7 best firefly microscopes

Firefly microscopes are a range of USB microscopes designed for various applications in fields such as science, education, research, and hobbyist activities. These microscopes utilize digital imaging technology and can be connected directly to a computer or other compatible devices via USB, allowing users to view magnified images and capture still photos or videos in real time.

One of the key features of Firefly microscopes is their portability and ease of use.They are compact and lightweight, making them convenient for fieldwork, classroom demonstrations, or on-the-go observations. Users can magnify a wide range of objects, including biological specimens, electronics, textiles, and more, to examine details that might be difficult to see with the naked eye.

Firefly microscopes often come with built-in LED lights to illuminate the specimen, ensuring clear and well-lit images. Some models offer adjustable magnification levels, allowing users to zoom in and out to focus on specific details. The captured images and videos can be saved and shared for further analysis or educational purposes.

These microscopes find applications in various fields, including biology, geology, entomology, electronics, and material science. They are valuable tools for educators, students, scientists, and hobbyists who require a portable and versatile imaging device for their work or interests.

Overall, Firefly microscopes provide an accessible and cost-effective way to explore the microscopic world and enhance learning and research experiences.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best firefly microscopes on the market
  

Firefly GT800 Handheld USB Digital Microscope with Measurement Functions

Firefly

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Firefly GT800 is one of the industry’s most advanced high precision handheld digital microscopes, providing up to 230x native optical magnification and up to 700x digital magnification. Equipped with multi-layer glass lenses rather than plastic alternatives, this microscope delivers superb focal depth and crystal clear image quality. GT800 is controlled directly with the FireflyPro professional image processing software which is bundled with the microscope. This state-of-the-art software allows users to capture, store, recall, view, manipulate, and measure images and videos in real time. It is easy to take snapshot by hardware button or by software control. GT800 is ideal for a variety of applications including textile inspection, detailed repair, printing inspection, computer parts inspection, living creature examination, reading aid, and collectables examination (coins, stamps). Compatibility: Windows 7/Vista/XP. Package Includes: Microscope (1x), Stand (1x), USB Cable (1x), Software Application CD (1x User’s Manual and software), Calibration Tool (1x), Velvet Carrying Case (1x).

  • Sensor Resolution: 2.0M pixels. Still Image Resolution: 1600x1200 pixels (Format: BMP). Video Resolution: 1600x1200 pixels (Formats: YUY2, AVI, Frame Rate: 30FPS at 640x480 pixels).
  • Magnification: 15x – 230x (Native Optical), 15x – 700x (Digital). Lens Assembly: Dual Lenses, 3-Layer Glass, 650nm cutoff.
  • Lighting: 8 Ultra-Bright LEDs with fully adjustable brightness. Interface: USB2.0 (USB Cable Length: 180cm). Built-in snapshot button. Rugged industrialized construction.
  • Software: Scalable Window, Zoom, Freeze, Resolution, Rotate, Flip Region of Interest (ROI), Real time measurements, Automatic/Manual white balance.
  • Safety Compliance: FCC, CE and RoHS compliant. Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1 year.

User questions & answers

Question: is it possible to use the GT800 with Android devices
Answer: no, need laptop or pc ,but look for macro lens for cell you will love it
Question: Does it take sharp pictures or are they blurry like the examples in the listing
Answer: relatively sharp but not as good as a camera lens (used with extension tubes). sharpness of image also a function of depth of field - very shallow. a photo of a flat object like a stamp is pretty good, but something like an insect will have only one plane focus. stacking software helps, but end result is still not as good as a lens+extension tubes.
Question: Does the software have a time-lapse mode
Answer: No, it does not have a time-lapse mode. I suspect that one with that capability would be significantly more expensive.
Question: Is the software Mac compatible
Answer: The software is compatible with Window 8/7/XP/Vista, however it is not compatible with Mac. Thanks for your interest in our product.

Firefly GT825 Digital 5Mp Polarizing USB Microscope

Firefly

Product description

5 Megapixel USB Polarizing Digital Microscope

The GT825 5MP Polarizing Digital Microscope is a special purpose digital video camera combined with a high magnification lens and multiple ultra-bright LED's.

