Axiocam Line Brochure Email

Refer to the original PDF for tables, figures and page layout.

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zeiss.com/axiocam
ZEISS Axiocam Family
Your Guide to Microscope Camera Technology 
from ZEISS.


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Cameras for Teaching or 
Routine Applications
High End Color 
Cameras
Polarization Camera
High End Fluorescence 
Cameras
Integrated Network 
Cameras


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Cameras for Teaching or Routine Applications  11
10  Cameras for Teaching or Routine Applications
Axiocam 105 color is your small, no-frills microscope camera. 
With its compact design, it makes quick and efficient work of 
your daily documentation needs.
With its USB 3.0 connection, experience a high speed data 
transfer rate for handling your high resolution 5 megapixel 
color images. Offering an exposure time range of 30 µs to 
1 s and a live frame rate of up to 30 images per second, the 
camera allows you to be well prepared to cover multiple 
tasks. Document your results quickly and conveniently.
With its attractive price-performance ratio, you can also 
expand the capability of your fluorescence imaging system 
with color imaging. Axiocam 105 color is ideal as a secondary 
camera on fluorescence microscopes that are traditionally 
equipped with monochrome cameras.
The camera’s small form factor also lends itself well to 
environments with limited space.
Simpler. More Intelligent. More Integrated.
•	 5 megapixel CMOS sensor
•	 30 images per second at full 5 megapixel color resolution
•	 8 bit digitization
•	 High resolution with 2.2 µm pixel
•	 Easy to use super-speed USB 3.0 connection
•	 Color and black & white imaging modes
•	 Fast and efficient operation with ZEN imaging software
Recommended for
•	 Applications with bright samples
•	 Documentation
•	 Education / Teaching
•	 Routine tasks
•	 Materials testing
•	 Quality assurance / Quality control
ZEISS Axiocam 105 color
Your 5 Megapixel Microscope Camera  
for Documentation in Routine Labs
Fish, HE staining, brightfield, acquired with ZEISS Stemi 305
Graphite in brightfield, objective: EC Epiplan-NEOFLUAR 20×
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Relative Spectral Sensitivity
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Cameras for Teaching or Routine Applications  13
12  Cameras for Teaching or Routine Applications
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This 5 megapixel CMOS camera from ZEISS offers you flexible 
technology at an impressive price-performance ratio.  
With Axiocam ERc 5s you capture the finest details of 
structures in your sample in high resolution. Connect your 
camera in a multitude of ways. Attach it to your PC to acquire 
crisp images with the easy-to-use imaging app Labscope 
or ZEN or use it as a digital video camera by connecting it 
directly to a monitor. Produce an exceptional live image for 
observing dynamic processes. Or exploit the full flexibility of 
Axiocam ERc 5s as a standalone camera in your lab. You can 
store your images directly onto an SD card and transfer them 
to a computer later, making your laboratory processes even 
more efficient.
The camera can also be connected to a network via Ethernet 
cable. Wirelessly connect your iPad on the same network and 
access the controls via Labscope. This means you can check 
in on your sample away from the system, freeing you to work 
on other tasks. Or share the live image by connecting multiple 
iPads to promote discussion amongst students or colleagues.
Simpler. More Intelligent. More Integrated.
•	 5 megapixel CMOS sensor
•	 8 bit digitization
•	 High resolution with 2.2 µm pixel
•	 Color and black & white imaging modes
•	 Flexibility – use Axiocam ERc 5s as a stand-alone camera 
and acquire images / movies directly to an SD card.  
Or use it as digital video camera and stream HD (720p60 or 
1080p30) via HDMI cable directly to a monitor or projector. 
You control the camera via remote control and define your 
acquisition settings and store for later use to carry out 
routine tasks independent of any computer. Alternatively 
use it via Labscope with a network connection and an iPad
•	 Efficient operation with Labscope or ZEN via an easy to 
install USB ­connection to a PC or via iPad / iPhone and 
Labscope App
Recommended for
•	 Applications with bright samples
•	 Documentation
•	 Education / Teaching
•	 Routine tasks
•	 Industrial work
•	 Quality assurance / Quality control
ZEISS Axiocam ERc 5s
Your 5 Megapixel Standalone Microscope Camera
Micrasterias radiata (algae), brightfield
Pig gut, May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining
Relative spectral sensitivity
Relative Spectral Sensitivity
Wavelength (nm)


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Cameras for Teaching or Routine Applications  15
14  Cameras for Teaching or Routine Applications
ZEISS Axiocam 202 mono
Your 2 Megapixel Stand-alone Microscope Camera  
for Routine Fluorescence Documentation
Axiocam 202 mono is your 2 megapixel monochrome 
microscope camera with automatic functions for routine 
fluorescence applications. With this CMOS sensor camera 
you can easily acquire monochrome images in stand-alone 
mode with no need of a PC. Since the camera automatically 
adjusts the exposure time you only need to press the snap 
button to capture and store your fluorescence images on a 
USB flash drive. If needed you can adjust parameters in the 
OSD (on screen display) menu before you acquire the image. 
