Home > Consumer Reviews > Digital Blue: QX3 Microscope

The software for Windows is rather careless. It is hard wired for rather low screen resolution, (it's either VGA or XGA), and sets the resolution "for you" like so much kid's software. Unfortunately, unlike every other software I've had that does it, it doesn't restore the video settings when you exit. I found a freeware program that restores the settings, and I now run it from inside a .BAT file, but this is careless. Intel needed to write better software than this to make a profit in the consumer products business. They didn't, and they had to bow out.

The image sensor is also really noisy. I don't know if it's CCD or something cheaper. I suppose this was necessary to build it to a low price point. But it is annoying.

But, it is better then the optical microscope I had as a kid 30 years ago. But that one came with better prepared slides. The USB powering is very nice. The driver provided is TWAIN, so you could acquire images from image editing software if you choose.

Requiring a USB connection and a computer to attach it to, this is very much like a webcam, except that it can do 10X, 40X and 200X. It has incident and base illumination; focus is touchy at 200X but look at the price. This video microscope is a favorite at our microscopy center open houses. When compared with the cardboard tube 'scopes they sell at toy stores, this is a gem. This allows realtime viewing, as well as image and video capture. These can be viewed on the computer, emailed etc. and comes with software. (...).

This is an unbeliveable value for anyone looking to buy a child something more than a video game. My two children (7 & 9) have been having a ball with the microscope and exploring things and examining them up to 200X magnification! The software is fun for kids and adults. My daughter and son have taken digital pictures, and movies of items they collected with it. The software install and microscope set up is a breeze. The software is easy and fun to use. I would advise common sense when allowing young children to use the microscope. The microscope does require some limited supervision from an adult, simply to assist them if they have any trouble, or to guide the activity. Besides, Would you really want to leave a 7 & 9 year old unattended with their insects and other discoveries by your computer?

Bottom line this is a wonderful product and it is being sold at a bargain price. You can spend your money on another mindless game for a child, or try something different and and assist them in exploring the micro world around them. Both my kids and I have enjoyed it and are looking forward to doing more things with it this summer as they explore our creek and woods.

This microscope can create digital images and movies that can be imported into Powerpoints, Word documents and other productivity software. It supports inquiry and inspires questions to lead to further exploration. It is also just plain fun!

I just returned it. The image was so poor that above minimum magnification I couldn't even tell what I was looking at.
It would have been a fantastic item if they had just used a better CCD. The plastic moving parts were very imprecise also.
I gave it two stars just because the idea is excellent.
I would gladly pay 20 dollars more for a decent image sensor.
Oh well.

As a PhD that daily works with cutting edge microscopes and imaging systems I recommend this "toy" for anyone. This digital microscope is probably the best value for ANY microscopist, child or adult. This scope does more than others 10X its price that are marketed towards the scientific community. Some might consider the software childish but behind the cute noises and buttons this is an excellent little tool. All controls are very intuitive, and my two children (ages 5 & 7) were able to use it with little or no help. Anyone intrested in this microscope should check out the following website devoted to the QX3.