Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM)

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

The microscope works fine for the application I have for it. It certainly beats trying to take photos with a normal microscope, switching back and forth between an eyepiece and a camera. It is also a great way for multiple people to see what is in the microscope at the same time. Of course, at the price one should not expect a research-grade microscope. Nevertheless, it is very convenient.

That said, there are some annoying aspects of sloppy design or construction:
* The instructions are very meager, but if you already know how to use a microscope you can find your way. One not so obvious thing, however, is that accurately focusing on the screen is limited by the screen resolution. Use the digital zoom to blow up the image 2x or more to set the focus. The digital zoom has no effect on the photo itself.
* The image is not rotated 180 degrees as normally seen in a microscope, but it is correct top/bottom and reversed left/right. This will confuse the user at first when moving a sample into view. Getting the view correct would have been trivial in the camera.
* The three objectives do not have proper seating for alignment. The result was that a subject viewed by different objectives can be so far off that the subject is out of the view! A little fiddling fixed that, putting 2 layers of tape under one edge of the lens so that the lens at least looks in approximately the right place. Every individual microscope will probably respond differently for this design weakness. This is really clunky!
* The stage illumination hole was not aligned with the light from LED below. It was possible to loosen two screws using a small (2 mm) Allen wrench and move the stage to improve the situation.
* There is no stop on the vertical travel of the stage, and it is necessary to lower the stage to rotate the 40x objective into or out of view to avoid hitting the sample with the lens. Thus, the par-focal ability is lost, because there is no mechanical stop to return to a given focus.
* At high magnification, it is difficult to take a photo, because one must press a button, and doing that moves the lens a bit, spoiling the focus. Very carefully squeezing the module between two fingers sometimes works. Having the button on the base would make much more sense.
* Do not take the stated magnification ratios too seriously. They are indicative but not suitable for making physical measurements without a separate calibration of each objective.

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

Purchased for kids, worked great for a few months and then LCD screen just dies and won't turn on. I don't recommend. Price seems cheap but ends up being a waste of your money.

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

It was the best value for money I could find after researching the market for a while. I'm dvery happy with the microscope and the kids has a lot of fun with it .. One little caveat when I puchased it, the first I got had one of the led lights not funcitioning and I had to return it to B&H.. This doesnt certainly indicate solid construction .. but again for the price the 44340 is a no brainer!

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

I recieved my Celestron 44340 today. I was looking forward to having fun using it. I followed the instruction manual to set it up. When I pressed the power button nothing happened. I tried a different power outlet and still nothing. It just doesn't work. I should have read all reviews on this product BEFORE I got excited and ordered it. I'll be sending it back. I have purchased from B&H before and I know they are a reputable company, I will still order from them in the future.

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

is very interesting know the world of bacteria

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

Excellent value for the cost.

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

Very easy to use, inexpensive, and good build quality.

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

The 44340 LCD digital microscope matched my expectations for the product. I am really pleased with the ease of use and I love the LCD screen. All the knobs move smoothly. It's nice and lightweight yet solid. I'm also pleased with the different powers and the way the camera works to take the shots. It's so easy to use it's just basically plug in and go. It even comes with some already prepared slides. It would have been nice if one of the slides was empty though. I also thought the focus on it was really touchy so you really have to take care to get it just right by turning the knob slowly.

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

Used by 3rd to 5th graders - display and PC connection are great features.

connections can be trying and the 'guide book' is not very useful

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

I use this for hobby studies but I have used many professional models so I know what to expect. This unit is just what I expected based on other reviews and the specifications. The photos and videos are very good and the x-y motion and focus acceptable.

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

A very nice surprise that this worked as well as it does. For a very decent price as well. The LCD screen is bright and easy to read, and all in all a great device.

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

This microscope is a Chrismas gift for our grand children. We have tested it and it works very well; we are sure they will greatly appreciate. [...] Finally, B&H had the best price for this microscope by almost 20%. Thank you again Serge H. Montréal Quebec, Canada

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

great product for it price, well constructed

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

I choose to buy over the internet this cheap-looking devices for its LCD monitor, which kinda convenient for me wearing thick lenses spectacles. However cheap it may look, it is for sure functioning like a real microscope! My colleagues are so awed by this device and I personally sure they would also want to have it for themselves.

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

Pros:
+ Good for most jobs
+ Nice LCD screen
+ Kids have a blast with it

Cons:
- power cord too short
- LED lights not too powerful
- pushing the "snap picture" button shakes the whole device making it hard to take crisp pictures

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

After using the 44340 LDM for about three weeks now I can say I am still simply amazed was this microscope! The use of the LCD screen makes viewing objects so easy. I wear glasses and by having the LCD screen as opposed to an eye peice is really nice. It also makes it convenient for sharing with others.I don't know where to being in describing the modern day features such as the digital camera for taking pics of your samples. You can even attach a usb cable and transfer your pics and videos from the microscope to your pc for burning to removable media or emailing. The 44340 is precision instrument built well with high quality materials and well made to last for years and years.T[...] I will be recommended B&H to all my friends, family and co-workers.

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

It's really amazing to be able to record video and take photos of what you see. The internal memory is good, you almost don't need a memory card (esp. if the scope is sitting right by your pc). quick USB connection. The lights are strong enough (top and bottom) cool digital features. Only drawbacks: not exactly a detailed manual but enough to get started, and the video auto-iris keeps adjusting brightness and contrast (a little annoying in the video mode.) this is a video that I shot the first day while sampling pond water in Tampa, FL. Creepy Cool[@]

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

This microscope isn't going to make you the next Jonas Salk, but it allows me to examine my samples, store the images, and then download them to my computer to share with others. It's more than powerful enough to examine my plant samples and quickly make preliminary diagnoses. I really love the case that comes with it... solid. It would have been nice if it could be directly tethered to my computer. Also It would have been better if it could be optionally run on batteries rather than off the ac converter only. Those two features would have made it great for use in the field. If you're a micro biologist, by all means drop a grand or two more on something better, but if [$] is more your price range this is the real deal.

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

im use this product for documents the results its not satisfactories to all, but the product its excelent for fibers

Comments about Celestron 44340 LCD Digital Microscope (LDM):

I simply Love this microscope! I'm not a professional but have had some experience with other scopes. This unit is a great example of why I so respect Engineers. This is an idea whos' time has come. The LCD makes what used to cause eye strain at best become a comfortable and inviting experience! I use mine to check for biological problems in horticulture. If there is anything off about the unit - (for me) - is that it has Way more power and features than I need, but the minimum setting works Perfectly, providing more clarity and it's easy on the eyes. Also when I finish my inspections I now feel secure that I haven't missed anything as the frame is so easy to look at and see everything. 4 out of 5 stars is because I am not really qualified to make a critique, but was compelled to render this report in order to hopefully share the joy! Well worth Every cent!