In combination with the smart microscopes Axiolab 5 or 
Axioscope 5 you can even capture multichannel fluorescence 
images by simply pressing one button.
Recommended for
•	 Applications with bright fluorescence samples
•	 Documentation
•	 Education / Teaching
•	 Fluorescence imaging applications with live and fixed cells
•	 Documentation of fluorescent cell cultures
•	 Routine tasks in cell laboratories
Simpler. More Intelligent. More Integrated.
•	 2 megapixel CMOS chip sensor with image diagonal 
of 13 mm and large pixel size for high sensitivity in 
fluorescence documentation
•	 Choose between 12 bit or 8 bit digitization
•	 Store images directly on USB flash drive in stand-alone 
mode
•	 Single button multichannel fluorescence acquisition when 
combined with Axiolab 5 or Axioscope 5 stands in stand-
alone mode (with no PC)
•	 Automatic exposure and gain adjustment for easy 
fluorescence image capture
•	 Connect directly to a monitor by a HDMI cable for live 
image display for search and focussing and review of 
acquired images
•	 Perform secure image data transfer to TWAIN-compatible 
3rd party software solutions with the TWAIN driver.
Mink endometrium cells, Vimentin (Ms) – Alexa Fluor 568, Phalloidin – Alexa 
Fluor 488, Hoechst 33342, acquired with ZEISS Axioscope 5, objective: Plan-
APOCHROMAT 20× / 0.8
Indian muntiac, deer epidermis fibroblasts, Tubulin (Ms) – Alexa Fluor 405, 
Phalloidin – Texas Red, SYTOX Green, acquired with ZEISS Axioscope 5, 
objective: Plan-NEOFLUAR 10× / 0.3
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Cameras for Teaching or Routine Applications  17
16  Cameras for Teaching or Routine Applications
ZEISS Axiocam 208 color
Your Fast, 4K Microscope Camera  
for Smart Digital Documentation
Axiocam 208 color is your smart versatile 8 megapixel color 
microscope camera suitable for education, documentation 
and routine applications. This CMOS camera delivers crisp, 
detail rich live images with high color fidelity at full 4k 
resolution in outstanding 30 fps. Choose between three 
modes of operation:
1.	 In stand-alone mode, you don’t need a PC to acquire 
microscope images. The camera automatically adjusts 
brightness and white balance and offers live image 
enhancement functions like sharpening, denoising and 
HDR. Digital documentation of your specimen has never 
been easier.
2.	 Alternatively, connect the CMOS camera via USB or to 
a network and control it wirelessly with the easy-to-use 
imaging app Labscope. Since you can connect multiple 
cameras to the network, Axiocam 208 color is the 
ideal solution for digital classroom applications and for 
connected laboratories, too.
3.	 In addition, you can use the powerful imaging software 
ZEN with your Axiocam 208 color.
Recommended for
•	 Documentation
•	 Education / Teaching
•	 Routine tasks
•	 Materials research
•	 Quality assurance / Quality control
•	 Fast high resolution live image for co-observation
Simpler. More Intelligent. More Integrated.
•	 Full 4K resolution in outstanding 30 fps
•	 Brilliant color rendering
•	 Live image enhancement functions like sharpening, 
denoising and HDR
•	 Use in stand-alone mode and save images on USB flash 
drive, use Labscope imaging app or ZEN imaging software
•	 Easy and effortless digital documentation – especially 
suitable for education, digital classroom and routine 
documentation
•	 Ethernet or USB 3.0 as digital data interface
•	 Use the optional WiFi stick and Labscope imaging app to 
control and transfer data wirelessly
•	 Document your samples as you see it in the eyepieces
•	 Stand-alone operation with camera control by intuitive  
On Screen Display via mouse and keyboard without a PC
•	 Connect directly to a monitor by a HDMI cable for live 
image display for search and focussing and review of 
acquired images
•	 Perform secure image data transfer to TWAIN-compatible 
3rd party software solutions with the TWAIN driver.
