Celestron 44330 Digital And Optical Microscope

by Celestron

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13 x 8 x 6 inches ; 2.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B0023EZCU4
• Item model number: 44330
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #48 in Camera & Photo > Binoculars, Telescopes & Optics > Microscopes > USB Microscopes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 1, 2009

Product Description

Discover the microscopic world with the Celestron(r) 44330 digital and optical microscope. It features an innovative microscope design that allows your to view specimens or objects on a computer screen and allows you to take snapshot images or short videos.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely not a toy!, March 6, 2010

By 

atomicfalcon1 (jackson, ms) - See all my reviews

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Celestron 44330 Digital And Optical Microscope (Electronics)

I just received my new Celestron Handheld Digital Microscope last night. I wasn't sure about the product so I immediately began testing its capabilities. The specimen light is plenty bright when on high, and the manual eyepiece and camera lens fit snug into the receptacle. I was concerned about this so it was a relief. I loaded the software though the camera works without it (plug and play). You can't record video without the software, but you can still take snapshots. Also, using the camera without the software limits you to a 6"X6" screen which is still really nice. With the software running you get a variety of options: change resolution, color/contrast, video, video editing, burst of 5 photos, etc. Also, you can make the specimen image be as large as your screen--no borders!! Video will only record at a lower resolution, but I haven't found this to be a problem at all. Also, at higher resolution there is a slight delay on snapshots. This still has not been an issue because on lower resolution the pic is taken instantly and still looks incredible. You'd have to see it to believe it. The base of the microscope doesn't have a slide manipulator so I just gently move the image with my fingers. Too easy! Zoom is excellent! I have already recorded the destruction of a spirostomum's cell membrane. I watched an amoeba's pseudopodia extend around a euglenoid and consume it--close up!. The Euglena's flagella was visible enough that my 4 year old daughter could point it out! The cilia on parameciums is visible on the 10x lens while on 20x you can see how far out they reach from the membrane. Spirogyra looked great! I recorded some tiny cells conjugating at the bottom of the spirogyra membrane. Great! I am extremely pleased with this product. It is more versatile than the ones my professors have. I read some reviews about similiar products and how the focus won't get the whole image clear. This is absurd. Microscopic organisms are 3-D even on a slide with a cover slip which means they have depth. Of course you won't get the whole image in focus! You're only gonna get those areas focused that are on that plane of focus. In other words, if you know how to use a microscope to begin with you'll really appreciate this device. By the way, the focus knob allows for fine adjustments. It has just the right amount of pressure. I highly recommend this product due to its amazing capabilities, versatility, and portability. If your are thinking about getting one, get this one. Its great when every one can see the image blown-up. Perfect real-time viewing. No drag-time whatsoever! You'll absolutely love this thing.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a "hardcore" scientific instrument at all, but WOW!, May 18, 2010

By 

Richard Green "artbot" (Seattle) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Celestron 44330 Digital And Optical Microscope (Electronics)

While the optics are as to be expected from a $100 'scope, the images on the computer screen are big and colorful and really fun to "create". And that's exactly what an introductory microscope like this should be used for: getting newcomers excited about science and/or a world they are not normally exposed to. A real attraction here is that young kids who might have trouble squinting into an eyepiece can instantly have fun finding items to look at. I know my science-nerd 4 year old and I are going to have a ton of fun with this.

The only drawback is lack of a good front-lighting system, but that can be remedied with a powerful penlight.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wish I had one of these when I was a kid, January 2, 2012

By 

maxwebster - See all my reviews

This review is from: Celestron 44330 Digital And Optical Microscope (Electronics)

I bought this for my son for Xmas, as he just graduated from an environmental tech course. This is something he can take out in the field with him and easily attach to his laptop. The scope has a rugged design, and I was very impressed with its digital capabilities. The optics are quite good for an inexpensive scope, and you really can't beat viewing the specimens on a big screen. And with the software, you can also take movies as well as pictures.
Awesome scope for the price, wish I had a toy like this when I was a kid.