When using a microscope camera adapter, it's common to observe a smaller field of view compared to what you see when using just the eyepieces. This phenomenon occurs due to the way the camera adapter is designed and its impact on the optical path of the microscope. Here's why you might see a smaller field when using a microscope camera adapter:
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Camera Sensor Size: Many microscope camera adapters are designed to accommodate specific camera sensors. Camera sensors come in various sizes, such as full-frame, APS-C, or smaller. The camera adapter's field of view is typically matched to the camera sensor's size. If the camera sensor is smaller than the eyepiece field of view, you will experience a cropping effect, leading to a smaller observable area.
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Optical System Design: Microscope camera adapters are designed to capture high-quality images of the specimen. This often involves aligning the camera sensor precisely with the optical axis of the microscope to ensure the best possible image quality and minimal distortion. Achieving this alignment might require a reduction in the field of view to maintain optical integrity.
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Magnification Matching: To achieve accurate imaging, the magnification on the camera sensor needs to match the magnification you see through the eyepieces. This can involve adjustments to the optical system to ensure that the camera's captured image corresponds correctly to the visual experience. This matching can result in a smaller field of view.
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Parfocal Adjustment: In many microscopes, the eyepieces are parfocal, meaning they are designed to keep the same focal plane. When introducing a camera adapter, adjustments might be necessary to maintain this parfocal alignment, which can impact the field of view.
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Image Quality and Aberrations: Camera adapters are designed to minimize optical aberrations and maintain image quality. To achieve this, they may incorporate additional lenses or optical elements. These elements can impact the effective field of view and result in a smaller observable area.
These links will take you to a list of our microscope cameras and microscope camera adapters