cable (not included) to connect this port to a television, monitor, or projector to share the live view with a larger audience in real-time.