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CHAPTER 7
GLOSSARY
Binning
Binning is a method of increasing camera speed and sensitivity to boost low signals. Binning causes
the acquired image to be brighter and smaller, but the resolution will be lower as a result. Because
the image is smaller, the image transfer time is reduced significantly.
When you select a binning setting in your imaging software, the camera combines data from several
pixels in the camera’s CCD into a single super pixel. For example, a 2x2 bin means that 2 pixels in the
horizontal direction and 2 pixels in the vertical direction are combined to form one super pixel.
C-Mount
A standard threaded lens mount used to attach a camera to a microscope, or a separate lens to a
camera.
CCD
Charge Coupled Device (abbr.)
CCD Gain
The amount of analog signal amplification. The gain is factory-optimized for the camera’s maximum
dynamic range.
Charge Coupled Device
The light sensitive silicon chip near the optical interface of the camera that converts light intensities
into electrical signals. These are typically made up of many pixel elements whose intensities are
interpreted by imaging software to display an image on the screen.
Dynamic Range
The ratio of the saturation level of the CCD to the readout noise of the CCD camera system. Dynamic
range is a measure of the ability of the camera to capture both bright and dark features in a single
image. In general, the higher the camera’s dynamic range, the more information per pixel it can
capture.
Exposure
The amount of time that light reaches the image sensor.
Field of View
The area visible through the camera’s optics.
FireWire
Summary of Contents for Retiga EXi
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