Celestron Labs Digital 5MP Handheld Microscope – Adjustable Focus – 20x–200x Magnification – Compatible with Windows, Mac – Great for Educators, Hobbyists, & Professional – Captures Images & Movies

I have gotten a lot of use out of this device. I had a hard time understanding it, at first. The manual was not very helpful. But eventually I figured out how to connect it to my Mac and PC and it takes some very good digital images of small stuff. I use a sticky roller device (a lint roller) to collect small dust mites and the like, or to gather what is on my bed in the morning and put the thing right on top of it. It has two levels of focusing. I did not know that at first. I use the lesser focus to get it centered, then turn the nob all the way back around for the higher focus. This is a better quality device than several others that look just like it. The digital images are impressive.

Works great on my old 4 year old HP PC. BUT I purchased it for my new Cyberpower PC, with Windows 7 Pro. When I plug it in I get "no device detected, connect your microscope into usb port." Will keep it because returns are a Pain and at least it works on my old PC. Support from manufacturer is JOKE at best (don't take my word check it out yourself). Tried to send them email, their own web page would not allow me to place product number in the box which requested it(Product No:) Since USB 2.0 has been around I have used it on printers, key boards, memory sticks, scanners, mice, camera's, etc, this is the only device that has failed to work for me properly, on ANY computer. This purchase is the main reason I hate making a purchase over the net. I did not fall from the cart yesterday either, I have been using PC's since the mid 80's.

UPDATE: I've changed my review to 5 stars. I called the company, and found out that they are sending out an updated version of the scope. The older version is the one with the light adjustment on the cord. The newer version has the light adjustment on the scope. I've seen several comments complaining that they didn't get the one in the picture, but the one in the picture is the prior version. They are actually getting a newer scope. Celestron emailed me the updated driver, and that fixed it. The resolution is AMAZING. This scope is so much better than I had hoped for. It is going to be a very important tool in identifying errors in my coins. If you have a mac, call Celestron and have them email you the updated driver. I'm soooo disappointed. I've tried to connect this to 2 of my apple computers. BOTH are not recognizing the device after installing drivers, restarting, etc. I wish I hadn't spent the $$. Now I have to send it back. Beware if you have an apple.

