Celestron Handheld Digital Microscope Software For Mac

Celestron Handheld Digital Microscope Pro

Editor Rating: Good (3.5)

Celestron 44314 Handheld Microscope LCD Digital Microscope; 3.0' Full Color TRF LCD Screen Display; 5MP Sensor; 10 to 67X Magnification; Built in Digital Camera Micro.

Pros
- Easy to assemble and use.
- 5-megapixel sensor.
- Can be used either handheld, or secured to its included stand.
- Shoots both photos and video.
- Powered via USB.
- Built-in intervalometer lets you program a series of shots or videos.
Cons
- Software occasionally freezes and requires a reboot.
- Stand is unstable enough to make focusing tricky at times.
- Using the microscope's LEDs for lighting adds a blue tint to images.
Bottom Line
The USB-powered Celestron Handheld Digital Microscope Pro, geared toward hobbyists, is useful, fun and easy to use, and can be had for less money than you might expect.

Considering the versatility of the microscopes available today, it's surprising that more people don't own one. They're handy in revealing fine detail in small objects at magnifications that a loupe or magnifying glass can't hope to attain. Many are computer-controlled, and let you take still or video images of your subjects, whether they be coins, circuit boards, or creepy crawlies. According to its manufacturer, the Handheld Digital Microscope Pro ($119.95) is built by Celestron, a longtime telescope manufacturer that has recently branched into microscopes, and has a good reputation for quality. According to the company, the microscope is aimed at the 'discriminating hobbyist or professional.' I'm involved in several hobbies that benefit from, if not require, detailed examination of small objects. I collect stamps and coins. I've also accumulated some small meteorites. And I'm a photographer, looking to improve the quality of so-called macro images. The Handheld Digital Microscope Pro has proven to be a useful and fun accessory in all these endeavors.

Design
The Handheld Digital Microscope Pro measures 6.3 by 4.7 by 6.7 inches (HWD) when assembled, and weighs 2 pounds. It comes in four parts (microscope, stage, shaft, and arm), and is bundled with a calibration ruler and a disk with Celestron MicroCapture Pro software.

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The microscope sports a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor. It has a magnification range of 20X to 200X, although the exact magnification (for visual inspection, at least) depends on the size of your monitor. It requires a USB connection to a computer to operate. It can take still images and video, and save them to your computer, and you can also view the images on screen. The Handheld Digital Microscope Pro has proven useful, and just as important, it's a lot of fun to use.

Handheld and Digital
There are two important ways that the Handheld Digital Microscope Pro differs from an optical model, like the ones found in many high school and college science classes. First, as a digital microscope, you can't look through it—instead, an image of what the microscope is pointing at shows up on your computer screen in real time, allowing you to focus and view it, as well as take photos or videos. The other is that even though the Handheld Microscope Pro comes with a stand that can hold it, the device can also be removed from the stand and trained on an object by hand, as the product's name implies.

Minimal Assembly Required
Several pieces comprise the Handheld Pro's stand, which can be assembled in just a few minutes. The stage is a flat, gray, plastic platform onto which you can put the object to be viewed and imaged. Two small, metal clasps to either side can hold the object in place if need be. A vertical metal shaft that measures about 5 inches tall screws into one end of the stage by means of a plastic collar. An arm, with a ring at one end to hold the microscope, fits on the shaft and can be set at any height by tightening a bolt. On either side of the arm, next to the shaft, are height-adjustment knobs to raise and lower the arm. The microscope itself, built into a thin tube resembling a tiny bazooka, fits into the ring, with the open end pointing down toward the stage.

Whether you use the Handheld Pro as a handheld microsope or affixed to the stand, the device connects to a computer via a 4-foot-long USB 2.0 cable. Attached to the cable is a dimmer switch that lets you turn the microscope's eight LEDs on or off and vary their brightness. A button on the switch with a camera icon lets you take photos of what the microscope is showing. The cable is both for Power (the microscope gets all its power over the cable from a computer) and for controlling the microscope.

Software
The software for controlling the microscope, Celestron MicroCapture Pro, is straightforward and easy to use. The main problem I ran into with it is that it would occasionally freeze, and I would have to close and relaunch it. MicroCapture Pro is included on a disk, but a more recent version (2.3) is available on the Celestron site, so I downloaded and used it instead. The program is available for both Windows and Mac; I tested it on two laptops, one running Windows 7, the other running Windows 8.1.

