Considering the versatility of the microscopes available today, it's surprising that more people don't own one. They're handy in revealing fine detail in small objects at magnifications that a loupe or magnifying glass can't hope to attain. Many are computer-controlled, and let you take still or video images of your subjects, whether they be coins, circuit boards, or creepy crawlies. According to its manufacturer, the Handheld Digital Microscope Pro ($119.95) is built by Celestron, a longtime telescope manufacturer that has recently branched into microscopes, and has a good reputation for quality. According to the company, the microscope is aimed at the "discriminating hobbyist or professional." I'm involved in several hobbies that benefit from, if not require, detailed examination of small objects. I collect stamps and coins. I've also accumulated some small meteorites. And I'm a photographer, looking to improve the quality of so-called macro images. The Handheld Digital Microsco...
The USB-powered Celestron Handheld Digital Microscope Pro, geared toward hobbyists, is useful, fun and easy to use, and can be had for less money than you might expect.
Easy to assemble and use; 5-megapixel sensor; Can be used either handheld, or secured to its included stand; Shoots both photos and video; Powered via USB; Built-in intervalometer lets you program a series of shots or videos
Software occasionally freezes and requires a reboot; Stand is unstable enough to make focusing tricky at times; Using the microscope's LEDs for lighting adds a blue tint to images