Page 295 - Fundamentals of Light Microscopy and Electronic Imaging

278 DIGITAL CCD MICROSCOPY

POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A CAMERA

The criteria for reviewing the performance of a CCD camera are included in the next
exercise. If you are planning to purchase a camera, you will need to examine additional
issues regarding software, repair, convenience, and cost. If possible, attend an industry-
sponsored camera demonstration, where a knowledgeable company representative is
present; alternatively, examine camera specifications at a Web site or from product lit-
erature, or visit a neighboring laboratory that has a system up and running. It is impor-
tant to gain firsthand experience by making trial exposures on the camera and to ask
questions as you proceed through the steps of image acquisition, image processing, and
printing. If you are preparing to buy a CCD camera, you should examine the excellent
review by Spring (2000) on CCD camera performance.

Software

• Is the image acquisition software convenient and easy to use?
• Is basic image processing available ( scaling, brightness, contrast, sharpening
adjustments) and easy to use?
• Is basic image analysis available (segmentation/data extraction, measurements of
shapes and geometric parameters)? Determine if you will need these operations and
if are they easy to use.
• Does the software allow you to write customized scripts (computer macros) that
might be needed to speed up and make more convenient special image acquisition
and processing operations? Anticipate that it will take some time to master script-
ing, and bear in mind that the ease of scripting varies considerably among different
programs.
• Can your images be saved in TIFF, PICT, JPEG, GIF, and other universal file for-
mats for import into other programs such as Photoshop (Adobe) or Canvas (Claris)
for further processing and labeling?
• Since camera operation is controlled entirely through the software, remember that
there are alternative programs that will run the same camera. A camera fitted with
difficult or complex imaging software is unlikely to get used. Decisions regarding
the software and type of computer can be equally as important as selecting a cam-
era. Be sure to investigate at least two software programs.

Camera Repair and Service

• Does the camera company have an established record and a good reputation for pro-
ducing competitive, reliable cameras? Because of the large investment, camera reli-
ability is important!
• What do other colleagues and friends have to say about the company?
• Does the company provide workshops or special training for customers?
• What is the turnaround time for repair? One week is considered good. By picking a
responsive company, you avoid the risk of holding up a research program because
of a broken camera. Remember that all cameras break down. Anticipate breakdown
once every 1–2 years for a heavily used, high-end camera.