To see product details, add this item to your cart.
FREE Returns
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns. How to return the item? - Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com
To see product details, add this item to your cart.
FREE Returns
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns. How to return the item? - Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: Amazon Warehouse
Other Sellers on Amazon
99% positive over last 12 months
100% positive over last 12 months
92% positive over last 12 months
- VIDEO
Image Unavailable
Color:
-
-
-
- To view this video download Flash Player
Celestron - 5 MP Digital Microscope Pro - Handheld USB Microscope Compatible with Windows PC and Mac - 20x-200x Magnification - Perfect for Stamp Collecting, Coin Collecting
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Light Source Type | LED |
Color | Gray/White |
Product Dimensions | 9"L x 7"W x 5"H |
Real Angle of View | 45 Degrees |
Magnification Maximum | 200 |
Item Weight | 0.65 Kilograms |
Voltage | 5 Volts |
Brand | Celestron |
Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
Objective Lens Description | Achromatic |
About this item
- TRUE 5 MEGAPIXEL SENSOR: Capture and save high resolution images and videos of your specimens.
- 5-ELEMENT IR-CUT GLASS LENS: This digital microscope's high quality glass lens ensures sharp images.
- 20X to 200X MAGNIFICATION: Ideal for observing 3D specimens in stunning detail. Examine coins, stamps, rocks, insects, and more.
- USE WITH OR WITHOUT THE STAND: A 4-foot USB 2.0 cable allows you to maneuver the microscope easily. Great for viewing specimens on large surfaces.
- SOFTWARE INCLUDED: Intuitive Micro Capture Pro software offers measuring and note-taking features. Compatible with Windows and Mac.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Your purchase includes a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.
Frequently bought together
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
- Plugable Digital Microscope with Flexible Arm Observation Stand Compatible with USB and USB-C Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, iPad (USB C), Android, Linux Systems (2MP, 250x Magnification)Amazon's Choicein Lab Handheld Digital MicroscopesFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
- Ninyoon 4K WiFi Microscope for iPhone Android PC, 50-1000X USB Digital Microscope Wireless Super HD Endoscope Camera Compatible with All Cellphones iPad Android Tablet Windows Mac Chrome LinuxFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
- Andonstar AD246S-M HDMI Digital Microscope 2000x for Adults, 3 Lens 2160P UHD Video Record, 7 Inch LCD Soldering Microscope, Coin Microscope, Biological Microscope Kit, Windows CompatibleFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
- Wireless Digital Microscope Handheld USB HD Inspection Camera 50x-1000x Magnification with Stand Compatible with iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Android, Mac, Windows ComputerFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
- Opti-Tekscope Digital USB Microscope Camera- Advanced CMOS Sensor, True High Definition Macro 200x Zoom Imaging –1600 x 1200, Video, Superior Industrial Quality Base, 8 LED, Windows Mac LinuxFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
Compare with similar items
This Item Celestron - 5 MP Digital Microscope Pro - Handheld USB Microscope Compatible with Windows PC and Mac - 20x-200x Magnification - Perfect for Stamp Collecting, Coin Collecting | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | $169.95$169.95 | -6% $168.99$168.99 List: $178.99 | $74.99$74.99 | $29.99$29.99 | $49.99$49.99 | $39.99$39.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Value for money | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.3 |
Picture quality | 3.9 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.2 | — | 4.3 |
Easy to use | 3.5 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.9 | — | 4.2 |
Zoom | — | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 3.9 |
Brightness | — | 4.7 | 4.4 | — | — | 4.6 |
Sold By | Amazon.com | Andonstar Technology Co., Ltd | CpL-Adapter LLC | PENGERKEJI | Ninyoon | Ninyoon |
max magnification | — | — | 1200 multiplier x | 1600 multiplier x | 1000 multiplier x | 1000 multiplier x |
light source type | LED | LED | LED | LED | — | — |
power source | — | — | — | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Battery Powered |
real angle of view | 45 degrees | 45 degrees | 45 degrees | — | — | 120 degrees |
objective lens | Achromatic | Achromatic | Achromatic | — | — | Achromatic |
voltage | 5 volts | 240 volts | 5 volts | 5 volts | — | — |
From the manufacturer
Handheld Digital Pro Microscope
Connects directly to your computer via USB to view & record amazing microscopic images.
