January 11, 2008 Celestron, the people who brought us the SkyScout Scope refractor telescope has released two new microscopes, a USB-powered handheld digital microscope (HDM) and a new LCD Digital Microscope (LDM) aimed at hobbyists. The HDM allows you to view and capture still or video images at 20 to 400 times magnification power and view on your computer screen via the USB cable while the LDM has a high-resolution 3.5” (88mm) LCD screen so users can view the images and video they have captured and saved.
The HDM is portable and at 3ozs (about 85 grams), is lighter than an X-Loupe camera attachment . It has an in-built digital camera and LED illuminator and a recommended retail price of USD$139.95. Like the Proscope, the HDM allows you to view images via USB cable on your computer screen. It has the ability to view and capture images (snapshots or video) at 20 to 400 times magnification power.
“Its unique design sets it apart from traditional microscopes as its small size gives users the flexibility and freedom to explore almost anything, anywhere, without the need for traditional bulky instruments.” said the President and CEO of Celestron, Joseph A. Lupica Jr.
The LDM can produce images and videos at magnification levels of up to 1600 times the original size and by replacing the traditional eyepiece with a high-resolution 3.5” (88mm) LCD screen, users can view the images and video they have captured and saved. The LCD has an objective lens that provides three different magnification levels (4x, 10x, and 40x), 4X digital zoom functionality, a six position color filter wheel, top and bottom LED Illumination, 128MB internal storage memory plus SD Card Slot, a built-in 2MP digital camera, LED illuminator and comes with five prepared slides, an AC power adaptor, a carry case and USB cable.
Stamp collectors, budding young entomologists and biologists will be able to get their hands on a Celestron LDM in March for USD$299.99.