Grepper,
In evaluating the value of Dino-Lite vs. other USB microscopes, I also consider these factors:
* The quality of the optics. I have not done any direct comparisons between my Dino-Lite and other high-end USB 'scopes, but my Dino-Lite is in another league entirely when compared to inexpensive USB 'scopes in terms of image quality.
* The quality of the service and support. From personal experience compassing many interactions over the past 2.5 years, I can vouch for the excellence of support from both the USA distributor and from the manufacturer in Taiwan. Hardware issues have been resolved immediately via expedited replacements. Software issues have been resolved typically within a couple of days (!!!) via downloadable updates.
In evaluating the value of Dino-Lite vs. conventional 'scopes with digital cameras (like the AmScope you reference,) I also consider these factors:
* Size: The Dino-Lite 'scope is tiny, and fits easily in a corner of my office desk. A full-sized optical microscope would require its own workbench.
* Flexibility of sample positioning --> flexibility of lighting: Where a conventional 'scope requires the sample to be on its stage, the Dino-Lite easily accommodates having a sample held 200 mm above the desktop, in any spatial orientation, with nothing else nearby. This allows nearly unlimited control over lighting.
Regarding focus stacking:
I've found Dino-Lite's embedded EDOF algorithm is good, and usually yields results comparable to stacking in Photoshop.
I use Photoshop when making images requiring extremely large DoF beyond the range of automatic EDOF.
Single exposure:
![[Image: i-pztRB8J-L.jpg]](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pztRB8J/0/f1f5ad45/L/i-pztRB8J-L.jpg)
Focus stacked in Photoshop:
![[Image: i-R3P9HVg-L.jpg]](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-R3P9HVg/0/e97100f0/L/i-R3P9HVg-L.jpg)
Regarding focusing:
My Dino-Lite not only offers autofocus; it also offers manual focus via keyboard/mouse control over its internal focusing mechanism. This allows precise manual control of focus without touching the 'scope. This feature works brilliantly, and I use it exclusively for most of my work. I use mechanical focus only for high-precision linear measurements, as the internal focus mechanism introduces a small uncontrolled variation in magnification.
In evaluating the value of Dino-Lite vs. other USB microscopes, I also consider these factors:
* The quality of the optics. I have not done any direct comparisons between my Dino-Lite and other high-end USB 'scopes, but my Dino-Lite is in another league entirely when compared to inexpensive USB 'scopes in terms of image quality.
* The quality of the service and support. From personal experience compassing many interactions over the past 2.5 years, I can vouch for the excellence of support from both the USA distributor and from the manufacturer in Taiwan. Hardware issues have been resolved immediately via expedited replacements. Software issues have been resolved typically within a couple of days (!!!) via downloadable updates.
In evaluating the value of Dino-Lite vs. conventional 'scopes with digital cameras (like the AmScope you reference,) I also consider these factors:
* Size: The Dino-Lite 'scope is tiny, and fits easily in a corner of my office desk. A full-sized optical microscope would require its own workbench.
* Flexibility of sample positioning --> flexibility of lighting: Where a conventional 'scope requires the sample to be on its stage, the Dino-Lite easily accommodates having a sample held 200 mm above the desktop, in any spatial orientation, with nothing else nearby. This allows nearly unlimited control over lighting.
Regarding focus stacking:
I've found Dino-Lite's embedded EDOF algorithm is good, and usually yields results comparable to stacking in Photoshop.
I use Photoshop when making images requiring extremely large DoF beyond the range of automatic EDOF.
Single exposure:
Focus stacked in Photoshop:
Regarding focusing:
My Dino-Lite not only offers autofocus; it also offers manual focus via keyboard/mouse control over its internal focusing mechanism. This allows precise manual control of focus without touching the 'scope. This feature works brilliantly, and I use it exclusively for most of my work. I use mechanical focus only for high-precision linear measurements, as the internal focus mechanism introduces a small uncontrolled variation in magnification.