When you launch the program, it opens up as a window at the center of your screen. The window is at a 4:3 aspect ratio, which matches the microscope sensor's native resolution. If, when you launch the app, the microscope's cable isn't attached to the computer, you will see the message, 'No device detected, please connect your Microscope directly to your PC USB port.' Once the microscope is attached via its USB cable, whatever you place in the microscope's field of view will show up in the window. You could maximize the window, but if your display is a widescreen model with a 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio, as nearly all current models are, objects will look distorted. A dime, for example, will appear oblong. You can enlarge the window while preserving its aspect ratio by dragging the window to the screen's upper-left corner and then clicking on the window's lower right-corner and dragging it to the lower right.

At the right-hand side of the window is a column of thumbnails. You can toggle between Photos and Videos, and clicking on a thumbnail brings up the image or video, which you've previously shot and saved, depicted in the thumbnail.

In the window's upper-left corner are four tabs, labeled File, Options, Capture, and Help. Under Files is a menu that includes Photos Directory, Videos Directory, and Exit. Clicking on either of the first two will take you to the directory of saved images and videos in Windows Explorer, named Microcapture_Photo and Microcapture_Video, respectively, while pressing Exit will close the app. From Options, the menu item named Resolutions lets you choose any of four choices: 1,280 by 960, 1,600 by 1,200, 2,048 by 1,536, or 2,592 by 1,944 pixels. The latter is the microscope's maximum, 5-megapixel resolution, and they all retain the sensor's native 4:3 aspect ratio. Other options let you add crosshairs to the screen, show the menus in any of 12 languages, and switch to full-screen mode (which changes the aspect ratio). Under the Capture tab are Photo and Video, which you can use to shoot a photo, or start, and then stop, a video. From the Help tab, you can open a menu item called About Us, which gives the program's name and version number, and provides a link to Celestron's website.

Beneath the four tabs are four buttons. The first two show camera and video camera icons, and duplicate the photo and video menu items in the Capture tab. The third button shows a clock, and takes you to a menu called Timer. You can toggle between Photo and Video, and it serves as an intervalometer—a photographic feature that lets you program a series of shots, triggering the shutter at regularly set intervals—letting you choose a start time, the number of photos (or videos) to shoot, the time interval between them, the number of shots, and in the case of video, the length of the video. I tried the intervalometer feature on a series of five photos, and it worked like a charm. The last button, showing four outward-facing arrows, again maximizes the window.

Also included with the microscope is a small, translucent ruler that can be used for calibrating magnification and measurements. I used it to perform some basic calibrations.

Testing
I took more than a hundred images with the Handheld Digital Microscope Pro, including leaves, stamps, coins, circuit boards, an iPhone screen, a pin, and the head of a pencil. I used different magnifications. Most were still images, but a few were videos. Using the microscope on the stand was usually preferable to handheld use, but at times it was tricky to focus. Focusing with the stand is a three-step process consisting of adjusting the microscope's height, locking the microscope when you've reached the desired height, and then using the focuser on the side of the microscope to achieve a fine focus. Occasionally, there was enough of a wobble in the stand, even when tightened as securely as possible, to make it hard to achieve a good focus. For most of the images I captured in testing, the focus was at least adequate, and sometimes very good.

There are times when using the microscope as a handheld device was preferable. For example, I wanted to shoot some leaves with light shining through them. This was not possible with the stand, as there is no window for light to emerge from beneath the object. The preferred solution was to remove the microscope from the stand, point it upward, and set the leaf flat on top of it. That way, I got the translucent effect I'd wanted, and it was easy to focus as well.

Speaking of lighting, you can use the dimmer wheel on the USB cable to shoot with the LEDs set to off, at maximum, or at some intermediate level. The software automatically adjusts the image based on the available light level, and would readjust the image's brightness if I switched the LEDs on (or off). I often took the same shot with several levels of LED brightness, and then selected the one that looked best. Celestron describes the LEDs as 'bright-white, adjustable LEDs,' but in testing, I found that they added a blue tint to the mix. This was easy enough to compensate for in Photoshop, but it shouldn't have been necessary.

Conclusion
At best, the Celestron Handheld Digital Microscope Pro produces beautifully detailed images of meteorites, leaves, feathers, and objects, doing a better job than high-end, point-and-shoot cameras, such as the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II in macro photography. Not every shot in our tests was a winner, but in many cases I was able to tweak the focus or other settings to at least improve image quality. The Handheld Digital Microscope Pro is a fun and useful product that can be had for less money than you might expect.

Do you need one of those?

There are many advantages of handheld microscopes, but the most important ones are that they are light, portable, and can fit in a pocket.

Despite its size, a hand microscope has power at least equal to a standard microscope.
So, for its compact design and practical mobility, it can be used in the classroom, laboratory, or outdoors in the field.