Trichrome stained blood vessels in transmitted light brightfield, acquired with 
ZEISS Axiolab 5, objective: Plan-APOCHROMAT 40× / 1.4
Red bone marrow in transmitted light brightfield, acquired with ZEISS Axiolab 5, 
objective: Plan-APOCHROMAT 40× / 1.4
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Cameras for Teaching or Routine Applications  21
20  Cameras for Teaching or Routine Applications
Axiocam 305 color is your 5 megapixel camera for high 
­resolution imaging at fast speeds. With state-of-the-art 
CMOS global shutter technology, you can follow and capture 
samples distortion-free and with great accuracy. Thanks to 
this highly sensitive sensor technology and precise camera 
engineering, your Axiocam 305 color allows the capture of 
quality color images for a wide range of applications. Acquire 
great color images with crisp contrast or use the optional 
black & white mode to document basic fluorescence.
With this fast camera offering up to 36 frames per second at  
full resolution, achieve efficient searching, fast focusing and 
­ergonomic handling at your digital microscope workplace.  
Cover more of your area of interest with its 2/3″ sensor format 
and produce great color images on your compound, stereo, 
or zoom microscope.
Though a simple and fast USB 3.0 connection, control the 
camera and experience robust performance with easy to use  
ZEN imaging software and its intuitive user interface.
Recommended for
•	 Applications with bright samples
•	 Documentation
•	 Routine tasks
•	 Materials research
•	 Quality assurance / Quality control
•	 Fast high resolution live image for co-observation
•	 Fast image acquisition and time-lapse recording
ZEISS Axiocam 305 color
Your Fast 5 Megapixel Microscope Camera  
for Routine and Research Labs
Simpler. More Intelligent. More Integrated.
•	 5 megapixel CMOS global shutter sensor
•	 11.1 mm image diagonal
•	 Fast readout with 36 images per second in full color 
resolution
•	 12 bit digitization for finer gradation in signal
•	 Small 3.45 micron pixels for better sampling at low 
­magnifications
•	 Global shutter architecture for distortion-free images
•	 Active thermal stabilization of the sensor for extremely 
­reproducible image quality
•	 Easy to use super-speed USB 3.0 connection
•	 Color and black & white imaging modes
•	 Fast and efficient operation with ZEN imaging software
Liver of Amphiuma in brightfield, HE-staining, acquired with ZEISS Axio 
Imager, objective: EC Plan-NEOFLUAR 20× / 0.50
Pure iron in brightfield, reflected light, acquired with ZEISS Axio Observer, 
objective: EC Epiplan-APOCHROMAT 50× / 0.9
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High End Color Cameras  27
26  High End Color Cameras
ZEISS Axiocam 506 color
Your 6 Megapixel Microscope Camera  
for Fast Imaging in True Color
This high quality 6 megapixel color camera offers you an 
amazingly fast live image and acquisition speed despite its 
large pixel count and the very large 16 mm diagonal field of 
view.
This makes it the camera of choice whenever large sample 
areas have to be screened and recorded by taking many 
image tiles repeatedly in a minimum amount of time due to 
reduced number of tile positions.
This is extremely beneficial in acquiring large pathological 
tissue sections or large colored materials samples.
Recommended for
•	 Color imaging applications in life sciences and  
materials science
•	 Co-observation with fast high resolution live image in  
high quality color with a very large field of view
•	 Large pathology, cytology and materials samples
•	 Fast tile scanning applications
•	 Broadest range of intensities and exposure times
Human intestinal polyps, HE staining, acquired with ZEISS Axio Imager, 
objective: Plan-APOCHROMAT 20× / 0.8
Human kidney, Azan staining, acquired with ZEISS Axio Imager, 
objective: Plan-APOCHROMAT 10× / 0.45
Simpler. More Intelligent. More Integrated.
