Sony Video Camera Settings

UPMC Department of Pathology, CoPath Plus PICSPlus Imaging System.

Microscopic Image Capture Station:

The Department of Pathology's image capture workstation viewed below includes the following equipment:

Sony PowerHad DXC model camera, power supply and an internal Matrox multi-channel acquisition card.

Optimal camera settings:

The following screen shots provide the various optimal camera settings pre-programmed into each camera. Qualified staff members should change these settings only. By selecting the camera's menu button (shown below), one can view the camera settings.

Optimal microscope features:

Basic microscopic skills should be implemented in order to acquire the best microscopic images. Remember that the illumination of the specimen is the most important variable in achieving high quality in microscopy and especially photomicrography. Three key features are Kohler illumination, neutral density filters and white balancing.

• Kohler illumination is a technique recommended by all manufacturers of modern lab microscopes because it produces specimen illumination that is uniformly bright and free from glare. This technique should be completed before any photomicrography is begun.

1. Place the slide on the microscope stage.

2. Make sure the swinging lens is in the light path (facing up) and focus on the specimen using the 10X objective.

3. Make sure the aperture iris is completely open [rotated all the way counter-clockwise.

4. Reduce the field of illumination by rotating the knurled ring on the field diaphragm completely clockwise. Be gentle with the field diaphragm. It should close without any effort.

5. You should see a small circle of light. If you are lucky, it will be in the center of the field. However, it will most likely be off-center and out of focus.

6. Use the vertical condenser-adjusting knob to make the circle as small as possible by gently rotating it. This moves the condenser up and down. Do this carefully so that the circle of light is not pushed laterally. As you focus the field diaphragm you will notice that its halo turns from blue to red and red to blue. The best focus occurs when you adjust the condenser so that the halo is just between red and blue. This is a little hard to do so don't be too worried if you have some red or blue in the halo.

7. Expand the field diaphragm by rotating its knurled ring counter-clockwise, until the light touches one edge of the field. If the light is perfectly centered it should touch the entire circumference of the field. This is unlikely

8. Center the circle of light by using the two small adjustable knobs on the front of the condenser. When you are satisfied, expand the field so that the light fills it completely. However, do not fully open the field diaphragm. Open it just enough to extend beyond the field of view.

· Neutral density filter: In situations where the microscope illumination appears too bright for comfortable observation and photomicrography, the light intensity should be reduced by use of neutral density filters, often termed ND filters.

1. Make certain that ND6 button is selected in order to lower the light intensity.

2. If the microscope illumination appears too dark be certain to de-select the LBD (color temperature conversion – blue filter) button.

· Light Diverter: The light diverter helps pass light from its source to the camera, pull the stem halfway (second position) out as seen in the pictures below:

• Camera White Balance: (for microscopic and macroscopic imaging): White balancing your camera is another essential tool for achieving proper color reproduction. The best, and only way to do this is by placing a white piece of paper in the foreground lighting, zoom into the paper, throw the camera out of focus and press the white balance button. See photo below for the location of the white balance button.

If you have any problems acquiring high-quality microscopic or macroscopic images, contact the Hillman Cancer Support Center at 412-647-9170.