182

Use of Nikon’s entry-level single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras at the microscope

Nikon disables for strategic reasons the automatic functions of the entry-level DSLR cameras when not using the original lens. 

With the lower-priced Nikon D40 / D40x / D50 / D60 / D90 / D100 / D3000 / D3100 / D3200 / D5000 / D5100 / D5200 / D5300  models, only limited exposure is possible without the original lens. The automatic exposure control only works with Nikon digital lenses.
If you wish to use an analogue lens, camera adapter or bellows, the camera housing will not allow you to control the automatic exposure in manual mode. Only with the histogram display, or even more laboriously with exposure bracketing, is it possible to determine the ideal exposure time. The automatic functions such as automatic aperture priority or automatic exposure time calculation are not possible without the original AF lens being in place.

Especially in use with a telescope or microscope, where the microscope adapter is fitted directly to the camera body, this is a considerable disadvantage.

The better Nikon models D200 / D300 / D600 / D610/ D700 / D800 /  D810 / D7000 / D7100 / Df / D3 / D3x / D4 also have a fully automatic exposure control function without the original AF lens. Even without the original lens being fitted or when using the camera at the microscope, the camera body carries out an automatic exposure.

Conclusion: These Nikon camera models are not very well suited for microscopy.It is smarter to use a “better” Nikon model. Please contact us for more details.

Perfect automatic exposure control is very important for microscopy. Other manufacturers, such as Canon or Olympus, even equip their entry-level cameras with fully functioning automatic exposure control for use without camera lenses.

A guide to find the best suitable camera for your application
Which digital camera functions best on a microscope?


 

30.09.2015