Here is a list of the software and applications I have made along with the camera setups shown below:
  • Micrometry: Is a python based GUI that allows the user to take measurements under the live feed of their microscope camera.
  • ScalebarInserter: Is a python based script that allows the user to automatically embed scalebars into their images.

Photography at 12 MP resolution

Gallery

The newest generations of credit-card-size microcomputers get more powerful every year. In 2020 Raspberry released a high resolution camera named "Pi HQ Camera". Although limited by the processor in its ability to reliably deliver good quality video, this 12 MP camera contains a Sony IMX477 sensor, and produces really good images. By connecting the hardware to the Raspberry Pi (I use the model B-4) it's possible to control the camera's shutter via VNC viewer by using a python script. In combination with a multistack algorithm, the results are at a publication quality level.

Video at 4K resolution

Gallery

GoPro cameras are particularly appropiate for microscopy and macro applications:

  1. Their small size makes the mounting safer by keeping the center of gravity at the base of the microscope, compared with DSLR
  2. Their small size makes it possible to mount more than one camera at the same time, enabling stereoscopic video recording
  3. Their price is more affordable than most other cameras
  4. Their hardware is sturdy, simple and compact, making it easy to replace components, and resilient to the environment or accidents
  5. They have an IMX camera sensor that records at high speeds and resolutions

In addition, these cameras can be used remotely, with previews sent directly to the phone, and when coupled with a Video Capture Card it can broadcast live by sending the view to the computer as a webcam, making it essential for applications in object detection and machine learning.
Raspberry Pi (left eyepiece) and customized GoPro videocamera (right eyepiece) mounted on 30 mm eyepieces of an Olympus SZ61 Stereoscope.