Life-like digital microscopy is now a reality with the DP27 and DP22 digital cameras from Olympus. Both cameras deliver fluid imaging at Full-HD resolution via a USB 3.0 interface, and enable easy optimisation for each and every application with three distinct modes. With the next generation of Olympus digital microscopy camera, researchers can enjoy visualisation on a monitor that is virtually identical to that of the oculars.
Building upon the existing innovations of the Olympus digital camera portfolio, the new cameras offer a detailed Full-HD live image, with 30 fps for the DP22 and 22 fps for the DP27. The progressive readout subsequently ensures a fluid and true-to-life experience, ideal for both analysis and viewing comfort. Moreover, when precise focusing of intricate samples is necessary, the DP27 can provide a fast 15 fps live image at 5 megapixels, allowing the user to effectively zoom in directly on the display.
Based on individual needs, the user is able to choose a “High-Fidelity mode” to generate images which are true to the oculars, or a “Normal mode” with enhanced colours ideal for pale stained samples or for clearly presenting to an audience. When using phase-contrast, a dedicated “Cell Culture” mode is also available to produce a balanced image, free from the typical fringes produced by this illumination technique. Whichever mode is chosen, the new cameras are designed for ease of use and boast an automatic “white point” balance. Regardless of illumination conditions, colours generated are always perfectly balanced and devoid of any colour cast – without the need to constantly adjust the camera parameters or correct images post-acquisition.
Addressing specific requirements, both cameras deliver their full image quality also in a stand-alone configuration, with the new DP2-SAL controller directly connecting the camera to a monitor. With no dedicated computer, this compact controller simplifies image acquisition yet still provides powerful features like movie recording with audio, or control via a touch-screen. Ready to use in seconds from power-on, the controller also provides automatic image calibration and enables quick, reliable measurements to be easily exported to Microsoft Excel. Images can either be saved locally to any USB connected storage media or in a shared folder via a network connection.
Improving the quality and efficiency of digital microscope cameras, the DP27 and DP22 models enable an experience almost indistinguishable from the oculars with brilliant, Full-HD live images and high-resolution capture, while the DP2-SAL controller provides unmatched convenience and ease of use.
Olympus has also released its new cellSens imaging software (version 1.12), which ensures the most efficient use of valuable time-lapse experiments and the latest microscopy hardware. Building on the capabilities introduced by Olympus with its unique Graphical Experiment Manager (GEM) interface, cellSens 1.12 allows the user to truly get in touch with their sample.
Enabling effortless setup of complex acquisition sequences and protocols, the GEM presents an intuitive method to seamlessly control motorised hardware, delivering outstanding ease and efficiency for advanced live cell imaging applications. In cellSens 1.12, the GEM has further evolved to maximise the efficiency of multicolour z-stacking experiments. Prioritising the use of fast devices such as piezometric z-axis modules reaches a new level of imaging speed, with the freedom to choose the sequence of motorisation movements. Hardware support is now also extended to include the latest third party digital camera models, including the Hamamatsu ORCA flash 4.0 LT and Andor Zyla 5.5 models, allowing researchers to pick the optimum camera for their chosen study.
Enhancing the efficiency of time-lapse applications, the improved GEM also enables investigations into short-term dynamics and long-term sample evolution side by side. Capturing fast sequences at multiple points in addition to the primary time-lapse, the GEM maximises the level of information that can be gathered during a single experiment. Moreover, the user can now directly react to changes in sample behaviour when running a real-time analysis. Thanks to on-line creation or modification of the Regions of Interest (ROI), structures can be investigated as they transform and emerge, capturing unexpected events without the need for a repeat experiment.
cellSens is an expandable platform with additional software modules to suit every need, and the range now includes the ‘Photomanipulation’ Solution. Operating alongside the Olympus IX3-FRAP unit, this new extension is perfect for managing a range of experiments such as Fluorescence recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP), Photoconversion and Optogenetics.
