Home > Consumer Reviews > Carson Z-pix Digital Zoom Microscope

I bought a cheap microscope (non digital) at ToysRUS for more than I paid for this and my kids lost interest in a day. So far they have really enjoyed this because it displays on the computer. My daughter used it for her first high school biology paper by inserting photos she took of the insects (capturing the images on computer and inserting directly into her document), only one in her class to do this and earned her an A on the paper. Like the train set, I enjoyed playing with this too, you cannot beat the price!

UPDATE: Just a short update- Although it does not change my rating, while thumbing through the owners manual I spotted a couple handwritten notes and a couple pages that were dog-eared. I noticed when I opened the package originally that it looked like the CD disk had been used, etc. Point is that I obviously got a used one, originally billed as "new-in box". Again, it does not change my rating of the product, but I thought it a bit cheesy to bill something as new when it was obviously not. Probably accounted for the low, low price...

This microscope works in Linux by installing the "microdia" webcam drivers. It has the 0c45:6270 webcam chipset. Just search Google Groups for microdia and follow the instructions there.

I'm a novice insect collector and my kids gave me the "Carson Z-pix Digital Zoom Microscope" for Father's Day. I have been very pleased with it and have really enjoyed being able to use it to ID critters.

The installation was simple (on a PC running XP Pro SP2). I used it several times - with complete satisfaction - before I even noticed what all settings can be adjusted. It works great on the base or off.

This is not simply a "web-cam." It will not work as a "macro-zooming camera." The focal length or focus range will not allow you to be more than centimeters from your subject. If I want a picture of a whole ladybug (or a larger insect), I use my digital camera. The Z-pix, however, works great to see the ladybug's antennae!

For what they're charging for this, I think it is a great value and suitable for many applications: hobbies, classroom, and a variety of professional applications. I'm sure you can find better OR cheaper alternatives somewhere, but (IMHO) this seems to be a pretty good blend of value. Hope this helps.

I bought this microscope because of the good reviews, but I must admit I was a little disappointed. First, it would not load on my new Vista desk top. I tried to contact the manufacturer, but they did not respond to my email. I then was successful loading it on my Vista Lap top only to learn that the optics are not too good. It is alright, but nothing to write home about. If you zoom, the graphics really deteriorate. The picture taking feature works really well. The camera adjusts nicely and has many controls including a "low light" setting. The focus and zoom are a little stiff to turn, but work OK. My biggest disappointment was the quality of the graphics. It would be good for kids, but that's about it.

You be the judge: [...]

I bought this to check my ferrets earwax for earmites. This thing is amazing! Not only do my ferrets not have earmites, but check out a pair of blue jeans under this thing! Since you can use it without the viewing platform, I've put it on the dog and checked out his fur, looked at my own hair, checked out a scab and now I'm going to take someone else's suggestion of looking at some leaves. This thing is great!