Consumer versus dedicated digital cameras in photomicrography

Abstract

A number of consumer digital cameras (compact, bridge, single lens reflex [SLR], and system ones) are of sufficiently high quality to qualify as suitable for photomicrography and represent an affordable alternative to dedicated, high-end cameras typically equipped with very sensitive sensors. When the image sensor resolution is at least 6 or 8 megapixel digital images offer rendering of details that is comparable to conventional micrographs taken on a standard 36 × 24 mm film. In most situations, micrographs taken by high-end (SLR) or other cameras feature no obvious differences in quality, so that even compact or bridge cameras may be used in most cases. Otherwise, for example, in low-light conditions or when very large print formats are required, SLR camera may be needed owing to its low noise, superb resolution and high ISO speed range. Dedicated moderate-cost cameras equipped with CMOS sensors represent an optimal solution for high-resolution video clips and in situation when life-view images have to be presented on high-resolution screens. On the other hand, color images are better rendered by high-end system cameras and ordinary (consumer) cameras. Layout of photosensitive cells in the retina across taxonomical groups is presented as an analogy of image sensor designs.