USB Digital Microscopes-Any Ideas?

So I'm searching Ebay for these and come up with all sorts of different sizes, power, etc. Some of you here are using these so I thought maybe someone might have some suggestions. How much power is enough, names of good scopes, price points to look for, mega pixel sizing, etc. Thanks!

 

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Buy one without the digital lights. Use your own light source.

Dave

 

Here is the one I got, I love it!

beats these big time in my opinion..

 

What is its purpose? Are you looking for added mint marks, error coins, etc? I had a microscope and never used it. I think a 20 power magnifier is good enough for most things. But if you got the funds and wanna try it,why not I guess

 

I have a USB microscope - I used it once to look at a coin. As said above the light source is too directional to be of use photographing coins and you need external light to make it useful. If you have a need, buy a good one - but I'd be interested to know why you would need it over a magnifying glass.

 

Or get a reasonable macro-capable camera.
You can get some very good close-ups with them.
Plus you'll gave a camera for other purposes.

 

I need something that will help with errors, especially the 2009P FY cents, where some of the doubling is very small and in places where I cannot tilt the coin to see this. Also intend to get into RPM's and OMM's, especially the 1959D and 1964D cents. The reason I asked for brands was that I saw a lot of these coming out of China, very cheap, but I wonder about the quality. I'm always looking to learn new things about my coins, even after 50 years of collecting.

 

I currently have a Canon SX120, 10mp and 10X zoom with a 6.0-60.0mm 1:2.8-4.3 lens. Trouble is putting together a set up that is stable with correct back lighting or a shadow box that will be easy to use. I have no intention of looking for things that are not really there like others are doing, so I don't need to over do it. Having the correct size image to match with a coin in hand is where I'm going but I'm not good enough with the point and shoot to know where my settings should w/o wasting endless hours trying to get it right. Thanks for the info.

 

Die markers are my main concern which are sometimes hard to locate. Such as small die scratches, chips on letters and numerals. I had both eyes operated on for cataracts so have replacement lens in eyes that tend to cloud after a short period of time from the bright LED light. Need the light on the magnifier at this point in life.

 

I use the SVP DM540 http://www.svp-tech.com/dm540/dm540.html it is a lot more moble then the usb micros can be taken anywhere and pics dumped to comp via usb. A bit pricey but i got lucky and got mine off ebay for only $50. only drawbacks are it needs a stand for good picture taking and if you use the lights alot it eats batteries.

 

I also go through a lot of batteries on my lighted magnifier (AG10) and have to change every few days but they are dirt cheap with free ship on ebay. My return is more than worth it though.

 

I've had my Dino-Lite for 5 years and no problem.
http://www.dino-lite.com/web/index.html

 

I'm an authorized Dino-Lite dealer..... let me know if you have any questions about Dino's

 

This is why I bought it. It is EASY to focus and takes decent pics. Turn the LED off if you need as it is adjustable. I love mine!

 

They are awesome tools...

 

Anyone know if there are USB microscopes that can be attached via microUSB to an Android phone or tablet?

Don't mean to thread hijack, but... I asked elsewhere and did not get a definitive answer.

 

I use a windows 8 tablet at shows, I can view coins inside a locked case...

 

So a simple microUSB-> USB converter with nothing else required? Is any special software required on the tablet or phone?

I assume if it works on Windows phones it will work on Android?

 

I don't know much about other manufactures, but Dino-Lite provides the software with the microscope. The software is proprietary, it will only run Dino-Lite microscopes.

 

Okay, I'm looking at Dino Lights. What model would you recommend that would not break my budget and comes with a stand that won't tip over. I'm going to use this on my keyboard tray on my computer stand. A good solid heavy base would be helpful in this situation. Are they all 2MP or 3MP? Which one is best for looking for errors, RPM's & OMM's, especially the 2009P Formative cents (The smaller DD's that are hard to see) and 1959D & 64D cents. (RPM's & OMM'S) Also, should be USB, not battery operated. Thanks so much for your guidance.