2012-06-09T21:00:00
Rated 2 out of 5
User Friendly It's Not
Flashpoint LOGO Microscope Camera - I just purchased this camera and have the same problems as the previous reviews. You can NOT hit the shutter release easily because it is tied to the zoom toggle. By the time you manage to press the button, you have moved the camera and changed the zoom....very frustrating. It also chews through the 4 AAA batteries quickly. I think this product needs a serious engineering review and modifications. It is NOT user friendly and comes with a single sheet of poorly written instructions. Additionally, I have very small fingers, I can't imagine how someone with large digits could snap a photo.
RAF
2012-05-07T21:00:00
I use it for filming very small objects.
TCG
2012-03-27T21:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
OMG A POCKET MICROSCOPE
Forensic Investigator / Educator. I requested one of these to test this item out for use in the crime scene processing. I told them I would review it good or bad as I see it. I currently train CSI personel and always looking for new equipment,methods for crime scene processing. I will add this camera into my training.
I found that it would be a great addition to my tool box. I have used to photo finger prints. Examined watch band was able to locate trace evidence located within links.
With additional accesories tripod mount, led light. You can use tripod with light for examination on just about any surface.
Packaged well includes batteries,carry pouch, software cd, usb cable, directions need to read.
Let friend/co-worker try it he deals with collectible coins he was able to use it to not only view markings but photo them for clients
(I think he ordered himself one)
The camera allows you to place it directly on surface looking at and with built in ring light the focus is manual dial works well but you need to hold camera still tripod would be helpful.
Science class each student could have own microscope capture images and use for projects.
NEGATIVE:
Magifying switch is also capture button not easy to use at first.
Image printed size limited due to megapixels.
Disclosure I was offered the Flashpoint Microscope after I had completed my testing and I had offered to buy it,
I will be posting images on this item with descriptions.
RICHARD D.
2012-02-14T19:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
FUN TO SHOOT, USEFUL FOR DOCUMENTATION
The previous reviewer is right about the magnification claim, but the point for me is that this funky little camera still gives OPTICAL magnification way beyond what you'd get with extension tubes, screw-in diopters, or an expensive macro lens for your DSLR. And it's only 5MP anyway. This is not the camera for high-level scientific photography, but it would be perfect for documenting small stuff like stamps or coins. If I were a detective I'd use it for fingerprints etc.
I'm not a detective, so I've just been having a lot of fun with it. It really does reveal details beyond what you can see with the naked eye, for example a single letter in a printed document. You can literally press the camera so that the lens is right up against something, as the description says, then zoom on top of that. Blocking off existing light isn't a problem because of the built-in ringlight. Just crank it up to the brightest of the three settings.
The first reviewer is also right about the shutter button. You have to press it pretty far in to trip the shutter, and if you're not steadying the camera really well you can get blur. I gaffer-taped the camera to a tabletop tripod and it seemed to do fine, but you could get some sort of tripod mount for it, which I'm planning to do. If I find a good solution for that I'll do another post.
Anyway, if you're thinking of buying this camera, keep in mind that it's no more money than a cheap point-and-shoot, and you can get your money back if you don't like it.
RUSSELL H.
2012-02-06T19:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Much fun to use, still ultramagnifies!
The previous reviewer is correct that this camera doesn't go up to 500X, at least optically--but whatever the magnification, it's high enough to give you minute details even at its optical limit. He's also correct that the combining of shutter button and zoom lever is awkward, requiring some extra, steady pressure. In fact it's important to brace this camera solidly for your shots--maybe even consider using an iPhone tripod adapter or other mount because it doesn't have a tripod thread.
All that said, after shooting with the camera extensively I have to say that it's just FUN to use, allowing you to do a kind of photography that even a good macro lens won't allow, and without the need for a microscope. It's not going to do the job for high-resolution scientific photography, but it would serve most other ultraclose-up purposes--documenting stamps, coins, or other small collectibles or even for forensic imagery. Since Adorama will give you a refund if you don't think the camera is up to snuff, and it's hardly more money than a low-end point-and-shoot, seems like it might be worth a try...
Yussell