This 'USB Microscope' isn't going to be everything to everybody. I primarily use this product to inspect Trichomes on plants and it works very well for this. For me, it's a big upgrade over a hand held Jewelers Loupe. It's not something that's going to be capable of the level of detail that a true microscope is capable of. The 'depth of field' when viewing 3 dimensional objects isn't very wide and you end up refocusing often to bring out details in separate areas of the viewing frame. My older 2MP 'Scope' and Jewlers Loupe behave the same way in this respect. The hardware is nice quality for a Consumer grade 'USB microscope' (technically a 'USB Macro Imager'). It doesn't appear that it's going to fall apart or break. The adjustment gears on the height are tight and smooth, the focus wheel is also tight and the feel is good. I've read some reviews where some people don't like the tight feel of the adjustments, so it's a matter of preference to be aware of. I use these 'USB microscopes' with the stand (not handheld) and the Celestron is far superior to my no-name $20 2MP USB microscope in this regard. The base is more sturdy and heavy then I thought it would be. What I do not like about the stand is that it does flex at the point where the vertical tube meets the base. This creates some minor frustration when focusing because it causes the camera to move. The USB cord is 4 feet long and there's a nice adjustable angle USB cable guide on the back of the stand. While I don't use them, the clips for holding glass slides appear to be well made and well fastened to the base. The clips rotate out of the way and don't generally interfere with observations unless I have something like a large plate sitting on the base. My main issues and concerns are with the Celestron software. Most noticeable about the Celestron software on a mid-2011 Mac with 8GB memory and Mac OS High Sierra is that it crashes on the 1st launch and must be launched a 2nd time before it runs. It's responsive and quick to focus, but CPU usage is very high. In addition, I've noticed that any software that I run with this camera doesn't display an image until I launch, close, and relaunch the app. After a 2nd launch, apps display images/video. JPG file output is high quality to my DVI monitor and the typical Celestron MicroCapture Pro saved image size is at 2592x1944 resolution. The software does feel a bit dated and could use a GUI update that is a bit more modern. Apple Photo Booth does not work with this camera, however, Quick-Camera (free on the Apple App Store) works great. It supports image mirroring and rotation, but not photo capture (use the Mac OS screen capture command instead). A full size screen capture resolution with Quick-Camera test gave me a 1438x1024 image. Not as high as Celestron's but still very respectable. Sharing live photo images via Facetime is an important use for me, so I'm glad that Facetime works with this camera. The image is horizontally reversed in Facetime, but I can live with that. The Celestion MicroCapture Pro software crashed a couple of times, but did ultimately run when I connected my Mac via Apple AirPlay to my 2nd Gen Apple TV (connected to a 48" 4K UHD TV). See the last photo for a smart phone picture (handwriting with ink pen on paper) of this setup with the Celestron software running over AirPlay in full screen mode. Unfortunately, the picture as seen on this review doesn't really do justice at all to this setup as I can literally see detail in the ink that is not viewable in the Amazon posted photo. Typically I use a 24 inch DVI monitor, and in general, a decent HDMI or DVI display is going to give the best viewing experience that I have found. I have an older dual processor Pentium laptop running Windows 10 at 1024x768 resolution. The software loads fine, but don't bother on older hardware as responsiveness on focusing lags badly to the point of being practically unusable. Finally, on both the Mac and the Windows systems - CPU usage with the Celestron software is way too high as I can hear both system's fans kicking in on high after loading the software. See the photos for a screenshot of the Celestron software pegging my CPU at well over 100%. Celestron needs to make a serious effort to improve the software experience of this product. I use the camera on my Mac so I downloaded the Microcapture Pro software off of Celestron's confusing support webpage There's a Mac and a Mac 'Model B' version. I assume this naming convention must have something to do with the model number of the microscope, as it means nothing in Apple speak. However, I was unable to determine if I had a 'B' version microscope looking at the Box, DVD, manual, microscope, etc. Ultimately I downloaded the 'B' version (2.4.1) and it installed and ran. The bottom line is that I recommend this product provided that you have done some research to verify it's going to give you a decent amount of magnification of your viewing purpose, don't mind tinkering with a modification or two, and a fast computer that supports DVI or HDMI output to a larger size monitor. I'm not sure that I am comfortable calling this a plug and play - no frills device. It's a geek thing for sure... This is not a real microscope but a pretty nice macro imager and I am satisfied with the purchase. I paid just over $60 for what I thought was going to be a open box item with damaged packaging and a cosmetic flaw on the front of the microscope available from the Amazon warehouse (see Available from these Sellers or 'Used and New') on the Amazon item description Web page). What I received was a brand new sealed box item with no cosmetic flaws that had a Amazon Warehouse sticker stuck on the box. I can't guarantee that your purchasing experience will be the same as mine but in my opinion this product was definitely worth the price that I paid. Just be aware that it's nice hardware hampered by low quality software. Celestron could do us all a favor by releasing a open source licensed or similar software version of their 'MicroCapture Pro' software. Where these type of consumer based Macro Imaging camera devices are concerned, 5MP seems to be about the state of the art for some reason and there's only a couple of options at that level. It's really not very advanced. For example, the Raspberry Pi Foundation sells a quality basic general purpose 8MP camera these days for around $25. Most typical product offerings in this 'USB Microscope' category have a maximum of 2MP. As I've seen stated elsewhere in discussions - it may be viable and least expensive to just get a Macro Lens that connects directly to a 12MP smart phone provided that you don't mind a handheld option or even rigging up a smart phone/macro lens/tripod/remote bluetooth shutter setup (that's a mouthful). I'll have to try this out and report on it. In the meanwhile, I've ordered a $20 Aluminum Alloy Base/Stand that I am going to test this camera with next. If the new stand option isn't any better with this camera then I have no doubt that I can get use of it with my older 2MP camera. I'll update this post with my results of the new stand test in a couple of weeks after I've had some time to use it in this configuration. Unfortunately it cannot fix the software issues however, Celestron has to step up to the plate for that to happen. The software would not be such an issue, but --- This is a digital device and you need software to use it as there is no way to view images otherwise. Update: I did receive the Koolertron base/stand and it's a keeper with this camera. The camera fits the stand and It while there is still some slight flex in regards to camera movement while focusing, it's much easier to focus now. The stand is sturdy and there is a small amount of play in the controls, but it's no big deal. A bonus benefit for me is that it has a significantly smaller footprint then the Celestron stand so the setup takes up less space on my desktop.

