The Apex Minigrab

After spending much time trying to take decent shots with my Fuji A370 digi-cam simply offered up to the eyepiece (my new Pentax X5 bridge camera (review to follow shortly) couldn't be used at all due to the lens size) and finding it a very much hit and miss affair I decided to do the right thing and purchase a camera that was designed specifically for microscope work.The obvious thing for me was to look at what Apex/Brunel Microscopes had in that department, as it was one of their microscopes that I would be using. Having done business with this company in the past I reckoned I would be in a safe pair of hands so to speak, and I wasn't to be disappointed.I read all the reviews here on Amazon a few times over so I had a rough idea of what I would be getting as I have never had anything to compare the Minigrab with. I contacted Apex with a few queries I had and they responded positively, so the purchase was made.Two days later it arrived and I was immediately taken by how small the package was, but of course a device of this nature would indeed be small. Inside the (very well padded) box you get a roughly 48 inch mini-standard USB cable, the camera itself, two metal collars of different diameters (30 & 30.5 mm) presumably to fit other microscopes, a mini CD ROM disc and a very short `quick guide' and I do mean short. More on this later!Setting up was pretty straightforward, I simply routed the cable down the back of my desk (my PC sits on the floor underneath) and plugged it into a spare USB port. The same at the other end, I placed the `scope on the desk and removed one of the 10x eyepieces (my `scope is a binocular model) and popped the Minigrab camera in its place. The camera by the way is roughly the same size of the 10x ocular I removed and comes with a protective rubber cap for when not in use. I found an old 35mm film canister and it fits in there a treat for safe keeping when not in use.Then came the loading of the `Minisee' software from the mini (everything in this review seems to be mini) CD ROM. This was straightforward in itself, but alas I found the software to be wholly inadequately provided for as far as guidance was concerned. Press the `help' button and nothing happens, so that was pretty helpless/hopeless (excuse the pun). The same applies to the `check for update' button, nothing happens. The fact that the language options are just English or simplified Chinese speaks volumes here!It is with the lack of instructions or a manual for this software that puts a cloud over this device. There is no advice as to how to operate the camera to get the best from it.One of the first things the new owner should do is to orientate the camera in the eyetube so that the image in the eyepiece matches the image on the screen. This is important because the north/south & east/west (X & Y axis) movement of the stage controls must tally so that any adjustment made will be replicated exactly in the eyepiece and on the computer screen (assuming one is using a `scope with more than one eyetube i.e. trinocular or binocular). This is done by positioning the camera such that the USB `sign' on the cable is uppermost. Why is this not explained anywhere? I had to work it out by trial and error, which shouldn't be the case!I e-mailed Apex with several questions and they were as helpful as ever, to the point of `phoning me to explain various functions of the camera (some which I wasn't even aware existed) and other issues I raised, such as saving files etc. Now, how many companies go to such trouble/effort to sort out a customer's concerns? Not many in my experience, most take your money then leave you on your own.From a practical point of view this camera is ok at what it does, but it does not excel. I find image quality quickly diminishes beyond 100x magnification. That is not to say that images are not possible at higher magnification, but the resolution and contrast quickly fades away despite tinkering with the various adjustments allowed by the `options/video source property' tabs on the image screen. I have uploaded several images to this page so take a look and compare the two images of some peat, one at 100x and the other at 400x.As for the video aspect of this device I feel I should warn anyone wanting to film any quick moving micro-organisms to use some `quieting solution' otherwise you will likely be disappointed. This IS NOT any reflection on the camera, it would apply to a £500 microscope camera, it is down to the field of view available. As well as single frame capture and video output (user defined for frames per second and length of clip etc) there is also a time lapse feature which will be mighty useful to me once I work out quite how it works!I have two major niggles with this device and they are that once the image is in perfect focus using the eyepiece on the `scope, it is not in perfect focus on the computer monitor. This can be a pain whilst showing a visitor a particular specimen, me using the `scope and them looking at the screen.The other niggle (and this is *possibly* down to me using Windows Vista which I was advised was not a system that works happily with the software) is that if I were to shut down the camera and software but wish to return to it again the software will not open until I have closed down all running applications and rebooted the computer. This is pretty poor going considering how many folk use Vista.Overall 4 stars out of 5. Why? Despite my niggles, this camera does just what it claims to do and I reckon if one wanted to see images akin to those easily found on the web (often uploaded by professionals or wealthy amateurs) one would need to dig pretty deeply into one's pockets. Being a Yorkshireman I find that a pretty scary idea! All of this along with the help one can expect from Apex should anything go wrong, or if one has a query, I would recommend this little device as an extra tool for the amateur microscopist. Please take a look at my uploaded images to get an idea of what this camera is capable of.UPDATE 27th June '14.I am puzzled as to why everyone's images taken with this camera have been removed by Amazon and the only ones remaining are ones submitted by an Apex employee. Why is this anyone?