•	 6 megapixel CCD sensor with 16 mm image diagonal
•	 19 full resolution color images per second
•	 High image contrast with 14 bit signal conversion
•	 Small 4.54 micron pixels for optimal resolution
•	 Fast quad-port read-out with global shutter architecture 
for distortion-free images
•	 Black & white imaging mode
•	 Reproducible image quality due to active thermal 
stabilization of the sensor
•	 Easy to use super-speed USB 3.0 connection
•	 Thermo electrical cooled sensor
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High End Color Cameras  29
28  High End Color Cameras
ZEISS Axiocam 705 color
Your Fast 5 Megapixel Microscope Camera  
for True Color Image Acquisition in High Resolution
This flexible 5 megapixel scientific color camera strikes the 
perfect balance of speed and resolution. Delivering more 
than 60 frames per second at full 5 megapixel resolution, this 
camera captures even the most dynamic processes without 
compromising image resolution. Subsampling or sub-region 
readout accelerate your acquisition speed to hundreds of 
frames per second.
Recommended for
•	 High-resolution microscopy
•	 High-framerate imaging
•	 Research
•	 Documentation
•	 Industrial applications
•	 Materials research
•	 Quality control
•	 Medical microscopy
•	 Pathology
•	 Cytology
Rat kidney section, objective: Plan-APOCHROMAT 40×/1.4 oil
Rat embryonic tissue section, objective: Plan-APOCHROMAT 63×/1.4 oil
Simpler. More Intelligent. More Integrated.
•	 5 megapixel cooled color CMOS sensor  
with 11 mm diagonal
•	 62 frames per second in full 5 megapixel resolution
•	 Best-in-class color rendition
•	 Color and monochrome imaging modes
•	 Exclusive noise inhibition technology for low-light imaging
•	 Dynamic range of 1:25,000 in high-dynamic range (HDR) 
mode
•	 Combined analogue and digital pixel binning
•	 Small 3.45 µm pixels for high-resolution imaging
•	 Hardware triggering
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High End Color Cameras  31
30  High End Color Cameras
ZEISS Axiocam 712 color
Your All-round 12 Megapixel Microscope Camera for True Color 
Acquisition of Large Specimen Areas in High Resolution
This 12 megapixel scientific grade camera combines a large 
image sensor, small pixel size, precise color rendition and 
fast imaging speed. The CMOS sensor delivers more than 
20 frames per second with a 17.5 mm diagonal large field of 
view. You can now acquire large specimen regions quickly 
and with uncompromised image quality. The large field of 
view reduces the number of tiles required to image largest 
samples, and so drastically accelerates tiling experiments.
Axiocam 712 color is a highly evolved digital color camera 
addressing the needs of scientific microscopy, including 
­documentation, reporting and analysis. Fast and artifact-free 
imaging with optimized color reproduction makes your work 
comfortable and efficient. In addition, exploring your sample  
on the screen, instead through the oculars, becomes a true 
and very convenient alternative.
Recommended for
•	 High-resolution microscopy
•	 Large region imaging
•	 Medical imaging
•	 Material science research
•	 Macroscopic imaging
•	 Pathology
Mouth region of a mouse embryo section, objective: Plan-APOCHROMAT 
63×/1.4 oil
Rat kidney section, objective: Plan-APOCHROMAT 63×/1.4 oil
Simpler. More Intelligent. More Integrated.
•	 12 megapixel cooled color CMOS sensor
•	 Large sensor with 17.5 mm diagonal for extended  
field of view
•	 Best-in-class color rendition
•	 Color and monochrome imaging modes
•	 20 frames per second in full 12 megapixel resolution
•	 30 frames per second of the entire field of view in live 
image mode
•	 Exclusive noise inhibition technology for lowlight imaging
•	 Dynamic range of 1:25,000 in high-dynamic range (HDR) 
mode
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High End Color Cameras  33
32  High End Color Cameras
ZEISS Axiocam 807 color
Your Fast, 7 Megapixel Microscope Camera for True Color 
Imaging of Large Fields of View
With its dual USB interface and state-of-the art CMOS sensor, 
this 7 megapixel color camera offers you amazingly fast live 
image and acquisition speeds. The large 17.6 mm diagonal 
sensor allows for efficient imaging of large fields of view.  
This makes it the camera of choice when screening large 
sample areas as it efficiently reduces the required number of 
tile images. This is extremely beneficial when working with 
large, pathology tissue sections or large, colored materials 
samples.
Recommended for
•	 Color imaging applications in a broad range of fields from 
life sciences to materials research and geoscience
•	 Co-observation with fast high resolution live image in high 
quality color with a very large field of view
•	 Imaging of large pathology, cytology and materials samples 
•	 Fast tile scanning applications
•	 Samples with a broad range of intensities and exposure 
times
Prussian blue staining for hemosiderin (iron deposition) in brown adipose 
tissue of mice. Sample courtesy: A. Feuchtinger, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 
Germany
NASH mouse liver with connective collagenous tissue stained in red.  