I'm a professional Biologist and have many high quality very expensive microscopes. I needed something small and portable that I could transport even in airline luggage. This USB scope met my needs and exceeded my expectation for picture quality. Very easy to use and set up. My only complaint is that the mount that holds the scope to the base is a little loose and tightening the set screws did not help. This makes focusing a bit tricky because when you let go of the focus knob, there is a physical shift of the scope to out of focus. I've learned to focus very gently and work around this small problem. For the price, this USB scope can't be beat and its rated at the top of its price class in reviews for a reason. My CD manual was out of date and did not contain the proper method of calibration. I contacted on-line tech support, no wait time, and received chat instructions how to do the calibration. Now, the calibration is for those measuring the dimensions of the object they are viewing. Some have complained that the calibration needs to be done for each image, and that's pretty standard for almost all of these USB scopes. If you don't need precise measurements on objects, you don't need to bother with calibrating, just enjoy the clear images!

I have been using this product for roughly two months both in the classroom and at home and have found several great uses for it. Firstly, it has served its function as a microscope quite well, allowing me to capture very fine details to share with my students. Secondly, by outfitting a taller ring stand with a clamp, I can easily demonstrate dissection techniques to my classes without the need for a crowd of students around the dissection tray. Lastly, I got creative and proceeded to use the microscope as a sort of document camera (as I did not have one in my class at the time). Not exactly the ideal usage, but works well in this scenario regardless. I'm not sure why other users have had issues with the software, but I have used the product on my Windows 7 desktop and laptop with no issues whatsoever. The only thing I may have done differently was to go directly to Celestron's website to download the newest software. Calibration was quick and easy. I just took some pictures using the calibration tool (AKA a ruler) and had the microscope set in the matter of a minute. Overall, a great tool that has made my classroom that much better. Edit 10/3/2014: After having used this for a period of time, I have some changes to my initial feedback: 1. Calibration, while quick and easy the first time around, quickly becomes a pain when you have to calibrate every. single. time. 2. For minute details, a low quality optical microscope would be better, simply by virtue of being able to control lighting conditions as opposed to super-bright LEDs (even if they can be adjusted). 3. Software support for Mac is mediocre at best.

I ordered this Celestron USB microscope after I ordered a $19 off brand one from Ebay. I take pictures of the stamped bases of Civil War bullets and the resolution of the $19 version was just not satisfactory - plus, the software was all in Chinese, the included disc wouldn't load the software to run it so I had to find it online and felt it was "iffy" (I wasn't sure if it was trustworthy). Got it working, but it just didn't give the images I wanted. Initiated a return and they offered me a $3 refund to just keep it (I don't want it). I immediately ordered the Celestron, it arrive the next day, plug and play - so simple and the results are great. Yes, it was $50 more, but well worth the price. I am a very satisfied customer

I do not write bad reviews lightly and only after being sure that I am not the source of the problem. Sorry to say that I am returning this unit for refund. Not interested in a replacement. First issue was that I downloaded what I expected to be the latest version of the software directly from Celestron's web site. My expectation was incorrect. The version of MicroCapture Pro from their web site is 2.3. It would not recognize my Digital Microscope Pro even though my computer sees it fine. I tried three different computers with the same result. For giggles I installed the version on the CD that came with the camera. Turns out it is a newer version than what came from their web site. The newer version is 2.5. Go figure. That was my first major clue that I was not dealing with an outfit on top of their game. I managed to get the 2.5 version working on one of my laptops and obtained some acceptable imagery for a short time. Then while focusing in on a subject item, I noticed that the image on screen was not updating. First step in troubleshooting was to restart software. No help. The software did not complain that it could not find the camera as the 2.3 version constantly did. It just would not display any imagery on screen. I tried rebooting. No good. Tried reloading software. Nada. Tried other USB ports on computer. No go. Rinsed and repeated all the above on another computer to no avail. So the unit became completely worthless to me and thus the return. Congratulations to those of you who have no issues and I hope your product continues to provide value for years to come. I lost this particular lottery and am disinclined to give Celestron another go.

