All of the full-version cameras in the
PAXcam™ USB2
digital microscope camera lineup have the same general feature
set. This includes PAX-it’s powerful image
database,
live preview images at great frame rates, overlays
on the preview image, the ability to add modules for
making measurements
on the live preview, measurements
on captured images, image
analysis and much more. Your PAXcam offers options
as your needs grow and change!
The main differentiation
between the PAXcam models is the resulting resolution of
the captured image, and in the light levels available for imaging.
| Camera Model |
Megapixels |
Image Resolution |
Image Size
(color, uncompressed) |
Relative Sensitivity |
Max Exposure Time |
Frame Rates in Live Preview |
Most captured images are used for documentation,
archiving, slide show presentations, written reports, or
shared via email. When considering a camera’s resolution,
keep the final purpose in mind. Large image files are difficult
to email and network administrators do not want large image
files taking up precious server space. (For example, a 5
MP image can produce a 12 MB image file; a 20 MP image can
be 60+ MB in size!) If image analysis functions are being
performed, the process can be noticeably slower as images
get to be larger in size. These factors mean the balance
between resolution and functionality must be critically examined.
More resolution is not always better!
Does your application require extremely high-resolution digital images that match the PAXcam ARC’s capabilities? The answer must be addressed in relation to the purpose for the digital images. If your application does not require extreme resolutions of this size, then the PAXcam™ ARC or any other super high-resolution camera is probably not the right fit. The PAXcam3™, in those cases, would provide a perfect cost-effective, high-resolution solution for achieving great results in a simplified workflow: spectacular images for documentation, measurement, image analysis, archiving, presentation and communication. Are there instances where extreme resolution is needed in a camera? Absolutely, and they typically involve either a need to produce very large prints, the need to make very accurate measurements of small objects, or the documentation of large fields of view (low magnification photography). PAXcam™ ARC is the perfect solution for these applications, offering extremely high-resolution images with all of the PAXcam™ and PAX-it™ features that have made PAXcam™ the #1 USB2 microscope camera value on the market. PAXcam™ ARC’s adjustable resolution capability means you can determine whether to take a particular shot at standard or higher resolution settings, all the way up to 20 megapixel images (5K x 4K pixels)! Standard documentation images for reports or presentations need not take up valuable disk space or create communication problems, but for those times when it is necessary, the extreme resolution of a 5, 10 or 20 MP image is available with the click of your mouse. And best of all, PAXcam™ ARC comes with a price tag that is comparable to many 5MP cameras in the microscopy marketplace today!
The sensitivity of the camera should also be considered. All of the PAXcam models work extremely well in brightfield applications, phase contrast microscopy, and other modes of imaging in which standard levels of light are available, such as macrostand work or stereozoom microscopy with 100W halogen illumination. If your application involves extremely low light conditions, such as when using some older low-wattage scopes, Nomarksi (DIC) applications, fluorescence microscopy, or poorly lit macro work, then the PAXcam2+ will be more appropriate.
Which PAXcam™ is right for you? Still undecided? Consult our image library for some examples of PAXcam™ images taken in different applications, and view the image quality available in each camera. Or contact a PAXcam™ representative to discuss your particular needs. Whatever your need, the PAXcam™ family of cameras has the right solution for you!
PAXcam Digital Microscope Camera Package Part Numbers
- Multiple-camera systems are
also available at great prices. You can install several
PAXcams into one computer. Please call for details.
- Each c-mount camera requires a c-mount
coupler to attach to the microscope (not included in
the PAXcam system, but can be added if you don’t
already have one).
- Cameras can be mounted to macro
stands and used with
macro zoom lenses. Lenses and mounting brackets are available.
The
Differences Between PAXcam Microscope Cameras
PAXcam
ARC
- When you need a broader
range of flexibility, with more choices for
capture resolution.
- The PAXcam ARC has flexible resolution
settings from 1.3mp to 20mp (5120x4096 results
in a 60MB file). This is perfect for high-quality
prints and fine detail.
- Great choice for the user that
only periodically requires a super-high resolution
image. You can do most of your work with lower
resolutions, but dial up when needed.
- Highest resolution settings can
help when you need to make very accurate measurements
of small objects
- Highest resolution settings can
be used when you need to document large fields
of view (low magnification photography) with
stereozoom microscopes or copystand
applications with macro lenses.
|
|
PAXcam5
Digital Microscope Camera
- PAXcam5 is suitable for most microscopy and macrostand applications. It produces a 5 megapixel image (2592 x 1944), or a 1296 x 972 image at the half-resolution capture setting.
- PAXcam5 is preferred for imaging through the stereozoom microscope, on a copystand with a macro lens, or if low magnification work is the norm on the microscope. Higher resolution will help resolve detail in the larger fields of view that are typical with these applications.
- The 5 MP resolution is great if you will be printing larger than full-page images in reports, or if on-screen magnification will be used to view detail in images.
- Higher resolution means that image analysis processing will be a little slower than with the smaller PAXcam2 images (more data to process), but there is more image detail and raw data for increased accuracy.
|
|
PAXcam3
Digital Microscope Camera
- PAXcam3 is suitable for most
microscopy applications. It produces a 3.1 megapixel
image (2048x1536), or a 1024x768 image at the
half-resolution capture setting.
- PAXcam3 is preferable over the
PAXcam2 for imaging through the stereozoom microscope,
on a copystand
with a macro lens, or if low magnification
work is the norm on the microscope. Higher resolution
will help resolve detail in the larger fields
of view that are typical with these applications.
- The 3.1 MP resolution is great
if you will be printing up to full-page images
in reports.
- Higher resolution means that image analysis processing will be a little slower than with the smaller PAXcam2 images (more data to process), but there is more image detail and raw data for increased accuracy.
|
|
PAXcam2+ Digital Microscope Camera
- PAXcam2+ is suitable for most microscopy applications. It produces a 2.1 megapixel image (1616 x 1216) or a 808 x 608 image at the half-resolution capture setting.
- PAXcam2+ is preferable over other PAXcam models when low light sensitivity is an issue. The PAXcam2+ can be used at longer exposure times, and the sensitivity of the sensor is maximized so that even at the same exposure, the PAXcam2+ is brighter than the standard PAXcams.
- Because of the lower light capabilities, the PAXcam2+ is useful on low light stereozoom applications, Nomarski Differential Interference Contrast (DIC), ophthalmology applications, darkfield microscopy, polarized light work, and fluorescence microscopy where a cooled camera is not required.
- The PAXcam2+ is also a great choice in demanding applications for color imaging. The brilliance and fidelity of colors with this model outshines even the great results obtained with the other PAXcams.
|
|
PAXcam2
- Saves some money relative to
the PAXcam3, PAXcam5, or ARC
- Fantastic for most material science
applications, especially at higher magnifications.
- Produces excellent
quality images to use in standard reports.
- Perfect for doing the same analysis
routine over and over (nodularity, grainsize).
Smaller image sizes (1600x1200 or 800x600) mean
faster analysis times.
|
|
PAXcam EDU Digital Microscope Camera for Educational and Budget Applications
- Most inexpensive version
with great PAXcam features!
- Special PAXcam model designed
specifically for educational laboratories and
student use
- Still with the same rigorous
scientific grading of components for consistent
quality in defect-free images. Not a toy camera
or consumer-grade equipment.
- Great quality images for presentations,
reports, web posting, and routine labwork.
- Compatible with all PAX-it! software
modules for expandability, including the PAX-it!
Educational Software component
|
|
|
|
