High-speed camera for fluorescence imaging and diagnostics by Olympus
The Olympus (Center Valley, PA) DP72 microscope digital camera combines "the fastest high-resolution image capture and transfer rates available" with the performance of Adobe RGB image display for high-fidelity color reproduction, for both research and clinical applications. With its brilliant color reproduction, the camera is optimized for researchers doing fluorescence imaging with dimly fluorescing specimens and for pathologists, who require the best possible color fidelity for diagnostic purposes.
The DP72 captures a 12.8 megapixel, 4140 x 3096, full-resolution image with outstanding color fidelity, clarity, and detail in less than 2.5 seconds, and can capture streams of high-resolution live images at 15 frames per second (fps). It offers a choice of Adobe RGB and sRGB displays for broader color reproduction and enhanced performance, a PCI-Express (PCI-E) interface for faster uncompressed image transfer (24 bit), and optional laptop connectivity for flexibility.
The DP72 achieves 12.8-million-pixel resolution with pixel shifting technology. It is cooled by a Peltier element, and boasts a high-sensitivity 2/3 inch 1.45 million pixel CCD, equivalent 1600 ISO sensitivity, low noise, and piezoelectric motor.
The choice of Adobe RGB or sRGB offers versatility. Adobe RGB is a color space with far broader color reproduction than sRGB, as defined by the international IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standard. Although color in every region is broadened, colors in the cyan/green region are particularly enhanced with Adobe RGB performance, making the camera a good choice for live cell imaging.
Uncompressed, fast image transfer is available using PCI-E, a serial transfer interface that allows much faster data transfer, particularly for large, uncompressed image files. With this interface, connectivity to a PC laptop is available.
The camera's software, which can also be used to operate Olympus motorized microscopes, promises to help streamline workflow with a customizable toolbar for enhanced control over image acquisition and management. Measurement functions and image stitching are available. The DP72 features a standard C-mount for attachment to most microscopes.