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 Post subject: Is this a good buy?
PostPosted: Sun Feb 02, 2014 11:06 pm 
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Joined: Mon Nov 25, 2013 4:57 pm
Posts: 11
Hello,
I have been looking to get a microscope, and found a Bushnell Digital 120x USB microscope, through Princess Auto (in Canada) Princess Auto is a reputable retailer, very good return policy etc, I just don't know too much about how a microscope is valued. I know Bushnell is a good brand that makes good scopes, binoculars, and more, but wondering if this is a good start for a hobby gemologist. $80, These are the stats:

Magnification 10x, 60x, 120x
Picture Resolution 1,280 x 1,024
Video Resolution 640 x 480
PC Interface USB 2.0
Includes Accessory kit with prepared and blank slides


and a link to the page

[url]http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/Hunting/Digital-120x-USB-Microscope/8401358.p[/url]

Thanks in advance,
Luisa


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 Post subject: Re: Is this a good buy?
PostPosted: Mon Feb 03, 2014 1:32 pm 
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Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2008 8:18 am
Posts: 71
Save your money, if you really love gemology use your money to pay for knowledge before you spend it on expensive instruments pay to become a graduate gemologist, do not buy digital microscope or digital refractometer its better to use a critical angle refractometer and a stereo zoom microscope for gemology, good luck. :wink:


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 Post subject: Re: Is this a good buy?
PostPosted: Mon Feb 03, 2014 1:59 pm 
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640X480 is the resolution of the old video standard (NTSC) as opposed to the new video standard of 1080x720 (iirc)
That thing is a piece of junk and won't do you much good.
You need to find someone with a stereo scope and look through it some before you go and buy something. If people buy things that they don't know what they need they usually get sold something other than what they really need or want and this is a perfect example.


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 Post subject: Re: Is this a good buy?
PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 12:14 pm 
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make that 1920x1080p


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 Post subject: Re: Is this a good buy?
PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 12:34 pm 
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whatever. just digital crap. not good solid scientific gear


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 Post subject: Re: Is this a good buy?
PostPosted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:14 pm 
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Thanks everyone. I would have been really disappointed with crappy pictures. I think I just needed some fellow enthusiasts to talk me back into keeping on saving.


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 Post subject: Re: Is this a good buy?
PostPosted: Fri Feb 07, 2014 8:29 pm 
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Joined: Sat Jan 25, 2014 9:36 am
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If you're buying something brand new, you will get exactly what you're paying for. So a cheap optical equipment will produce cheaply image for sure...

So if you try to save money (as most all of us do!) I would suggest looking at the used markets. This is where you may find some bargain sometimes. However, you would need to do a lot of research. I've found this kind of forum is where you can get the good advices and information that you need.

Regards,
A.


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 Post subject: Re: Is this a good buy?
PostPosted: Sat Feb 08, 2014 1:34 am 
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Thanks, Anthony. I am trying to buy second hand, and learn a bit more about the mechanics of the instruments so I can make sure I'm not buying a faulty one. And also trying to save money!


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 Post subject: Re: Is this a good buy?
PostPosted: Sat Feb 08, 2014 11:33 am 
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Cheap often becomes expensive when you do not have the experience to recognize when a product is sub-par.


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