Nikon manufactures CMOS sensors and imaging technologies for professional D-SLR cameras, and they have now optimized for microscopy.

 

※High sensitivity
Detects even faint fluorescent signals

7.3µm pixels, high quantum efficiency, and very low read noise allow the DS-Qi2 to even read faint fluorescent signals.

Indian Muntjac Deer Skin Fibroblast Cells, Cytoskeletal F-actin labeled with Alexa Fluor 488 Sample courtesy of: Michael Davidson and Florida State University

 

※Excellent linearity
Reliable quantitative analysis made possible

With a linearity error of ±1%, the DS-Qi2 is a superb tool for measuring intensities in fluorescence samples, including time-based intensity measurement and ratiometric measurement.

 

※High frame rate
Fast focusing, even with fluorescent images

Both 2.2 electrons read noise coupled with a large full-well capacity and 0.6 electrons dark current allow the acquisition of fluorescence images with very little noise.

 

※Low noise
Acquires dim fluorescent signals with ultra-low noise

LLC-PK1 cells expressing GFP-EB3 tubulin Low noise and large linear full well capacity allows the acquisition of large dynamic range in a single capture. A captured image is shown intensity scaled to show both the brightest and dimmest areas. Sample courtesy of: Michael Davidson, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University

2.2 electrons read noise, and this, coupled with a large full-well capacity, allows the acquisition of fluorescence images with very little noise and a very high dynamic range.

 

※Time-lapse photography
Fluorescent time-lapse imaging through integration with NIS-Elements software

With a large field of view and pixel density, and low noise, the DS-Qi2 is ideal for time-resolved imaging applications.

Time-lapse images (every 1 second) of LLC-PK1 cells with GFP-EB3 tubulin. Each image represents the maximum intensity projection of the timelapse, allowing visualization of the end-binding protein located on the microtubule plus-ends, and allowing tracing of the microtubule path. DS-Qi2 captures an extremely large field of view, but still represents very fine details as demonstrated in this cropped timelapse sequence from a large FOV image. Objective: CFI Plan Apochromat λ 60x oil / NA: 1.4) Sample courtesy of: Michael Davidson, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University

 

Image sensor	Nikon FX-format, Monochrome CMOS senser / Size: 36.0×23.9mm Effective 16.25 megapixels
Recordable pixels	4908×3264 pixel (full-pixel), 1636×1088 pixel (3×3 pixel averaging)
Cooling method	Electronic cooling
ISO sensitivity (recommended exposure index)	Standard: equivalent to ISO 800 (Selectable from ISO800 to 51200 equivalent)
Quantum efficiency	77%
Full well Capacity	60000e- (typ.)
Readout noise	2.2e- (typ.)
Dark current	0.6e-/p/s (Ta=25°C) (typ.)
Live display mode	Full-pixel 4908×3264 pixel (max 6fps) / 3×3 pixel averaging 1636×1088 (max 45fps)
Lens mount	F mount
Exposure time	100 µsec to 60 sec
Image format	BMP, TIFF, JPEG, etc., selectable in NIS-Elements
Interface	USB3.0 (computer control connection) x1, External sync input/output x1
Power supply	AC100-240V 50/60Hz
Power consumption	24W
Dimensions	105 (W) x 134 (D) x 153 (H) mm
Weight	1200g
Operating environment	0-30°C, 80% RH max, 30-40°C, 60% RH max. (without condensation)