Features and Benefits
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Connect directly to computer via USBThe Handheld Digital Microscope Pro is Mac and Windows OS compatible making saving and sharing videos and still images easy. |
One hand use and easy focusThe Handheld Digital Microscope Pro can be manipulated with one hand and easily focused using the barrel focus wheel. |
Adjustable, weighted stand includedThe included stand has multiple adjustments and a lock to ensure steady viewing and image taking. |
Features and Benefits
|
|
|
---|---|---|
Software IncludedCelestron Micro Capture Pro software is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems and allows for capturing still images, video and time lapse videos. |
Measuring and note taking featureWith the measuring feature of the Capture Pro software and the included calibration ruler, you can take measurements and make notes on the still images that you capture. |
Multiple accessories includedThe Handheld Digital Microscope Pro is ready to go out of the box and includes, microscope, stand, cleaning cloth and calibration ruler. |
Customer Reviews |
— |
— |
— |
— |
---|---|---|---|---|
44308 | 44360 | 44310 | 44314 | |
Magnification | 10x to 200x | 4x to 160x | 1x to 54x | 10x to 120x |
Sensor Size | 5MP | 5MP | 3MP | 5MP |
Video Format | VGA - 30 FPS | VGA - 30 FPS | VGA - 24 FPS | VGA - 30 FPS |
Photo Resolution | 2592 x 1944 pixel array | 2592 x 1944 pixel array | 2048 x 1536 pixel array | 2592 x 1944 pixel array |
LCD Screen | 3.5” Full color TFT | 2.4” Full color TFT | 3.0” Full color TFT | |
Portable | USB connect | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
USB connect option | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Software included | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
What's in the box
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Product Dimensions | 9 x 7 x 5 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 1.43 pounds |
ASIN | B00CMJ1I08 |
Item model number | 44308 |
Customer Reviews |
4.1 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #428 in Camera & Photo Products (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo Products) #85 in Lab Handheld Digital Microscopes |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | April 29, 2013 |
Manufacturer | Celestron |
Country of Origin | China |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product Description
Our popular Handheld Digital Microscope line rises to a new level with the Handheld Digital Microscope Pro including adjustable-height stand. This easy-to-use microscope is perfect for viewing stamps, coins, and other small objects at magnifications up to 200x. The Handheld Digital Microscope Pro is extremely versatile - use it in handheld mode to view large object surfaces and access tight spaces or use the included adjustable stand for smaller objects. View the images from the Handheld Digital Microscope Pro directly on your PC using the provided software, and save the 5MP images or 30fps video to your hard drive.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, ease of installation, and value of the microscope. For example, they mention that it has a high quality JPG file output, and is easy to use. Some appreciate the detail. That said, opinions are mixed on performance, quality, focus, and lighting.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the image quality of the microscope. They say the level of zoom and picture quality are impressive, and the JPG file output is high quality. They also say the product looks good, has quite good video quality, and 5 MP is the highest resolution of similar products. The camera is better than average, and it takes movies as well as pictures.
"...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..." Read more
"...This USB scope met my needs and exceeded my expectation for picture quality. Very easy to use and set up...." Read more
"...I figured out how to connect it to my Mac and PC and it takes some very good digital images of small stuff...." Read more
"...Handheld or portable stand results are fine. Good image/video capture and basic edit features for the home hobbyist or can do more detail edits in..." Read more
Customers find the installation of the microscope to be easy. They mention that the software is straightforward, easy to set up, and not too tough to figure out. Some say that the microscope is small and easy to carry. They also mention that it is simple to set the scale factor and to modify the field of view.
"...Very easy to use and set up...." Read more
"...Performs just as manufacture states, set up is easy and software install with no problems. Windows 8 no problem...." Read more
"...This makes it very easy to find software that doesn't suck...." Read more
"...the focus wheel is way, way too clumsy, and the software is astonishingly primitive, basic, and hard-to-use. I returned the product to Amazon." Read more
Customers like the value of the microscope. They mention it's fine for the price, useful for capturing pictures of small things, and a solid product for the money.
"...be the same as mine but in my opinion this product was definitely worth the price that I paid...." Read more
"...Construction is fine for the price range and unit is quite stable, but we live in a plastic construction world, and would not knock it down for that..." Read more
"The 'Celestron - 5 MP Digital Microscope Pro' overall is good value however please consider the following 2 issues...." Read more
"...All in all, the brand new price seems a little steep to me, for what it is......" Read more
Customers like the detail of the microscope. They say it allows them to see the fine detail, helps them see little things up close, and makes doing close up work easy. Some say it's easy to install and gives them a close up of rocks, minerals, and other items. They also say it is useful for capturing pictures of small parts, halftoning, fabric weaves, and coins. Overall, customers are happy with the quality and functionality of the product.
"...has served its function as a microscope quite well, allowing me to capture very fine details to share with my students...." Read more
"...Some depth-of-field, easy focus. On further study, I don't think the rez is boosted by interlacing...." Read more
"...It's good enough to examine things scientifically, just not for taking magazine cover photos. -Records video at 10fps at max resolution,..." Read more
"...It is going to be a very important tool in identifying errors in my coins...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the microscope. Some mention that it works great for that, while others say that the software effectively makes it unusable.
