Comparison Andonstar AD209 vs Andonstar AD206

The range of magnifications provided by the device is from minimum to maximum.

The magnification of the microscope is calculated by the formula "the magnification of the eyepiece is multiplied by the magnification of the objective." For example, a 20x objective with a 10x eyepiece will give a magnification of 10*20 = 200x. Modern microscopes can be equipped with multi-objective turrets, zoom lenses (see below) and interchangeable eyepieces — so that in most models the magnification can be adjusted. This allows you to adjust the device to different situations: when you need to consider small details, a high degree of magnification is used, but to expand the field of view, the magnification must be reduced.

Detailed recommendations on optimal multiplicities for different tasks can be found in special sources. Here we note that many manufacturers go to the trick and indicate the maximum value of the magnification by the degree of magnification achieved with an additional Barlow lens. Such a lens can indeed give a serious increase in magnification, but it is not a fact that the image will turn out to be of high quality; for more details, see "Complete set".

The greatest working distance provided by the microscope.

The working distance is the distance from the lens to the object in question. This parameter is important primarily for stereomicroscopes (see "Type"): the more space remains under the lens, the more convenient it is to work with various tools and devices in the field of view of the device. However, here it should be taken into account that the maximum working distance is achieved at the minimum magnification factor, as the magnification increases, the lens has to be brought closer to the object in question. For biological microscopes, the working distance does not really matter: such devices work mainly with flat preparations, to which the lens can be brought almost close.

Camera sensor resolution in megapixels (millions of pixels).

The higher the resolution of the matrix, the higher the video resolution can be (see below), the more detailed the image is capable of providing the camera. At the same time, note that as the number of megapixels increases (without changing the size of the matrix), the size of each individual pixel decreases, which increases the likelihood of noise and deterioration of the overall image quality. Therefore, in itself, high resolution is not necessarily a sign of high quality — a lot depends on other points, for example, on the size of the matrix.

The maximum video resolution that the microscope camera can capture.

The higher the resolution of the video, the more details you can see on it, the less details will be blurry. On the other hand, high resolution means large volumes of video materials, which, accordingly, requires capacious media for their storage and fast communication channels for broadcasting video in real time. Yes, and this indicator affects the cost.

Ways to transfer data to other devices provided in the design of the microscope.

This parameter is relevant primarily for digital and opto-digital models, as well as for individual optical devices equipped with cameras. All described microscopes can be equipped with AV and HDMI outputs, universal USB ports, removable media card readers, and Wi-Fi wireless modules. Here is a detailed description of each interface:

— AV output. Analogue output for video signal transmission. It is used primarily for live transmission of images from a microscope camera, and in some models — also for viewing footage stored in memory. Such outputs do not support HD resolutions and, in general, are inferior to HDMI in terms of overall “picture” quality (with the same camera characteristics). On the other hand, specifically for microscopes, these moments are not so often critical; analogue connectors are still quite popular in both conventional video equipment and special equipment; and the implementation of this interface is inexpensive. Therefore, AV outputs can be found even in fairly advanced models.

— HDMI. Digital output for video signal transmission. Similarly, AV can be used both for real-time broadcasting and for using the microscope as a video player when viewing saved materials (if such...a possibility is provided for in this model at all). At the same time, such outputs are more advanced than analogue AV: HD-quality images (including Full HD and higher) can be transmitted via HDMI, and the signal is very resistant to interference. We also recall that this interface is extremely common in modern video technology — in particular, the presence of at least one HDMI input is almost mandatory for TVs and monitors that support HD standards. On the other hand, the implementation of HDMI is noticeably more expensive, and it makes sense to use it with fairly advanced cameras, which in themselves significantly affect the price of microscopes. Therefore, such outputs can be found mainly in rather expensive and advanced devices.

— USB. Universal connector that allows different applications; a specific set of these options is directly related to the functionality of the microscope. Typical examples of using USB include the following: copying captured photos and videos to a computer or laptop; live image broadcast; remote control via PC / laptop (for example, moving the parent drug); charging the built-in battery, etc. The specific type of USB connector in the microscope may vary, however, usually, an appropriate cable is supplied in the kit for connecting to a standard full-size port.

— Card reader. The device for working with memory cards is usually SD, and in miniature pocket models — microSD. Such cards usually contain materials captured by the camera. In general, this function makes it much easier to copy information to other devices that also have card readers — primarily laptops and PCs; and miniature microSD cards are also supported by smartphones, tablets and other portable gadgets. Anyway, removing the card from the microscope and installing it in another device is often easier and faster than fiddling with a wired or Wi-Fi connection.

— Wi-Fi. A wireless module, which in this case is mainly used to communicate with an external device — such as a smartphone, laptop or PC. A Wi-Fi connection allows you to at least broadcast the image from the camera and copy the photos taken by it, and often also control other functions and settings (light brightness, movement of the driver, etc.). At the same time, the absence of wires provides additional freedom of movement and overall convenience. However, note that the specific communication format may be different, it should be specified separately. So, some models support only direct connection over a relatively short distance (in fact, up to a couple of tens of metres, or even less). Others are able to connect to an external device via the Internet, and here the distance does not play a role — there would be access to the World Wide Web. Still others allow both formats of work. Also note that individual devices with this function do not have their own screens at all and are designed for use with external gadgets; This design makes the microscope as compact and easy to carry as possible.

Methods of nutrition provided in the microscope. Even optical models may require a power source to run the backlight (see above), while for other varieties, power is almost a must. Some models may support multiple power types.

— 230 V network. Connection to a regular 230 V socket. Quite a convenient and practical option, only poorly suitable for portable models (see above).

— USB port. Power supply from the USB connector is often found in digital microscopes (see "How it works"): the device is powered from the same connector through which it is connected to a computer or other external screen. And in optical models, such power supply can be provided in addition to the 230 V network described above. Note that USB ports, among other things, are also found in laptops and other portable devices, which makes it possible to use such microscopes even if there are no outlets nearby. This is especially useful for portable devices (see above).

— Accumulator. Powered by its own built-in battery, in some cases — non-removable. This option makes the microscope completely autonomous and allows you to use it even in the complete absence of external power sources nearby. On the other hand, this moment is relevant mainly for portable models, and then only in some cases, and the built-in battery noticeably affects the weight, dimensions and price of the device. Therefore, purely cordless microscopes are extremely rare, more often this method of power supply is pro...vided in addition to the 230 V network or USB (see above) — as a spare in case of problems with external power.

— Batteries. Another type of autonomous power supply, along with the batteries described above. The presence of a battery compartment is cheaper than the built-in battery, but the batteries themselves have to be purchased separately — and either regularly buy disposable cells, or pay a rather large amount for batteries and a charger for them. In addition, the quality of batteries is highly dependent on the specific brand, and not all cells can normally “start” the microscope and provide an acceptable battery life. Therefore, such power, like battery power, is rare in its pure form, more often it complements the connection to a 230 V network or USB.