USB video camera for fossil prep work

[trilobite tim]

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with simple video cameras, mag 20 - 800 x for prep work? I was thinking of getting one and putting it in my prep "box". Much cheaper than a microscope and swing arm. I could run the cable out and right to my lap top. The write-up says focal length can be adjusted out to 200 mm. More than enough to work on small fossils.

thanks, Tim

[oilshale]

Interesting idea! How about the depth of field - will it be comparable to a microscope? And how can you change the focal length - will it be fixed?

You won't use magnification higher than 20X. My normal range is from 5X to 15X (and my age is 63 - your eyes should be better than mine).

Thomas

Edited November 11, 2015 by oilshale

[Auspex]

For really close, precision prepping, two eyes are better than one: binocular 'scopes have that edge, plus higher resolution than a monitor.

[Fossildude19]

For really close, precision prepping, two eyes are better than one: binocular 'scopes have that edge, plus higher resolution than a monitor.

Unless, like me, you lack stereoscopic vision. ;P

Regards,

[Ptychodus04]

I tried a low power USB microscope for prep work and was not happy with it. There were two main drawbacks (video resolution not withstanding).

1. The image on the screen was reversed so moving the tool produced an opposite image on the monitor... Very disorienting.

2. Using an actual microscope on a specimen puts the work area in a natural orientation as compared to prepping without one (item prepped is physically in front of where you are looking) Using the USB microscope, I had to look away from the specimen to see what I was doing... Also disorienting.

So, micro work is still done under my antique stereo microscope and the USB microscope got converted to an astronomy video cam.

[Raggedy Man]

If you're worried about cost don't be. I paid about $250 for this beauty. I tried the USB cam for prepping, but resolution and delay quickly ended that route. I purchased this scope from AM Scope and I love it. I also bought my compound microscope from them as well. Both are amazing scopes.

Best regards,

Paul