Adecuado desempeño

Das Gerät und die Teile sind dem Preis entsprechend sehr gut bis gut verarbeitet. Die Software von Celestron ist intuitiv und ich denke der Support wird von dieser Firma (da es sich nicht um eine No-Name Company handelt) auch noch länger sichergestellt sein. Unter Windows 8.1 x64 läuft alles problemlos. Handheld Mikroskope gibt es auch günstiger und ohne Tischständer, dieser erweist sich aber beim Scharfstellen als sehr nützlich. Man kann kaum die exakte Entfernung zu einem zu untersuchenden Objekt gleich halten, während man mit der anderen Hand scharfstellt und dann noch den Auslöser für das Foto (ich mache es in der Software mit der Maus) betätigt. Man darf sich natürlich keine Wunder erwarten was den Schärfebereich angeht, umso höher die Vergrößerung ums geringer wird dieser (gilt für 3D Objekte wie zb Kaffeebohne etc.) Seht dazu auch meine Bilder, die ich hier hochgeladen habe. Ich denke diese geben einen guten ersten Eindruck wie weit man mit dem Gerät gehen kann. Die Vergrößerung hängt natürlich von der Entfernung zum Messobjekt, sowie den Einstellungen an dem Gerät (diese stellen das Bild Scharf und vergrößern teilweise noch) ab. Wer mehr will, muss gemäß dem Gesetz der Wirtschaft (you get what you pay for) auch mehr bezahlen, da ist eigentlich auch klar. Für den Einstieg in die digitale Mikroskopie kann ich es getrost weiter empfehlen! Trotzdem der Hinweis von "dnt" gibt es ein "ähnliches" (vermutlich das gleiche Produkt nur in Schwarz) zu einem günstigeren Preis.

Para el que busque un equipo económico para ampliar pequeños objetos es una buena elección. La luz es en general demasiado potente pero la cámara tiene una gran sensibilidad lumínica y 5Mpx de detalle que hacen que una vez efectuada la foto se pueda ampliar considerablemente. Fotografiar es muy sencillo con un pegueño botón del cable El programa tiene una herramienta de medición calibrable que resulta muy práctica. El soporte el algo bajo pero su regulación es buena y fina. Fotografiar es muy sencillo

I like this as it allows me to do fieldwork using computer screen. For my purpose, suffiently high magnification for me to identify bryophytes --- my latest area of microimage work. Very good, fast, effective technical support. Could not get it to work at first, but quick reply by service person sorted out the issue.

An excellent digital microscope out of the box. At 5MP the resolution is just what I need but don't be fooled by the advertised magnification because magnification depends only on the size you blow up the image. The better figure of merit is resolution. At closest focus, it compares to the resolution of a 30x magnifying glass. The software is pretty basic. Since this is just a simple webcam packaged as a microscope, any third party software will do. Since I am running Windows 7, you have to make sure you install the codex (that comes on the CD) so that the 5MP resolution can be realized. I tried three providers of free 3rd party software and all worked (again, the 5MP codex must be installed for them to run at that resolution). This third party software had more features than Celestron Capture Pro so I will probably use them often. For example, the Celestron software doesn't allow for adjustable exposure - it only auto scales so it can't be trusted for depth of field stacking. It also has no color balance controls. This is necessary since the 8 leds do not provide uniform lighting and I will need other lighting sources in certain circumstances. All third party software I looked at offers adjustable exposure and other features that make depth of field stacking easy. They also offer the full gamut of image control. Speaking of depth of field stacking, I will have to construct my own mount and optical stage for depth of field stacking since the Celestron mount is far too flimsy. The Celestron mount is good for just viewing objects on screen but if you need to make fine adjustments it is finicky. I love the quality of the images - an excellent price point for the optical quality - I will customize it to make it suit my needs.