Sample courtesy: A. Feuchtinger, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Germany
Simpler. More Intelligent. More Integrated.
•	 7 megapixel CMOS sensor with 17.6 mm image diagonal
•	 73 full-resolution color images per second recording  
(faster with sensor sub-region readout)
•	 High image contrast with 14-bit signal conversion
•	 4.5 micron pixels for optimal resolution and sensitivity
•	 Fast read-out with global shutter architecture for ­ 
distortion-free images
•	 Monochrome imaging mode
•	 Reproducible image quality due to active thermal 
stabilization of the sensor
•	 Easy to use high-speed dual USB 3.0 connection
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High End Color Cameras  35
34  High End Color Cameras
ZEISS Axiocam 820 color
Your Sensitive 20 Megapixel Microscope Camera for Demanding, 
True Color Imaging of Large Fields of View
Axiocam 820 color 20 megapixel camera combines high 
sensor resolution, color accuracy and a large sensor size for 
the most challenging samples. Its live image is 30 frames per 
second, providing navigation with the PC that is as smooth as 
looking through the eye pieces. The small pixels allow the use 
of low magnifications for high speeds and large fields of view 
without losing resolution. 
Scan large areas faster than ever before due to its large 
17.5 mm square sensor. This makes Axiocam 820 color 
the ideal choice for demanding color imaging in cytology, 
pathology, materials research, and life science applications.
Recommended for
•	 The most demanding color applications in life sciences, 
materials research and geoscience 
•	 Co-observation with a fast, high-resolution live image in 
high quality color with a very large field of view
•	 Large sample area imaging in pathology, cytology and 
materials samples 
•	 Fast tile scanning applications
•	 The broadest range of intensities by high dynamic range 
Mouse intestinal goblet cells with neutral (red) and acid (blue) mucine staining imaged with 20x/0.5 (left) and 63x/1.2W (right) objective.  
Sample courtesy: A. Feuchtinger, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Germany
Simpler. More Intelligent. More Integrated.
•	 20 megapixel square CMOS sensor with 17.5 mm image 
diagonal
•	 28 full-resolution color images per second  
(faster with sensor sub-region readout)
•	 Small 2.74 micron pixels for resolving the finest details  
at all magnifications
•	 High-quality noise inhibition technology
•	 Fast read-out with global shutter architecture for  
distortion-free images
•	 Best-in-class color rendition
•	 Color and monochrome imaging modes
•	 Reproducible image quality due to active thermal 
stabilization of the sensor
•	 Dynamic range of 1:25,000 in high-dynamic range  
(HDR) mode
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Knowledge Base  69
68  Knowledge Base
Sensor Size vs Camera Adapter vs Field of View (FOV)
Use a c-mount camera adapter to mount your camera onto 
your microscope. Depending on the magnification factor 
of the adapter, the camera’s sensor may cover more (lower 
magnification) or less (higher magnification) of the image 
coming out of your microscope (intermediate image). Typical 
intermediate image sizes are 25 mm for Axio Imager, 23 mm 
for Axio Observer or 23 mm for Axio Zoom.V16.
Typical image sensor diameters are 7.9 mm (1/2″ format), 
11 mm (2/3″ format) or 16 mm (1″ format).
Different C-mount adapter magnifications are 1×, 0.63×, 0.5×.
Using a lower adapter magnification such as 0.63× causes into a:
•	 Demagnification of the intermediate image, resulting in a 
larger field of view for the final image
•	 Enlargement of pixel size, thus increasing light intensity 
­detected by the sensor
•	 Enlargement of pixel size, which reduces the effective 
­camera resolution
Resolution
The spatial resolution of a digital camera is related to the pixel 
density, which is defined by the pixel count per sensor area.  
The smaller the pixel aperture, the finer is the sampling of the 
presented structure. The reproduction of fine structures (lines) 
requires at least two pixels per structure sequence (line pair).
Depending on the spectral composition of the signal, the 
optical resolution of color cameras can be slightly lower 
compared to monochrome cameras because of the color filter 
array. However, elaborate interpolation algorithms allow color 
cameras to provide optimal image quality.
Pixel Size
1 × 1
2 × 2
5 × 5
480i
640 × 480 pixels
(66 % of 720p)
720p
1280 × 720 pixels
(66 % of 1080p)
1080p
1920 × 1080 pixels
10 × 10
20 × 20
50 × 50
100 × 100
The pixel size defines the resolution.
