Measurements accurate? (Calibration & accuracy)

Many Dino-Lite microscope and Dino-Eye camera models include 2-dimensional measurement features. These features are available on most USB models. A full compatibility chart can be found below. Analog (TV) models do not include measurement features. The measurement features are used by entering the magnification power into the software (automatically done with models that include AMR) then selecting the appropriate tool from within the software and clicking on points on the image. Keyboard arrows can also be used to more precisely adjust lines by one pixel at a time. Measurement tools include line, continuous line, fixed-length line, edge-detection line, point-to-line, polygon, circle, arc, angle, grid and several others.

Measurement accuracy is affected by the
(1) correctness of magnification, (2) as well as the measurement setup and (3) operation.

• Calibration methods
• Setup Tips: Improve contrast by selecting the right background and lighting. Using a light or dark background to contrast with your part can be beneficial. Some Dino-Lite models can adjust their exposure.
• Operation tips: Use enough magnification such that the measured dimension does not appear small in the preview screen. Keep in mind that the lower the magnification is, the less accurate the measurement might be.

The magnification values provided on the Dino-Lite device itself are given as reference. For accurate measurement results, a calibration target is included with all models that support measurement features. The calibration feature in the software should be used together with the calibration target prior to performing measurements. The Dino-Lite is an affordable tool designed to offer a broad range of features for multiple applications. However, when used calibrated properly, accuracy results can often match precision measuring equipment.

Accuracy depends on several factors including magnification, screen resolution, and proper calibration. Since Dino-Lite microscopes provide variable magnification, the tolerance will be different depending on what magnification you are using. For example, If you are using a standard magnification model at 220x with a screen resolution of 1920×1080, you can expect an accuracy of 0.001mm and If you are using a high magnification model at 930x with the same screen resolution, you can expect an accuracy of 0.3um. For more accuracy examples, please see the images below.

50x / 1.3MP

Horizontal FOV [accuracy]: 9.564mm [+/- 0.192mm] One pixel increment (one keyboard arrow press): ~7.4um

200x / 1.3MP

Horizontal FOV [accuracy]: 2mm (2000um) [+/- 0.04mm (40um)]
One pixel increment (one keyboard arrow press): ~1.5um

950x / 1.3MP

Horizontal FOV [accuracy]: 400um [+/- 8um] One pixel increment (one keyboard arrow press): ~0.3um

Manual Method

To calibrate manually, use the included calibration target or another item of trusted known dimensions. Select the “Calibration” button on the right side of the toolbar and follow the on-screen instructions.

Automatic Method

Using any Edge Series Dino-Lite with the QR codes on the CS-41 calibration target you can speed up the calibration process.

Certified Calibration

Currently we are unaware of any institutions that will certify variable magnification digital microscope’s calibration for measurements. However, it is possible to calibrate measurement capable Dino-Lite models with a certified calibration target from a third party. Instead of using the Dino-Lite provided courtesy reference calibration target, some users may purchase a certified and/or traceable calibration target from a third party.

Series	Measurement features
2111	X
3111	X
3113	✓
4111	X
4113	✓
4115	✓
4515	✓
4517	✓
4915	✓
4917	✓
7115	✓
7515	✓
7915	✓
73115	✓
73515	✓
73915	✓