Conveniences And Types Of Handheld Microscopes

Practical Use of Handheld Microscopes

Due to being small and lightweight, they can be safely used to examine various types of samples, anywhere. Most importantly, they can be used to examine samples without having to extract or alter them. That is most noticeable in medical practice, (i.e. for examining skin).

Handheld Microscope Equipment

Some of them come equipped with additional accessories, such as LED lights and cameras. Lights are usually battery-operated, and cameras make it possible for users to capture the image of a sample, and share it to a monitor or computer via Wi-Fi or USB cable. This feature is useful for team research projects and school projects.

Handheld Microscope Magnification

While digital magnification has its advantages, optical is still the more available option. That is due to digital equipment being more costly and slowly advancing in quality. If you are looking to buy a digital handheld microscope, aim for a magnification of about 220x, (and camera resolution of at least 2.0MP). Although, some can reach as far as 1000x.

Wireless Handheld Digital Microscope

For full mobility that comes with fieldwork, there are wireless options for handheld digital microscopes. They stream live footage to nearby mobile devices or computers, using a Wi-Fi network. Some even come with apps of their own, which can simplify their use even further.

Easy To Use Microscopes

Thanks to their aforementioned design, handheld microscopes are safe and easy to use by everyone, even kids. With little or no need for any additional equipment, and even some cheap options, these microscopes make it possible for budding scientists to go out and explore the world.

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Best Handheld Digital Microscope 200x

Celestron Handheld Digital Microscope Pro

Dimensions And Design

This model comes in a small size (9 x 7 x 5 inches), on a high quality fully height-adjustable stand, and weighs 1.43 pounds. It has a 4 foot long USB 2.0 cable, with an adjustable LED illuminator, and a dial on the cord lets you adjust light intensity, or even turn it off.

5MP High-Resolution Camera

The 5.0 MP sensor can capture images and even videos. All thanks to its 5 Element IR cut lens, and shutter speed 1- 1/1000 second. Final resolution does, however, depend on the size of the monitor in use. Small-resolution monitors will show a blurrier image.

Intuitive Software Included

Celestron digital microscope comes with Celestron Micro Capture Pro Software (and its appropriate installation CD). The software allows you to take accurate measurements and notes on the sample observed, as well as create videos and time-lapse animations.

Magnification Range

This Celestron handheld microscope has a fluently adjustable magnification setting. It varies from 20x to 200x zoom, which is efficient for observing 3-dimensional specimens at low power. When taking high-resolution pictures, it is recommended to use the stand, as it will stabilize the device, resulting in clearer pictures.

Celestron Digital Microscope Driver Download

What Can It Be Used For?

This microscope is equipment suitable for job and hobbies, such as inspecting collectible items, component inspection, or entomology. It is suited even for industrial quality control, as well as scientific research and documentation.

Pros:

adjustable magnification
adjustable illumination
software included
warranty

Cons:

not the best camera
software doesn’t work on every OS
made of plastic

Best Lightweight Portable Handheld Microscope

Carson MicroBrite Plus (MM-300 or MM-300MU)

Very Light And Portable

Carson handheld microscope is extremely compact and lightweight (just 1.28 ounces). Also, with its dimensions being only 1.2 x 2.25 x 3.5 inches, it fits into any pocket. That makes it convenient to carry with you in case you find something interesting to observe outdoors.

New And Improved Lens Design

This microscope uses precisely molded aspheric lenses, which provide a crisper image. Aspheric lenses have a single focal point through which light converges, giving a clearer and sharper image of the specimen.

Microscope Magnification Range

This device has a magnification range from 60x to 120x, which combined with its tiny frame, makes it an ideal handheld field microscope. WIth a conveniently placed light button, you can either hold-to-illuminate or simply turn the bright LED light on or off. Note that the LED light requires a single AA battery to operate, which is not included with this product.

How To Use This Microscope?

As is the case with most handheld microscopes, this one you need to specifically place flat against the surface you wish to observe. Then start focusing from the lowest setting upwards, until you get a clear image.

Cons:

short focal distance
not compatible with smartphones
plastic casing
battery not rechargeable

Best USB Handheld Microscope With Light

Dino-Lite USB Digital Microscope AM3111

Design And Appearance

This device has a cylindrical design, with small dimensions of only 1.3 x 1.3 x 3.9 inches. This microscope weighs 6.4. ounces, and comes with a USB 2.0 cable. It has 8 LED lights you can turn on or off, and is easy to use by students, hobbyists and professionals alike.

