USB Digital Microscope Matures, Reaches 2nd Gen Status

USB Digital Microscopes while being a very unique niche product at the moment are rounding a corner as of today. A new 150x USB Microscope manufactured by Sanko and starting distribution by eSupply shows 2nd gen features and a much more mature software package as well. Intel's QX series of toy microscopes attempted to be science based multimedia instruments but fell way short of the mark due to the terrible sensor quality. Other products were able to make some progress. Now a 2 mega-pixel CMOS sensor sits in 99% of telephone handsets that leave the store. This 2MP sensor can magnify objects up to 150x from varying distances, lighting and accessories. In its most simple mode the handheld unit can be plugged into a USB port and placed directly on top of the object to be identified. Images appear at up to 1600x1200 in resolution and 30fps. Sanko also graciously includes an adjustable 3rd-arm stand which can hold the scope at different angles as well as grasp the object of your scrutiny. Previous digital microscopes stopped there.

Where Sanko's maturity shows is in the rest of the package. There's an ear canal tip for perusing the insides of one's head. (I've always wanted to know just exactly where those voices were coming from). Another attachment acts as a tongue depressor and mirror for seeing around corners or more specifically checking out teeth. So you can play doctor much more convincingly or unleash your OCD and give every ear and nose hair the individual attention it deserves.

Finally, the software packages included with 1st gen models was almost non-existent. Sanko's software brings a several close-up enhancing features and presentation tools to help you record, print or digitally document your fantastic voyage. The price is a slim $130 for the kit but there's not much telling when it will leave Japan for distant shores.