Question 1

If I press the edge of the microscope flat against a thin piece of paper, I can get only 85x magnification. That's on a 27 inch monitor. Why?

Accepted Answer

This is a confusing issue and the vendors aren't helping with their 2BazillionX magnification claims. In reality you are looking at focal lengths as far as "real" magnification goes and display size as far as "apparent" magnification goes. For real magnification what we are doing is focusing an image on a sensors surface. If we are closer to the subject we are going to cover more sensor surface with the image. This is measured in aspect ratio. If my focused image is the same size on the sensor surface as the subject itself the aspect is 1:1. If the image size is half the life size it's .5:1, etc. So with a 1:1 ratio a 1" subject would yield a 1" image on the sensor surface. 1:1 is usually considered nirvana for macro (super closeup) photography. You can "blow up" a 1:1 image a whole lot without it blurring. This is where the "monitor size" blather comes in. The more dots (pixels) the sensor had the more I can expand my display and still see good detail in the image. (Take a printed image and a decent magnifying glass and you will see the dots) If I expand my display size too much it will blur to the point it's useless to my eyes because my 'dots' are too far apart.

The gist of this is that you change true magnification by moving the focus point (focal plane) closer or farther from the image sensor in the microscope. For the scopes smallest image size (lowest magnification) raise the scope body higher and use the focus/zoom wheel on the scope to focus the image. For the largest image size (magnification) you want to get as close to the subject as you can. Then the maximum "magnification" (display size) you use is simply determined by the number of pixels the sensor has. This scope has 5 million. That's a bunch! The photos you get will display well on a projector screen for an audience. As for true magnification this scope will focus down to the point the clear plastic hood touches the subject. This yields about 67X - which is really good for what you paid. Just a few years ago we would be discussing thousands of dollars (and Celestron products) to get clear images this size.

I hope this info helps, it should be useful in understanding the measurement function of the software as well. The measurement function is really great for teaching purposes!

Question 2

Hi. Is there anyone who want to make an experiment for me? Can you see any algae or any kind of life in a drop of water?

Accepted Answer

Depending upon the magnification, many "things" can be seen in a drop of pond water. http://www.microworldsphotography.com/Galleries/Microscopic-Creatures/i-cKDFwMC

Question 3

Can the lighting intensity be varied?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is a dial on the USB cord that allows you to adjust the intensity. The dial will allow you to turn the light completely off.

Question 4

Can the magnification vary between 20X & 200X or is it just two fixed magnifications? For example can you magnify 50X or 80X?

Accepted Answer

The zoom is continuous, no fixed magnification levels between maximum and minimum.

ASIN	B00CMJ1I08
Best Sellers Rank	#511 in Camera & Photo Products ( See Top 100 in Camera & Photo Products ) #72 in Lab Handheld Digital Microscopes
Brand	Celestron
Built-In Media	Built in adjustable light polarizing filter, Calibration Ruler, Plastic and metal adjustable stand with 1/4-20 thread clip holder, Quick Setup Guide
Color	Gray/White
Compatible Devices	Personal Computer
Customer Reviews	4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars (979)
Global Trade Identification Number	00050234443081
Item Dimensions L x W x H	1.3"L x 1.3"W x 4.44"H
Item Weight	0.65 Kilograms
Light Source Type	LED
Magnification Maximum	200
Manufacturer	Celestron
Manufacturer Part Number	44308
Model Name	Celestron Labs Digital 5MP Handheld Microscope
Model Number	44308
Objective Lens Description	Achromatic
Power Source	2.0 USB-C 5V (non-removable cable)
Real Angle Of View	45 Degrees
UPC	050234443081
Unit Count	1.0 Count
Voltage	5 Volts
Warranty Description	2 Years

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