Page 250 - Fundamentals of Light Microscopy and Electronic Imaging

CHAPTER
13

VIDEO MICROSCOPY

OVERVIEW

Video imaging was one of the first electronic imaging technologies to be widely applied
in light microscopy and remains the system of choice for many biomedical applications.
Video camera systems produce excellent images (Fig. 13-1), are easy to use, and allow
convenient storage and subsequent playback from VCR tapes. In this chapter we exam-
ine the technology and application of video microscopy, which has its origins in com-
mercial broadcast television. A video system using a video camera and a television
monitor for display can be attached to printers and VCRs and can be interfaced with dig-
ital image processors and computers. Given the growing interest in digital imaging sys-
tems based on charge-coupled device (CCD) detectors, video cameras may seem like a
thing of the past. In fact, video microscopy is the best solution for many microscope
specimens. For comprehensive, in-depth coverage of the topic, the following are excel-
lent references: Video Microscopy: The Fundamentals by Inoué and Spring (1997),
Video Microscopy edited by Sluder and Wolf (1998), and Electronic Light Microscopy
edited by Shotton (1993).

APPLICATIONS AND SPECIMENS SUITABLE FOR VIDEO

Some of the unique benefits of video microscopy include:

• High temporal resolution at 30 frames per second.
• Continuous recording for hours at a time. Most computer-based digital systems do
not allow this because of limited acquisition speed and limited image storage
capacity.
• Rapid screening of microscope specimens. Finding regions suitable for detailed
study is convenient in video, especially evident when objects are indistinct and
must be electronically enhanced in order to see them.
• Time-lapse documentation. Time-lapse video recording allows continuous moni-
toring of changes in shape and light intensity. Video is also commonly used for 233