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Using the Olympus E-410 / E-510 digital SLR cameras in microscopy

The tested Olympus E-410 and Olympus E-510 camera models are ideally suited for being used in microscopy.

The key features at a glance:

• 10 megapixel Live MOS sensor
• Camera control via PC (OLYMPUS Studio 2 software)
• Live preview image on the 2.5” LCD display !!!
• Four Thirds standard
• Built-in image stabiliser on Olympus E-510
• LM digital adapter available

Both models are equipped with “Live View” mode. This is especially important for microscopy, as both the desired focal plane and the image quality can be checked before capture. The considerably more expensive Olympus E-510 model only differs from the Olympus E-410 in that it has an additional built-in image stabiliser which only functions in combination with a lens. In microscopy, however, only the camera housing is used, onto which the LM DSLR adapter is screwed. If the digital SLR camera is mainly to be used with a microscope, then we recommend that you purchase the Olympus E-410, as the Olympus E-510 image stabiliser cannot be used. The Olympus E-410 model is currently the most reasonably priced digital SLR camera with “Live View” function. It delivers excellent micro photos. At present, its price-performance ratio is unbeatable. The April 2008 price stands at about € 400.

To make working with it more convenient when seated, we recommend that you use a small external LCD display in order to be able to evaluate the “Live View” images.

The Olympus E-410 is currently the most reasonably priced digital SLR camera with “Live View” function which delivers excellent micro photos. At present, its price-performance ratio is unbeatable and it is also highly recommended for professional work using a microscope.

Functions of other camera models that the Olympus E-410 and the Olympus E-510 do not possess:

• Swivel-mounted camera display as found on the Olympus E3 / E-330; Sony Alpha 350, etc. (no need for an external LCD monitor)
• HDMI video output (see Nikon D3 and D300)
• Higher number of pixels on sensor (in microscopy, this is not relevant as the resolution is limited by the numerical aperture of the microscope lens)

Only the camera housing is required for use on the microscope.