Magnification Performance And Features

Dino-Lite handheld usb microscope has up to 230x optical magnification, depending on the working distance. The lowest magnification setting is 10x. It has image resolution of 640 x 480 p (0.3 MP), and up to 30 FPS refresh rate for video.

Software Support Included

This microscope comes with included software, which enables you to save pictures, make notes, as well as compare and analyze captured images. This software supports a wide variety of operating systems: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10, Mac 10.5 (and above), and even Android.

Natural Color Technology As An Upgrade

Natural Color technology in this microscope provides your images with colors matching their original appearance. Enhanced low-light capabilities ensure you get a clear image even in minimal-light surroundings.

Range Of Models

Despite being in the upper price range among the microscopes I mentioned in this review, it has good value for its worth. Furthermore, the Dino-Lite handheld microscope offers a wide range of similar models, varying in camera resolution and other features, as well as price.

Pros:

natural color technology
8 LEDs
supports almost every OS
refresh rate up to 30 FPS
many similar models

Best Wireless Digital Handheld Microscope With Camera

Jiusion WiFi USB Digital Handheld Microscope

Design And Features

Jiuson’s design is also cylindrical, and its dimensions are 7 x 4.5 x 2 inches, and it weighs 8.2 ounces. This microscope has magnification options from 40x-1000x. It has 8 LED lights with 4 settings, and 2 knobs that are used to adjust brightness and focus.

Devices And Connectivity

This portable handheld microscope connects to any device via Wi-Fi network, thanks to the “Wi-Fi magic box” that comes with the product, and emits a signal that enables you to use the device and its software on various types of devices.

Software And Compatibility

Jiusion comes with the software installation CD, and it is compatible with IOS, Mac (10.5+), Android, Windows (XP/Vista/7/8/10), Linux, and even Chrome OS. Once you install it, you can use it to capture images or videos through the microscope, and you can also use the measurement function to assist your research.

Accessories and Equipment

There are several items of equipment that come with the device on purchase, like an adjustable metal stand, for keeping it stable. Some of them are: a practical carrying case, the Wi-Fi signal box, a ruler, a vacuum phone holder, OTG cable, and software installation CD.

Batteries

While the device is remotely connected to any external devices, it does have a USB 2.0 port, that can be flipped to micro USB. It can be used for charging its Lithium Polymer batteries and possibly connecting to a computer, should anyone choose to forgo the convenient Wi-Fi connection.

Pros:

software supports every OS
additional equipment
magnification options
wireless connection

Cons:

Wi-Fi setup
video playback can be buggy
plastic casing

Best Small Handheld Microscope For Kids

Zoomy 2.0 Handheld Digital Microscope

Microscope Specifications

Celestron Handheld Digital Microscope Pro

This microscope is ideal for young children, as it easy and fun to use. However, keep in mind that its magnification power is limited to 54x at maximum. Image resolution is up to 1200 x 1600 p. The dimensions of the device are 6.2 x 5.4 x 3.1 inches, and it weighs 7 ounces.

Operational Information

Zoomy doesn’t need any batteries, as it is powered through the USB cable. That same connection allows you to view the image on your screen. It also works with projectors or interactive whiteboards, making it an ideal addition to a beginner science classroom.

Device Compatibility

This device has a VGA CMOS sensor, LED illumination, and 2 changeable head adapters for observing different objects. In the software you can add interesting details, like photo frames, and it is compatible with Mac and Windows (XP/Vista/7).

How Does It Work?

Zoomy is easy to set up. Simply plug the USB cord into a computer (or projector or whiteboard), install the software, and let your kids explore. Because of its design, it fits well into a child’s hand, and all they need to do is hold it over an object and turn the top to adjust focus.

Design And Features

Zoomy handheld microscope is small, shaped like an egg, and lightweight. Its top turns to adjust focus, and on its peak there is a button that lets you take pictures or videos of the subject you are observing. The simplicity of this device makes it easy to use even for children as young as 4 years old.

Pros:

easy to set up and use
for kids 4+ years old
supports STEM

Celestron Digital Microscope Setup

Cons:

low magnification
plastic casing
low-resolution images

Celestron Handheld Digital Microscope Software Download Mac

Conclusion: Which Two Handheld Microscopes Are The Best?

In my opinion, the best handheld microscopes are the Dino-Lite USB digital microscope AM3111, and Jiusion WiFi USB Digital Handheld Microscope. The Dino-Lite stands out with its natural colors technology, displaying true colors even in low-light conditions. The Jiusion one has magnification power up to 1000x and adjustable light. Also, Jiusion has remarkable compatibility with any OS and device it connects to via WI-Fi.