This innovative device streams TRUE 5.0 megapixel live video to a computer with up to 180x native optical and 540x digital zoom enabling the user to view and record crystal clear microscopic images or videos.

Firefly microscopes are widely used in many of the most prestigious universities and corporations. Most common uses are for education, gemology, high tech repair, quality inspection, manufacturing, visual aids, and labs/ science.

With its many uses and applications, the GT825 5MP Polarizing Digital Microscope is a versatile easy to use tool and is easy to acquire at a very affordable price

Features:

  • TRUE 5.0 Megapixel resolution
  • Easily captures microscopic pictures and videos
  • Variable magnification up to 180x (optically) and 540x (digitally).
  • Observes and records in real time
  • High quality multi-layered glass lenses
  • Fully adjustable brightness with 8 ultra-bright LEDs
  • Built-in snapshot button
  • Rugged industrialized construction

Uses:

  • Quality Assurance
  • Engineering Design Work
  • Research
  • BGA Inspection
Includes:
  • Polarizing Digital Microscope
  • FireflyPro Software CD
  • USB Cable
  • Velvet Carrying Case
  • Calibration Tool
  • User Manual on CD

Firefly DE400 Iris Scope Digital Magnifying Eyescope Microscope

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

- TRUE 1.3 Megapixel resolution

- Easily captures microscopic pictures and videos

- Variable magnification up to 100x (digitally) and up to 15x (optically).

- Observes and records in real time (30 FPS)

- Built-in snapshot button

- Multi-layered glass lenses

- Rugged industrialized construction



Uses

- Eye examination

- Patient education

- Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

- Telemedicine

- Medical schools

- Self-Examination



What's Included

- Eyescope

- FireflyPro Software CD

- USB Cable

- User Manual on CD



Firefly DE300 Polarizing Handheld USB Digital Dermascope/Dermatoscope/Microscope

Firefly

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Firefly DE300 Polarizing Handheld USB Digital Dermascope/Dermatoscope/Microscope is designed to reduce the effects of glare and to help eliminate "hot spots" from highly reflective surfaces, providing uniform illumination to bring out more surface detail with minimal glare. This product has high quality built-in polarizer with 12 distinct levels of polarization, and provides up to 50x native optical magnification and up to 150x digital magnification. Equipped with multi-layer glass lenses rather than plastic alternatives, this 2.0 Megapixel resolution dermascope delivers superb focal depth and crystal clear image quality. DE300 is controlled directly with the FireflyPro professional image processing software which is bundled with the dermascope. This state-of-the-art software allows users to capture, store, recall, view, manipulate and measure images and videos in real time. The DE300 polarizing system with 12 settings provides the versatility required for use in the Dermatology: skin or scalp check, diagnosis, cosmetic, follow up, hair loss treatment, etc. It is also ideal for a variety of applications including biomedical, printing/graphic arts, surface analysis of jewelry, coins, metal, etc. Compatibility: Windows 7/Vista/XP. Package Includes: Dermascope/Dermatoscope/Microscope (1x), USB Cable (1x), Software Application CD (1x User’s Manual and software), Velvet Carrying Case (1x). Safety Compliance: FCC, CE and RoHS compliant. Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1 year.

User questions & answers

Question: Can you tell me , does the package contain extenders and cap as firefly de300 user manual says
Answer: I got mine quiet a while ago. Don't know if they changed something. Don't understand the question. The plastic, clear cap in the front is visible in the photo. Don't know what is meant by "extenders". Came with a stand.
Question: Can I use it with Mac
Answer: Yes. Just plugged mine into a MacBook Pro, turned on Photo Booth, and took pictures with no problems. I cannot find a way to change resolution, however, and the images it captures are fixed at 640 × 426 pixels. Software with the camera was for PC's. There may be other software that can use the Firefly DE300 on the mac with more capability than Photo Boot, but I use mine with a PC which allows full resolution images with this camera.
Question: can this be used without being connected to the computer or phone
Answer: it is effectively a handheld webcam, only working when connected to a computer
Question: when should I receive the product in the Miami área if I order it today
Answer: If you purchase it today before 1pm central we will ship it by today and it will arrive no later than thursday.