The Mini-GrabI got the mini grab at the same time as an Apex microscope, as the idea of looking at the stuff on my laptop rather than through the scope, being able to take pictures or videos appealed to me.It's also easier to share images with my son who is a bit small to be let loose on a microscope, but old enough to be fascinated by what a strand of hair etc.. look like under one.The camera comes in a bitterly disappointing plain brown carboard box - especially considering the price you pay for the mini grab.The contents are well packed & protected but it's already annoying me just looking at it sat on top of my microscope case, next to the white cardboard box I'm storing the bits that came with the microscope in.It is very easy to use straight out of the box, although I'm sure far better results could be obtained by reading the manual (it comes with 2) and taking the time to adjust the white balance etc...You pull out the eyepiece from your microscope then slot the camera in (remembering to take the lens cap off first)You plug one end of the usb cable into the camera & the other into your computerWith the software installed from the mini disc it comes with (contains the manuals as well) you get something called scope photo, open that, click on acquire > live capture & you'll see what your camera seesYou can record, take time lapse images or take stills.The highest resolution I was given as an option was 1600 x 1200 pixels for a still image.You can save video in .avi or wmf/asf formats & save images in a couple of common formats (.jpeg, bitmap, tiff, tga)Software comes with some basic filters and actions (rotate, emboss, surface plot, resize, histograms etc..) & you can work with layers if you want.Also contained within the box are 2 adapters (30mm & 30.5mm) presumably so you can use it in other brands of microscope.My curiosity led me to see if the 30.5mm adapter would fit in my Celestron travelscope, which it did (it's a tad on the small side, but if you tighten the screw a little it stays solid.If we ever again get a cloudless night, I intend to see if I can use it successfully with the telescope.This camera makes my microscope accessible right now to both my 3 year old & myself (I can wear my glasses & look at my laptop screen with both eyes!)The biggest letdown for me is the benighted cardboard box situation (which is a common problem with Apex products it seems)It just looks so cheap.Even if the box was just a different colour or had Apex printed on it nicely in a large font it would be an improvement.Instead you get a sticker that looks like it was knocked up on a home computer stuck over a smaller sticker that says Brunel Microscopes.Even with the cardboard box issue however, I'm still giving this 5 stars.Very happy customer (who has actually read the manual)

I am a private science tutor after being a biology teacher for some 30 years. I bought this device to help me teach students. I thought that all I would have to do was look at the object and replace with the camera and display it on the screen. However it is much better than that. I have abandoned the eyepiece altogether and use the microscope display on the laptop to show the students. I can focus the microscope with the camera in place and I can with the software supplied capture photographs and video images or even time lapse videos.It is a small camera but with a suitably long USB lead to reach the laptop easily whist using the microscope. As a teaching aid it is excellent as the student and I can now see the same images at the same time.The camera came with two adapter tubes for other microscopes which seem to fit most microscopes apart from my antique one. The software came on a mini CD which installed easily.The cameras resolution is not absolutely fantastic but is perfectly adequate for all but expert users who would probably need a better model. I use the camera with an Apex Researcher binocular microscope and can use one eye piece of the the microscope with the camera in place. when the slide is focused on the eyepiece then the camera is in focus as well. The camera adapts to different light conditions well changing the aperture as necessary to give the optimum image brightness.A good bit of kit and excellent for Mum's and Dad's working with a child or indeed a teacher and a class. This is something that is essential for every microscope.

