Video microscopy

Article By:

Langford, George M. Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth University, Hanover, New Hampshire.

Presley, John F. Cell Biology and Metabolism Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland.

Last reviewed:August 2020

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.732125

The use of a high-quality video camera or other fast camera (such as a charge-coupled device) attached to a research-quality light microscope for the purpose of real-time or high-speed imaging of samples on a microscope stage. These images are recorded at regular intervals (often at “video rate” of 30 images per second), and the time-lapse sequence can be played back in the form of a movie. The term “video microscopy” originally referred to microscope imaging using true video (30 frames per second) but now generally refers to rapid time-lapse imaging techniques. Video microscopy is used frequently to image small structures that move rapidly within cells as well as movement of whole cells. This motion can be quantitated and, in the case of fluorescence microscopy, changes in fluorescent intensity (reflecting the local chemical environment of the fluorescent molecule or the number of fluorescent molecules) can be quantitated as well. See also: Camera; Microscope

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