The USB Digital Microscope has an effective optical magnification of 100x. You can then use the digital zoom feature in different software titles to get to a maximum of 300x before the image gets too pixelated. Please be aware that to see images at 100x magnification, you need to make sure that the head of the imager is placed directly over the sample and the plastic ring around the lens should be touching the stage (white base) of the microscope. Use the focus knob to find the first point of focus, then continue turning the knob until you find the second point of focus. The second point of focus should be closer to 100x magnification. You can then use digital zoom to increase the magnification. As you approach 300x the image may become pixelated.

Please be aware that the USB Digital Microscope does not replace a compound microscope and will not work well for prepared slides. In order to see good cellular structure from prepared slides you need to use a compound microscope. If you need a digital imager for a compound microscope, please see our Celestron Digital Imagers. Please watch the video below that explains why this is the case.

https://www.vernier.com/video/ask-me-anything-digital-imagers-and-digital-microscopes