Bguild Posted April 24, 2017 Share Posted April 24, 2017 Hi Everyone, I'm in search of an affordable handheld digital microscope. Does anyone have any suggestions? The "Zoomy 2.0 handheld digital microscope" had been suggested to me by a local fossil hunter who takes all of his pictures for presentation purposes using the small egg-shaped device. https://www.learningresources.com/product/zoomy--8482-+2.0+handheld+digital+microscope+-+blue.do?sortby=ourPicks&refType=&from=Search&ecList=6&ecCategory= Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted April 24, 2017 Share Posted April 24, 2017 I have this one. Bought it after Christmas. Not great images, but not horrible either. Has an adjustable ringlight. you can take photo or videos from the software or the camera. I'll upload some images when I get home. Tim - VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER VFOTM --- APRIL - 2015 __________________________________________________ "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~ ><))))( *> About Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodon Posted April 24, 2017 Share Posted April 24, 2017 I've used these two and happy with results http://www.amscope.com/500x-2mp-digital-usb-zoom-8-led-3d-microscope.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjwxPbHBRCdxJLF3qen3dYBEiQAMRyxS1Vo2pgRX3T9HWAF9PtmuQyyB6omz0vIN0QjHUAZ1tQaAhIl8P8HAQ I did buy a separate stand for it https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/used/747997/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwxPbHBRCdxJLF3qen3dYBEiQAMRyxS90wEswRkQt7zvvfpT6_-yafZBRjgBObDBMbb5-gwCQaAhX78P8HAQ&c3api=1876%2C92051677682%2C Theropod serrations 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bguild Posted April 24, 2017 Author Share Posted April 24, 2017 Now if only those had software that was compatible with Windows 10. I'm calling shengnigans! Maybe there's newer software for those microscopes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted April 25, 2017 Share Posted April 25, 2017 Here are some pictures of fossil I've taken with mine. 2 Tim - VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER VFOTM --- APRIL - 2015 __________________________________________________ "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~ ><))))( *> About Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bguild Posted April 25, 2017 Author Share Posted April 25, 2017 Thanks for the pictures @Fossildude19! Does it works with Windows 10? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kane Posted April 25, 2017 Share Posted April 25, 2017 A question for @Troodon How does your scope scale between 5x and 500x? The specs on the page don't seem to say how many "stops" it has along the way from 5 to 500. I have a Carson (comparable to what @Fossildude19 has), and it only has the two settings: 75x and 300x. The higher magnification is not always very useful for viewing fossils as it can go right down to the mineralization/crystals. Both mine and @Fossildude19's seem to add this greenish tinge to the image, regardless of where you set the ringlight ...How to Philosophize with a Hammer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted April 25, 2017 Share Posted April 25, 2017 10 minutes ago, Bguild said: Thanks for the pictures @Fossildude19! Does it works with Windows 10? Sorry, Not sure. I can try to test it on my wifes laptop - probably tomorrow evening. 4 minutes ago, Kane said: A question for @Troodon How does your scope scale between 5x and 500x? The specs on the page don't seem to say how many "stops" it has along the way from 5 to 500. I have a Carson (comparable to what @Fossildude19 has), and it only has the two settings: 75x and 300x. The higher magnification is not always very useful for viewing fossils as it can go right down to the mineralization/crystals. Both mine and @Fossildude19's seem to add this greenish tinge to the image, regardless of where you set the ringlight That's what photo editors are for. Tim - VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER VFOTM --- APRIL - 2015 __________________________________________________ "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~ ><))))( *> About Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bguild Posted April 25, 2017 Author Share Posted April 25, 2017 Is there any merit to getting a low power microscope (something around 50x magnification)? Yours does seem to work with Windows 10 @Fossildude19. Found more in depth specs. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodon Posted April 25, 2017 Share Posted April 25, 2017 7 hours ago, Kane said: A question for @Troodon How does your scope scale between 5x and 500x? The specs on the page don't seem to say how many "stops" it has along the way from 5 to 500. I have a Carson (comparable to what @Fossildude19 has), and it only has the two settings: 75x and 300x. The higher magnification is not always very useful for viewing fossils as it can go right down to the mineralization/crystals. Both mine and @Fossildude19's seem to add this greenish tinge to the image, regardless of where you set the ringlight I own the second one I posted the first one I used at my friends house with theropod teeth. I don't recall stops but a continuous zoom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bguild Posted April 25, 2017 Author Share Posted April 25, 2017 Has Anyone ever used this microscope? It's made by a company called Teslong. Seems to have a higher resolution. Specifications: Sensor:1.0 Megapixel CMOSResolution:1280*720 PixelsFocus Range: Manual focus from 10mm to 500mmMagnification Ratio :10x to 200xInterface:USB2.0/Micro-USB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted April 25, 2017 Share Posted April 25, 2017 21 hours ago, Bguild said: Has Anyone ever used this microscope? It's made by a company called Teslong. Seems to have a higher resolution. Specifications: Sensor:1.0 Megapixel CMOSResolution:1280*720 PixelsFocus Range: Manual focus from 10mm to 500mmMagnification Ratio :10x to 200xInterface:USB2.0/Micro-USB The one I have does 1600-1200 pixels, and up to 250 x optical zoom. "But, ...Ours go to 11!" Tim - VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER VFOTM --- APRIL - 2015 __________________________________________________ "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~ ><))))( *> About Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bguild Posted April 25, 2017 Author Share Posted April 25, 2017 21 hours ago, Fossildude19 said: The one I have does 1600-1200 pixels, and up to 250 x optical zoom. "But, ...Ours go to 11!" Hm good to know, so the plug and play one that you have goes up to higher image resolutions? I was only seeing the 640x480 advertised online. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted April 25, 2017 Share Posted April 25, 2017 Yes it does. If you watch the video, they show the software where you can change the resolution. (Screen capture.) The only bad thing about it, is that you have to remember to change the resolution all the time - it doesn't default to the last one you used, It defaults to the 640 x 480. Also, mine is a regular USB plug - doesn't have micro usb for attachment to phones. You'd have to buy an adapter. 1 Tim - VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER VFOTM --- APRIL - 2015 __________________________________________________ "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~ ><))))( *> About Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kane Posted April 25, 2017 Share Posted April 25, 2017 ^^^^This is very true, and a bit of a disappointment with the software. Mine also defaults to the built-in webcam, so I have to toggle it to the USB camera each time. ...How to Philosophize with a Hammer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bguild Posted April 25, 2017 Author Share Posted April 25, 2017 I went with the microscope suggested by @Fossildude19. After doing my consumer research it seems like this is the most reputable digital microscope for the price point. Thanks everyone for the info! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted April 25, 2017 Share Posted April 25, 2017 4 minutes ago, Bguild said: I went with the microscope suggested by @Fossildude19. After doing my consumer research it seems like this is the most reputable digital microscope for the price point. Thanks everyone for the info! Good luck with it. I hope you enjoy this one. Make sure to play around with it. It is a bit tricky to always get good pictures, but if you take your time, you can get some really good shots. Don't forget to change the resolution, each time you open the software. Tim - VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER VFOTM --- APRIL - 2015 __________________________________________________ "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~ ><))))( *> About Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnBrewer Posted April 25, 2017 Share Posted April 25, 2017 7 hours ago, Bguild said: Has Anyone ever used this microscope? It's made by a company called Teslong. Seems to have a higher resolution. Specifications: Sensor:1.0 Megapixel CMOSResolution:1280*720 PixelsFocus Range: Manual focus from 10mm to 500mmMagnification Ratio :10x to 200xInterface:USB2.0/Micro-USB How cool does that look! Designed by Starck http://archcook.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/juicy-salif-lo-spremiagrumi-di-philippe.html?m=1 John Map of UK fossil sites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bguild Posted April 26, 2017 Author Share Posted April 26, 2017 16 hours ago, JohnBrewer said: How cool does that look! Designed by Starck http://archcook.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/juicy-salif-lo-spremiagrumi-di-philippe.html?m=1 The USB connector that doubles as an Android phone connector is something I haven't seen before. Cool design for the chord on top of a sleek looking scope! ...Too bad I have an iPhone . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted April 26, 2017 Share Posted April 26, 2017 2 minutes ago, Bguild said: The USB connector that doubles as an Android phone connector is something I haven't seen before. Cool design for the chord on top of a sleek looking scope! ...Too bad I have an iPhone . Thank you, Apple, for playing along so nicely with everyone else. 1 Tim - VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER VFOTM --- APRIL - 2015 __________________________________________________ "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~ ><))))( *> About Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bguild Posted April 28, 2017 Author Share Posted April 28, 2017 Yep, this thing's cool 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted April 28, 2017 Share Posted April 28, 2017 Glad it's working out for you. Tim - VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER VFOTM --- APRIL - 2015 __________________________________________________ "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~ ><))))( *> About Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yvie Posted April 28, 2017 Share Posted April 28, 2017 Crenova 5mp Had to reinstall software.You need to save the photos elsewhere otherwise that's why the software stops derrrr!Used it with picolay o.k. to.Cheap as chips Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allenz Posted May 3, 2017 Share Posted May 3, 2017 Don't know a lot about them but should be receiving mine next week ,I went with a brand called Q-scope it has polarization which from everything I have read is supposed to be good for looking at Fossils and different minerals Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nimravis Posted May 3, 2017 Share Posted May 3, 2017 On 4/25/2017 at 9:08 AM, Fossildude19 said: Yes it does. If you watch the video, they show the software where you can change the resolution. (Screen capture.) The only bad thing about it, is that you have to remember to change the resolution all the time - it doesn't default to the last one you used, It defaults to the 640 x 480. Also, mine is a regular USB plug - doesn't have micro usb for attachment to phones. You'd have to buy an adapter. I have the same scope and I love it. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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