Ok, forgive me for the “Good Times” reference, but Dino-Lite’s handheld digital microscopes are very nifty gadgets. I had the pleasure of playing with the Dino-Lite Pro during my first week at Microscope.com.

At first I was clumsy with the ‘scope because of its compact size, and honestly, I’ve never been known for my steady hand. But once I found a rhythm (and a stand), I was examining everything I could get my hands on, from plants and coins to my own scalp. It’s pleasantly addictive (and sometimes a little gross depending on what you’re zooming in on).

The Dino-Lite portable microscope connects to the computer via USB and is surprisingly simple to use. It comes with DinoCapture software that’s very intuitive. I’m not the queen of patience when it comes to learning new technology, but with this software I was up and running, watching live images and capturing photos within minutes.

Given its size and simplicity, it’s easy to think of the Dino-Lite as more of a toy than an effective piece of hardware. Don’t be fooled – it packs a powerful punch at 1.3 megapixels, making it ideal for numerous industries. I can see professionals using this device for a range of applications, from forensic study and industrial inspection to medical analysis and education and research.

It’s an economic choice for personal use as well.  Serious (and not-so-serious) hobbyists are using Dino-Lite to study coins, stamps, jewelry, bugs, you name it. The Dino-Lite 311S (an entry-level model) sells for $185 on Microscope.com. We are excited to say that we’re the exclusive distributor of Dino-Lite in the world of ‘scopes! So get your zoom on!

Originally I wanted to attach the photo I took of the skin and hair follicles on my shin, but it’s not very appealing. Here’s a coin instead. This was taken at 200x on my desk. (It’s upside down, sorry.) For a look at some better images and all the specifics, check out our Dino-Lite product page.

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