Gives a good clear picture and is very easy to use and set up with the provided Toupview software.Users should be aware that this is 2 mega pixel camera. They should also be aware that megapixels are not everything! They are really a sales gimick for selling cheap and nasty point click cameras! The image this little device provides is absolutely fine for its intended functionality with only 2 megapixels.Finally, users should be aware that the field of view through this is very different to what you will see through the scope's usual "oculars" (viewing pieces). On the whole, what you see through this camera is much more magnified than what you see through the scope; which is nice when you want to see at higher magnification, but irritating at lower magnification when you want to see more of the subject at once!Four stars because, for what it is (a sensor behind a piece of glass) it seems a bit expensive

Arrived in good packaging four days after ordering. Software was easy to set up and provides many image manipulation / analysis and display options. Full screen view gives easy viewing and image single screen capture should be set for maximum pixels. Tried out the product on 'professional' biological, geological and metallurgical microscopes and all produced good images within the limits of optical systems and the device 2m pixel capability. Will be used mostly on a metallurgical microscope but its upper limit is about 400x magnification for reasonably good definition. Software can give increased magnification but then are only expanding pixels with no extra gain in definition. An excellent device for general use and easy specimen viewing. However if higher definition or more critical image analysis work is to be done (e.g. on very small particulate phases or structures) then 2m pixels capability may become a limiting factor. The limited field of view, mentioned by other reviewers, is seen only as a minor limitation. Would recommend the Minigrab for making basic microscopy work easier as well as for recording detail of specimen features examined and especially for later quantitative image analyses (e.g. using ImageJ freeware). (As an aside an Android version of the software provided would be beneficial for downloading to a Tablet for image display and capture).

The mini grab is a great bit of kit. I did not know how well it would work but took pot luck and am glad that I did.I own an apex practitioner scope and had it for 12 months, itself a good bit of kit. I use the scope for koi keeping detecting parasites.I wear spectacles, therefore find difficulty using any scope.I bought the mini grab to project the image down the scope onto a computer monitor. The results are fantastic - no more struggling.The mini grab is 18mm in diameter. All you do is remove the scope eyepiece and slot in the camera, connect the USB2 cable (supplied) and off you go. The mini grab comes with 2 adapter so that you can use on other scopes. The adapters are 23.2mm - 30.5 mm and the other 23.2mm - 30mm.The software that comes with the grab is easy to install. The disc suggests compatibility with windows XP through to Windows 8, both 32 and 64 bit. Mine loaded without issue on a Windows 7 64 bit setup.The software allows you to turn the computer monitor into a big eye piece, to record live video or to take still images - great if you want a second opinion.Highly recommended at the price

Well, you get what you pay for here. It's only a 2MP sensor and it gives 2MP results though better than I was expecting. My requirement was for ease of viewing via a laptop rather than high-quality image capture so the MiniGrab fits the bill nicely for a respectable price. The downside was that my computer did not recognize the mini CD that contains the software. I trawled the WWW for fellow sufferers and was eventually introduced to a piece of software called MiCam v1.6. This is a freebie download and comes in as a single executable file. It installed in less than a minute (including reading the licence agreement) and is easy to use. It will capture stills and video and will measure specimens after calibration with a stage micrometer. I use it with my Apex Researcher and had the CD been friendlier, I would have given this product five stars.

At first I was not very impressed with the Apex Mini Grab, but after a little more use have changed my review a little more positive.Attached 2 pics taken with the mini grab camera attached to a Apex Learner Microscope. One pic of the 10p coin using the microscopes inbuilt light source (lots of reflection) and another using an Osram Dulux pocket light which I held next to the microscope. Both taken using 4x objective. Not sure what the total magnification is as the camera not labeled, Look at one of the studs on the edge of a 10p coin and judge for yourself. Obviously metal reflects, so the microscope light will probably perform much better on non reflective objects.The captured images do not look as good as looking through the microscope, so technology has a little catching up to do.