Firefly DE350 Wireless Polarized Handheld Digital Dermatoscope/Microscope

Firefly

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Firefly DE350 is designed to reduce the effects of glare and to help eliminate "hot spots" from highly reflective surfaces, providing uniform illumination to bring out more surface detail with minimal glare. With a wireless link and a 3 hour Lithium battery, this product provides complete flexibility in capturing high precision images and videos. Besides offering point-to-point connectivity, it also enables point-to-multipoint operation thus enabling multiple PCs to observe the same images and videos. DE350 has a built-in polarizer with 12 distinct levels of polarization, and provides up to 50x native optical magnification and up to 150x digital magnification. It is controlled directly with the FireflyPro professional image processing software which is bundled with the microscope. This state-of-the-art software allows users to capture, store, recall, view, manipulate and measure images and videos in real time. The DE350 polarizing system with 12 settings provides the versatility required for use in the Dermatology: skin or scalp check, diagnosis, cosmetic, follow up, hair loss treatment, etc. It is also ideal for a variety of applications including biomedical, printing/graphic arts, surface analysis of jewelry, coins, metal, etc. Compatibility: Windows 7/Vista/XP. Package Includes: Dermatoscope/Microscope (1x), Wireless Receiver (1x), Base Stand (1x), USB Cable (1x), AC Outlet Charger (1x), Software Application CD (1x User’s Manual and software), Velvet Carrying Case (1x). Safety Compliance: FCC, CE and RoHS compliant. Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1 year.

  • Sensor Resolution: 0.35M pixels. Still Image Resolution: 720x480 pixels (Format: BMP). Video Resolution: 720x480 pixels (Formats: YUY2, Frame Rate: 30FPS).
  • Magnification: 15x – 50x (Native Optical), 15x – 150x (Digital). Lens Assembly: Dual Lenses, 3-Layer Glass, 650nm cutoff, Integrated Polarizer with 12 settings in 30 degree increments.
  • Lighting: 8 Ultra-Bright LEDs with fully adjustable brightness. Battery: Built-in 700mAH with more than 3 hours continuous usage. Built-in snapshot button. Rugged industrialized construction.
  • Wireless Link: 2.4GHz/4 Channels. Interface: USB 2.0 for Wireless Receiver. Transmits within a range up to 20ft. Designed for Digital Epiluminescence Microscopy (DELM). Easily integrates with EMR systems.
  • Software: Scalable Window, Zoom, Freeze, Resolution, Rotate, Flip, Region of Interest (ROI), Real time measurements, Automatic/Manual white balance.

User questions & answers

Question: Is it Mac compatible
Answer: I have never heard of any issues with using with mac cause it has a regular usb cable. but i am not 100% sure. possibly get more info from firefly website.all i have is what they provided and in item desription. sorry. we have 10 day money back gaurantee so no worries

Firefly DE551 Wireless Veterinary Digital Video Otoscope

Firefly

Based on 10 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Firefly DE551 is the industry’s most advanced wireless digital otoscopes with image and video capture capabilities. With a wireless link and a 3 hour Lithium battery, DE551 provides complete flexibility and high precision in observing the external ear, ear canal and eardrum. It allows the user to view images, take standard photos, and record videos. It is easy to take snapshot by hardware button or by software control, and the images can be saved for EMR (Electronic Medical Records), future reference/comparison, or can be sent to others for consultation. DE551 is controlled directly with the FireflyPro professional image processing software which is bundled with the microscope. This state-of-the art software enables users to capture, store, recall, view, manipulate and measure images and videos in real time. Its intuitive interface empowers users to get right to work anytime, anywhere. Compatibility: Windows 7/Vista/XP. Package Includes: Otoscope (1x), Wireless Receiver (1x), USB Cable (1x), AC Outlet Charger (1x), Software Application CD (1x User’s Manual and software), Disposable Specula 4/5/7mm (4x for each size), Velvet Carrying Case (1x). Safety Compliance: FCC, CE and RoHS compliant. Manufacturer’s Warranty: 1 year.

