Digital microscopes have only a camera for image observation
and no eyepieces. Microscopes with eyepieces for visual
observation, such as stereo microscopes, can also be equipped
with digital cameras. Both types of microscope are used for a
variety of technical applications in many different fields and
industries.
To evaluate the performance of an optical microscope, knowing
its highest achievable magnification is important. For digital
microscopy, very high magnification values, such as 20,000x,
are sometimes mentioned. This report provides some helpful
guidelines concerning the useful range of magnification for
digital microscopy.