Easy method of capturing microscopical images by using a consumer-type digital camera.

Taking pictures of microstructures is difficult, requiring sophisticated cameras coupled by the microscopes. Furthermore, it may not be feasible to find an operating microscope paired with a camera, especially in laboratory conditions. Considering the difficulty of obtaining microscopic photographs in clinical and laboratory settings, this report describes a practical method of digital photography of microstructures using a consumer-type digital camera. The technique can be summarized simply as placing the lens of a consumer-type digital camera over the eyepieces of a surgical microscope, whereby the anatomic structure of interest is focused. The image thus obtained is transferred to the computer, using easily available software programs. The authors conclude that this method is an inexpensive and practical way of capturing photographs of microstructures, obviating the need for using microscopes coupled by the cameras.