  • Sensor Resolution: 0.35M pixels. Still Image Resolution: 720x480 pixels (Format: BMP). Video Resolution: 720x480 pixels (Formats: YUY2, AVI, Frame Rate: 30FPS).
  • Magnification: 15x – 50x (Native Optical), 15x – 150x (Digital). Lens Assembly: Dual Lenses, 3-Layer Glass, 650nm cutoff. Wirelessly captures snapshots & videos.
  • Lighting: 4 Ultra-Bright LEDs with fully adjustable brightness. Battery: Built-in 800mAH with more than 3 hours continuous usage. Built-in snapshot button. Rugged industrialized construction.
  • Wireless Link: 2.4GHz/4 Channels. Interface: USB 2.0 for Wireless Receiver. Transmits within a range up to 20ft. Integrates easily with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems.
  • Software: Scalable Window, Zoom, Freeze, Resolution, Rotate, Flip, Region of Interest (ROI), Real time measurements, Automatic/Manual white balance.

User questions & answers

Question: does it work with an Ipad? as long as I buy an usb adapter
Answer: It should but we have not tried that - we are using the wireless adapter, that works as long as it is fully charged.
Question: this product can be charged with 220v energy
Answer: You power it with USB 5V so if you use the appropriate 220V to USB 5V, it will be fine. I do it every time I need to recharge the FireFly.
Question: Should I buy a specific wifi receptor aside
Answer: I have the wireless firefly and I am very happy with it. Very clear picture and can take pictures and video as well as adjust the size of the screen as well.
Question: Has anyone used this in the mouth of a small mammal to aid visualization for intubation
Answer: I have only used it as an otoscope, but I don’t see why it couldn’t be used as an aid to intubation. Very good quality images.

Dino-Lite USB Digital Microscope AM7115MZT - 5MP, 20x - 200x Optical Magnification, Measurement, Polarized Light

Dino-Lite

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price
  • 20x - 220x OPTICAL magnification, 2592 x 1944 5MP image resolution, 30 FPS (video)
  • Measurements can be performed in different units (inch/mil/mm/um) and types including straight lines, circles, angles, arches grids and more.
  • Polarization can be switched on/off or can be adjusted to offer full or half polarization for controlling glare.
  • The MicroTouch feature is a touch sensitive area which can be used to capture images instead of using a keyboard and mouse. The software also allows users to disable the MicroTouch, or set to single or double touch to trigger.
  • SOFTWARE included offers rich features for saving, annotating, comparison, and analysis of captured images. Supports Windows (XP/Vista/7/8/10), Mac OS 10.5 and above, Android, iOS (requires WF-10 wi-fi adapter).

User questions & answers

Question: It says in the Q&A section on this post that the lense will need to be 12mm away from the object @60X. if it does have a true 200x, how close then
Answer: Hi, It will be 9.9mm away @ 200X. Thanks,
Question: Do I need to view things on a flat surface? I'm trying to view trichomes on my plants
Answer: Hello, You will need at least 60X magnification to view trichromes, and for that we always recommend using a stand to hold the microscope steady. This microscope will be about 12mm away from the leaf surface at 60X, so it will need to be held securely to maintain a focused image, regardless of how your leaf is positioned. Thanks,

Product features

Features Include...

  • Magnification range of 20x- 220x. No lens change needed.
  • Scroll lock is useful for users who wish to remain at a constant magnification. The scroll lock can be disengaged by changing the lock to the unlocked position easily, however, it is secure enough to not disengage on its own.
  • MicroTouch is a touch sensitive sensor which can be used to capture images instead of using a keyboard and mouse. The software also allows users to disable the MicroTouch, or set to single or double touch to trigger.

Measurements

Measurements can be performed in different units (inch/mil/mm/um) and types including straight lines, circles, angles, arches grids and more.

Polarized Light

Polarization can be switched on/off or can be adjusted to offer full or half polarization for controlling glare.

FLC

FLC (Flexible Lighting Control) provides lighting adjustment options. Change the LEDs intensity settings from 1-6 and to turn on/off LED's by quadrant.

Glass Lenses

Dino-Lite glass lenses and original form factor are patented and still the best in the market. Dino-Lite uses quality glass lenses and an optical magnification for a crisper, cleaner, and more accurate image.

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