To capture digital microscope images with a digital SLR camera, the digital camera must be optically and mechanically adapted to the microscope. An adapter connects the camera with the microscope. A firm mechanical connection is particularly important, because even the smallest movements (vibrations) of the camera strongly reduce the image quality. Furthermore, the light path must be optically adapted so that a fully lit, focused image is projected to the camera sensor (CCD/CMOS). There are several methods for attaching a digital camera to a microscope. One solution is to use the phototube. Using the adapter, the digital camera is screwed firmly onto the tube. The two oculars continue to be used for the visual observation of the specimen. Unfortunately, almost all microscopes that are equipped with a phototube are very costly. For simple purposes, another option is to directly place a digital camera, without any adaptations, directly to the ocular, and to capture an image with a steady hand. Due to the lack of optical adaptation, however, this method produces a smaller, vignetted image in most cases. Vignettation means that the edges of an image are darker than the centre. This effect causes only a small part of the sensor to be optimally used; the rest remains black. A more professional, but also more costly solution is to use a tube adapter. With this method, the ocular is removed and an adapter is fitted into the phototube with the digital camera. The adapter acts as a mechanical and optical interface between microscope and digital camera. This makes it possible to avoid motion blurs due to camera shake and vignettation effects, leading to a much higher quality of the image.
Source: WP
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