Digital Microscope camera or Stereo microscope

[Foxjewel]

Hello,
I'm getting ready to buy a scope. I am thinking that having a digital camera scope would reduce eye fatigue as well as provide freedom when sitting for a long period of time instead of being so stringently "tied" to a microscope.

Does anyone use a digital microscope camera with live-viewing instead of a typical stereo microscope? If so, what do you use and what is the slowest FPS (frames per second) that one can use without a noticeable or problematic delay from hand to eye?

I am just getting started, and I would really like to say under $700, but not sure if that is even possible. Right now I am looking at a Trinocular scope… AmScope and adding a camera… and am overwhelmed with all the options.
If you look at this one.. I really like this setup… but not sure about the quality of the microscope, I’ve never heard of this brand. If I get a trinocular scope, I DO like that there is a screen just above the scope… so I am leaning toward this one. https://www.amazon.com/Vision-Scientific-VS-3FZ-IFR07-RET11-6-Trinocular-Magnification/dp/B01M0CI0O5

But… I really like the idea of a solitary scope like a Dino-Lite but am not sure if there would be enough working distance…as well as I like light rings and they don’t seem to be an option, nor the ability to add a Barlow lens.
I THINK I’d really like to get a set up like this…
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10-...ml?spm=2114.10010108.1000023.4.6ce5344aEo91S8

but I cannot find something here in the US. I’m too afraid to take a chance to get something so expensive from Aliexpress. – Getting a rolling pin, or some cooking item or tool from there…I don’t mind…but a scope or anything expensive… we’ll I just don’t like the idea.

Can anyone give me some insight? Or share your personal experiences with me about these…or should I just stick with a standard stereo microscope? If my assumptions are way off base, please tell me that as well! I welcome any feedback and information.

Thanks in advance for reading.

 

[papart1]

Hello Mr. Foxjewel, I was thinking the same thing when I started, amscopes are acceptable, stand,and scope, 725-850. I waited and picked up a nice Meiji x5 on ebay and then bought a stand from amscope, just make sure the mounting is correct. 175.00+free shipping. And I am off and running!!!

 

[John B.]

Foxjewel.
Try the Cafe forum search button.
There is a ton of input on scopes.
Most find that you loose the 3-D touch when trying to engrave from a monitor.
Best of luck with your scope search.

 

[Foxjewel]

Thank you Papart1. Great information!

 

[Foxjewel]

Hi John B. I thought this was the Cafe forum... I'm new at all of this. I'll search around and see what I can find. Although I've been a "member" for years, I've not been here enough to figure it all out and am finally getting an opportunity to get started in engraving.

 

[John B.]

Hi John B. I thought this was the Cafe forum... I'm new at all of this.QUOTE]

Foxjewel, maybe the way I wrote it confused you.......This is the Engraver's Cafe Forum.
Hope you can get the info you need.

 

[Foxjewel]

Thank you both, John and Papart1, for your input. I just decided to jump in the deep end and picked up a used Meiji EMZ-10 stereo, no stand but will order one. I decided against the trinocular scope until "live viewing" cameras get better. I appreciate what you shared! Happy engraving to you both!

 

[John B.]

Best of luck and enjoy your Meiji scope.
If you can get to the FEGA show in Las Vegas you can get a lot of input on your scope use from the tool companies demonstrating there.

 

[Foxjewel]

Thanks John B.!