"...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...." Read more
"...world, and would not knock it down for that, all the plastic components work fine and with ease, a tad overpriced to me thus the four star rate but..." Read more
"...It worked great and I liked it. But one day it just stopped working on Windows 10, after a Windows update. Celestron never updated the software...." Read more
"...It still works great. There's some hair in the viewfinder that I don't think will ever go away. Whatever...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the microscope. Some mention that it's a better quality device than several others that look just like it, and is built fairly well. However, others say that the software is sluggish and not typical for good software. They also say the sheet itself is a small piece of flimsy plastic.
"...This is a better quality device than several others that look just like it. The digital images are impressive." Read more
"...Firstly, it has served its function as a microscope quite well, allowing me to capture very fine details to share with my students...." Read more
"...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..." Read more
"...Construction is fine for the price range and unit is quite stable, but we live in a plastic construction world, and would not knock it down for that..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the focus of the microscope. Some mention that the zoom and focus are ideal, with good depth of focus, and a very good range of magnification. However, others say that this makes focusing a bit tricky, because when you let go of the focus knob, there is all shades of gray and the focus had narrowed. The point of focus shifts wildly as you change the magnitude.
"...loads fine, but don't bother on older hardware as responsiveness on focusing lags badly to the point of being practically unusable...." Read more
"...It has two levels of focusing. I did not know that at first...." Read more
"...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...." Read more
"...Some depth-of-field, easy focus. On further study, I don't think the rez is boosted by interlacing...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the lighting of the microscope. Some mention that the light is adjustable, the built-in lighting is OK, and the dimmer feature for the LED lamps is great. However, other customers say that the lighting can have issues at times, the ambient light is too bright, and that the LED lighting is not diffuse.
"...The adjustment gears on the height are tight and smooth, the focus wheel is also tight and the feel is good...." Read more
"...at high magnification, but at low magnification, it puts dots of light on the subject, with very strong reflection if the subject is shiny, like the..." Read more
"...PS. The LED lights can be switched off, but then you need external lighting. APA" Read more
"...Cons: -Isn't lit from below...." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
So basically, I paid 100 dollars for a paperweight. Don't take my word for it. Do a search online, many people talking about the same thing with this unit.
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.
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2019
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 have several very expensive digital cameras, and a very nice macro lens. This little USB microscope rivals them in resolution and lack of distortion.
I cannot recommend the Celestron 5MP USB Microscope enough.
Top reviews from other countries
Néanmoins les molettes de réglage (netteté et luminosité) sont trop dures et dès qu'on veut les utiliser ce foutu pied bouge voire tombe.
Le problème est donc le pied fourni avec qui ressemble à une plaisanterie :
- instable : il tombe quand on approche trop le microscope
- système de blocage / déblocage ridicule : dès qu'on dévisse un peu le microscope tombe
- il y a du jeu dans la monture au niveau de l'attache au microscope
Incroyable vu le prix de fournir un pied aussi indigent.
4.) You can take pictures and videos with it.
Some problems which I faced is that....
1.) No eye piece and can used only by connecting with the laptop/computer
2.) Cannot use with the phone as software only work with the laptop.
3.) Without the software it won't work
4.) Also while downloading the software two models is given 44308 and 44308 B ..my model is the first one but it didn't worked rather the 2nd model software worked.
5.) The maximum Light exposure of it is less what I felt after clicking images. so I used photoshop to brighten the images.
Reviewed in India on April 22, 2021
4.) You can take pictures and videos with it.
Some problems which I faced is that....
1.) No eye piece and can used only by connecting with the laptop/computer
2.) Cannot use with the phone as software only work with the laptop.
3.) Without the software it won't work
4.) Also while downloading the software two models is given 44308 and 44308 B ..my model is the first one but it didn't worked rather the 2nd model software worked.
5.) The maximum Light exposure of it is less what I felt after clicking images. so I used photoshop to brighten the images.
es una herramienta muy sencilla pero explotable como microscopio estereoscópico.
Usando un poco de ingenio la herramienta se puede usar de modo profesional con resultados aceptables.
Usage: examining, repairing electronic circuits and larger objects such as electric motors.
Pluses; On Windows an easy install. Worked perfectly as soon as it was connected. BONUS: This will work with no issues on most Linux disributions using any webcam app (I use "Cheese").
Minuses: The camera pole is too short for me so I use a longer tube to fix it (see pic). Will mount it on a camera tripod to get at difficult-to-see places.
HIGHLY RECCOMENDED
Reviewed in Canada on February 13, 2019
Usage: examining, repairing electronic circuits and larger objects such as electric motors.
Pluses; On Windows an easy install. Worked perfectly as soon as it was connected. BONUS: This will work with no issues on most Linux disributions using any webcam app (I use "Cheese").
Minuses: The camera pole is too short for me so I use a longer tube to fix it (see pic). Will mount it on a camera tripod to get at difficult-to-see places.
HIGHLY RECCOMENDED