Practical Digital Photomicrography: Photography Through the Microscope for the Life Sciences

This book is an introduction to digital photography through the microscope in which readers will learn about the three camera types used in photomicrography (point and shoot consumer cameras, digital single lens reflex cameras, and professional (scientific) photomicrography instruments) and the advantages and disadvantages of each. For example, the point and shoot camera has the benefit of a live, real-time preview, active histogram, potential infrared sensitivity, low cost, and video recording capability. Its disadvantages are noise at low light levels and limited dynamic range. A digital single lens reflex has, at low magnification, the advantages of an accurate and sharp focusing screen, low noise at low light levels, and good dynamic range. This camera provides the potential of equaling the quality of scientific cameras but at a fraction of the cost. Its only weakness is the ergonomic deficiencies resulting from having the camera mounted on a microscope.