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Digital Cooled CCD
Product Overview
Most biological imaging systems are based around a monochrome digital camera. The key to choosing the appropriate camera is to consider the required spatial and temporal resolution in conjunction with the overall levels of light. For very fast low-light imaging it is worth considering a Electron Multiplied camera, but for general purpose microscopy a conventional digital camera is often more appropriate.When comparing the specification of different cameras it is also important to consider software compatibility and support issues. For this reason we would usually recommend the Q Imaging, Photometrics and Hamamatsu product ranges as these companies have extensive experience of serving the scientific market and offer high quality products with (almost) universal software support.
If light levels are high (e.g. Brightfield or Phase microscopy) then an inexpensive camera will deliver excellent results. For low-light fluorescence where images only need to be captured in < 1 sec or image quality is not important (e.g. for identifying which cells are fluorescent) then a mid-range camera is suitable. For high resolution at low light-levels then a high Quantum Efficiency (link) sensor with cooling (link) will produce better results.
If speed is more important than resolution then a high QE, non-cooled camera will offer the best value. For very high time resolution (upto 2KHz) then please refer to the EM camera section and also consult with us about the RedShirt Imaging Neuro and Cardio systems and our Photodiode Array products. For contractility measurements we are pleased to offer the IonOptix range.When comparing the specification of different cameras it is also important to consider software compatibility and support issues. For this reason we would usually recommend the Q Imaging, Photometrics and Hamamatsu product ranges as these companies have extensive experience of serving the scientific market and offer high quality products with (almost) universal software support.
If light levels are high (e.g. Brightfield or Phase microscopy) then an inexpensive camera will deliver excellent results. For low-light fluorescence where images only need to be captured in < 1 sec or image quality is not important (e.g. for identifying which cells are fluorescent) then a mid-range camera is suitable. For high resolution at low light-levels then a high Quantum Efficiency (link) sensor with cooling (link) will produce better results.
If speed is more important than resolution then a high QE, non-cooled camera will offer the best value. For very high time resolution (upto 2KHz) then please refer to the EM camera section and also consult with us about the RedShirt Imaging Neuro and Cardio systems and our Photodiode Array products. For contractility measurements we are pleased to offer the IonOptix range.When comparing the specification of different cameras it is also important to consider software compatibility and support issues. For this reason we would usually recommend the Q Imaging, Photometrics and Hamamatsu product ranges as these companies have extensive experience of serving the scientific market and offer high quality products with (almost) universal software support.
Applications
- Widefield fluorescence imaging
- Cell Tracking
- Phase contrast and DIC imaging
Specification
(Individual data sheets are available for each camera that we offer, but in general the characteristics that we look for are as follows)
- Minimum 12-bit dynamic range
- High quantum efficiency (>60% in green part of spectrum)
- Cooling if long exposure times required
- Clock speed >10Mpixel/s
- Adjustable Camera Gain, Gamma and Black level (need links to glossary)