Difference between digital microscope and stereo microscope

Stereo microscopes and digital microscopes each have advantages and disadvantages.
It is necessary to understand the characteristics of each and use them properly.

1. Features of stereo microscope
The major difference is that stereo microscopes have a two-optical path design.
There are independent optical paths on the right and left sides.

The field of view is also different between the right and left.
This is called parallax.
If you hold the coin shown below upright and observe it with a stereo microscope, the left and right fields of view will not match.


The observer observes these different fields of view as one image.
It's just like humans have two eyes.

The advantage of this is that the object appears three-dimensional(3D).
You can also see the perspective, so if you are doing processing work, you will need a stereo microscope.
The disadvatage is that it requires some skill when using it.
(If you are using it for the first time, you may be confused as the images will not be combined into one.)

In the case of a trinocular stereo microscope, the camera port will display images from either the left or right side.
(The video is also diagonal view.)

The disadvantage is that high magnification observation is not possible.
(This is because delicate left and right adjustments are required during manufacturing.)
The magnification is relatively low. The zoom ratio is also not that large.
The limit for stereo microscopes is 10-50x for general-purpose microscopes, and 100x for high-magnification types.

Additionally, long hours of work can increase worker stress.
Adjustments such as eye width adjustment and diopter adjustment are required for each individual observer.

Since the field of view is different on the left and right sides, it is not suitable for accurate positioning or two-dimensional dimension measurement.
When using a microscope for the above purposes, use a monocular microscope.


2. Features of the digital microscope
Basically, it is a monocular lens.

Just like when humans see things with one eye, the disadvantage is that it is difficult to perceive perspective.
The above coin will look like the following at the center of the lens.

With a wide variety of lenses to choose from, we can accommodate everything from low magnification to high magnification (up to over 2000x).
In addition, since observation is performed on a monitor, even first-time users can easily observe it, and it is less tiring, making it suitable for long-time observation (inspection).

Since it is observed from directly above (direct view), it is also suitable for positioning and dimension measurement.
It is also compatible with PCs and can be used with a variety of software such as video storage, image processing, focus compositing, etc.

3. Magnification of stereo microscopes and digital microscopes
The magnification of a stereo microscope and a digital microscope cannot simply be compared.
While a stereo microscope allows you to see things with your eyes, a digital microscope allows you to see things on a monitor.
At that time, the monitor magnification will be included.

Although it is not possible to make a simple comparison based on magnification, it is possible to make a simple comparison based on the field of view.

for example,
The observation field of the stereo microscope is calculated by the number of fields of view.
In the case of a stereo microscope with a field of view of 20, the field of view will be 20 mm in diameter at 10x magnification.


If you want to observe the same field of view as the stereo microscope above, the digital microscope below will magnify the field of view by 20 times.
(It will be magnified 10 times with a stereo microscope.)


Also, in the case of a microscope, it changes depending on the monitor size.
For more information, please see the article below.
Difference between digital microscope magnification and stereo microscope magnification
 
4. Differences in main uses
・Applications suitable for stereo microscopes
Installation, processing, inspection/observation of three-dimensional(3D) objects, etc.

・Applications suitable for digital microscopes
Appearance inspection, accurate positioning (centering, etc.), dimension measurement without unevenness, etc.

5. Shodensha (Thailand) stereo microscope
Shodensha (Thailand) offers low-cost, visual/camera simultaneous imaging, and high-magnification stereo microscopes to suit your needs.
We also have a wide selection of microscope lighting and options.
You can choose from a variety of options depending on your application, magnification, etc.
We also have USB, high-definition, 4K, and video cameras for microscopes.

Low cost stereo microscope
NSZ-405
With epi-lighting/transmitted lighting
7 to 30 times


Eyepiece/camera simultaneous shooting stereo microscope
YM0745-RT3L
with ring light
7 to 45 times


High magnification zoom binocular stereo microscope
GR1040-65S2
with ring light
10 to 65 times


6. Shodensha (Thailand) digital Microscope
Shodensha (Thailand) has a wide selection of USB microscopes, 4K microscopes, high-definition microscopes, and more to suit your needs.
You can choose from a variety of options depending on your application, magnification, connection method, etc.

USB Microscope


4K Microscope


Hi-Vision Microscope


Inquire about this product
Tel: 02-664-2246
Mail:info@shodensha.co.th
Business hours 8.30 - 17.30 (Closed on weekends & public holidays)