A very necessary piece of kit if, like me, you suffer from a bad back and can't hunch over a microscope for very long. I bought it along with the Apex Practitioner. It produces images and video up to a maximum of 1600x1200 pixels, video has quite low frame rates of 5-7 fps. This means that any moving creature quickly becomes a blurry streak as it picks up speed. Capturing good still images can be tricky - I take long videos and play them back with VLC media player which can slow down playback and it's easy to take screenshots.The camera has a magnification of roughly 12.5x with a narrower field of view than the wide field eyepieces. It works quite well with dark field illumination, using the 4x and 10x objectives. I've uploaded some pictures to demonstrate the results.The software included is easy to use and well put together.As others have mentioned, the bare cardboard box it comes in is rather miserable but at least it helps to keep the kit at an affordable price.

Doesn't offer as high a resolution as I would like and the field of view isn't as large as the eyepiece by far, only about 1/10th in fact but it does a nice job with little fuss. Would like to see a USB3 version sporting a 18Mega pixel+ sensor but I can keep dreaming. The sensor just push fits onto the end of the tube held only by gravity and friction and is rather too easy to spin. The USB lead simply plugs into the sensor head so you can use an optimally sized lead to suit. The software is basic but does the job.

I bought this along with the apex microscope. Although I couldn't find any instructions I managed to set it up on the laptop. It isn't compatible with Mac pcs or laptops, only those supporting Windows. It takes a bit of messing about when trying to capture a picture as there are no istructions but I'm sure we'll figure it out, it's not as if you can break anything if you click the wrong thing, just requires a little patience. Once you've focused the microscope then changed the eyepiece to the Minigrab, it does loose slight focus so you just need to focus with the fine focuser on your microscope. You can then save any images either into the software or into your own files. I thoroughly recommend it especially at the price.

If you are thinking of purchasing an Apex microscope, make sure you also purchase one of these. The software installation and set up are encouragingly straightforward, but it is only when you connect to your computer and turn on the microscope that you appreciate why you need to buy one.As soon as you focus the microscope and the image appears on the screen, you get the WOW! factor I was looking for when I decided to purchase a microscope and it truly is a WOW factor. For a comprehensive review of its capabilities and performance, you would need to try all the photo and video features it has, which I have not done yet, but to be honest I would buy just for the ability to view the slides on a large screen.

I realised this wouldn't be high quality due to its price but I was more than disappointed. First of all, the camera image wouldn't focus on the item on the deck unless it was lifted up and moved nearer the object lens. Secondly, the image grabbed was not collimated with the view from the other eyepiece, so you finished up looking at two different areas of the specimen from each side. This does not happen when two lenses are used. Thirdly, the quality is very poor with a pink cast on the right side of the screen and blue and yellow on the left. (Photo taken of a printed asterix attached). There is also chromatic aberration around brightly lit objects. Much better images were obtained by simply holding a smartphone camera over the microscope eyepiece so I will be sticking with that. I am returning the item for a refund.

This is a good piece of kit for the price.No problems with plug and play, the software installed without difficulty (from the disc) and the image quality is surprisingly good.Unfortunately it doesn't fit properly on the microscope for which it was purchased ( The New Apex Learner Microscope )- the adaptor collar is prone to tipping which means holding it in place or applying liberal amounts of gaffer tape to hold it otherwise it would have rated 5 stars.

This camera is a really excellent addition to the Apex Learner microscope that we bought with it. Couldn't be easier to attach as it's the same size and shape as the normal eyepiece, so you just take the eyepiece out and replace it with the camera. Connect it via the attached micro-USB cable and it appears as a normal camera in Windows which you can use in any software that can read from cameras, or the software that they supply with it which has specific functions for looking at microscope images. The image quality is very good and provides a much better view than staring down the normal lens, especially for kids.