One pixel is the smallest effective area on the sensor which is 
to become one image picture element.
Different sensor sizes in relation to field of view.
Adapter 1.0×
Adapter 0.63×
D = 23 mm
D = 23 mm
Axiocam 702
Axiocam 702
Axiocam 506
Axiocam 506
Axiocam 705
Axiocam 705
The unit cell size can be estimated by taking the geometrical 
length (height) of one sensor line (column) and dividing it by 
the number of all pixels in one line (column).
Effects of pixel size:
Smaller pixels are
•	 good for higher resolution
•	 lower in dynamic range
•	 less light sensitive
•	 noisier
Larger pixels are:
•	 good for better light sensitivity
•	 less noisy
•	 higher in dynamic range
•	 reducing the spatial resolution
The best pixel size is a balance between sensitivity (larger 
pixel) and resolution (smaller pixel) to get the best possible 
compromise for the imaging requirements at a given optical 
setup.
Color filter
Sensor pixel
Sensor pixel
Monochrome and color sensors – a comparison.
Same pixel count
1 Pixel
1 Pixel
Even when the pixel count is the same, the image taken with the larger-sized 
pixels is less noisy because the CCD sensor is larger.
Name of Effect
Related Limitation
Counter Measure
Dark current
Spurious signal by thermally generated electrons  
inside the sensor silicon material.
This signal varies from pixel to pixel and causes an 
­exposure time dependent signal offset for each 
­individual pixel.
In addition it contributes to the signal noise.
Maximum exposure time,
Low light sensitivity, dynamic range, single pixel 
­defects (hot pixels)
Given for a specific sensor-technology, 
active thermo-electrical cooling
Readout noise
Noise added to the signal during read-out
Low light sensitivity, directly limiting the 
potential low light detection threshold, dynamic 
range
Sensor design and analog signal management 
dependent, signal amplification by EMCCD 
architecture
Photon shot noise
Physical property of light, proportional to square  
root of produced electrons
Detection precision at high intensity levels, 
noisy, low light images
Theoretical and practical limit of detection is 
absolute, therefore no direct countermeasures
ADC effects
Differential and integral linearity effects,  
quantitation errors of Analog to Digital Converters
Detection precision, intensity errors
Use of good ADCs, use more bits than needed, 
software calibration algorithms
Static sensor artefacts
Defective pixels, non-uniformity effects of photo  
response, dark current, dark offset, electronic 
glow, hot pixels, column or row offsets,  
black offset non-uniformities
Visible cosmetic defects, fixed patterns in image 
­overlaying image information
On the fly processing of the image data with 
correction algorithms, black reference, pixel wise 
dark current maps, use of selected sensors,
Correction by calibration of static effects, dead pixel 
storage memory in camera
Dynamic sensor artefacts
Blinking pixels, hot pixels, pixel and line offset 
flicker ­effects, electro-magnetic crosstalk of high 
frequency ­interference effects, etc.
Visible cosmetic defects, traveling overlaid 
patterns in image, subsequent artefacts in multi 
channels or Z-stack images causing errors in 3D 
renderings, errors in post processing algorithms 
like segmen­tation, counting, etc.
High quality electronic design, electronic shielding, 
high quality cables and connectors, on the fly 
dynamic correction algorithms, selection of high 
quality components, high quality sensors and dark 
current calibration.
Overview
Adapter 0.63×
Adapter 1.0×
Axiocam 705
2/3” Sensor
11 mm diagonal
Pixelsize = 3.45 µm
11 mm
60 mm²
27.8 mm
370 mm²
Axiocam 712
1.1" Sensor
17.5 mm / 0.63 = 27.8 diagonal
3.45 µm / 0.63 = 5.48 µm
6× larger FOV

6× higher speed


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70  Knowledge Base
Noise
Noise in a digital camera is a random fluctuation of the image 
signal which causes a detection error. Noise can come from 
various physical sources and it limits the detection capability 
of a given camera. Post-processing algorithms can be used to 
minimize noise, but this sacrifices other image factors such as 
resolution.
Sensor Cooling
Cooling is used to minimize the thermal generation of 
electrons (dark current) in the sensor silicon material and 
the resulting dark current noise. You can reduce the dark 
current by approximately a factor of two by lowering 
the sensor temperature by 7 °C. Active thermo-electrical 
cooling prevents the sensor from being heated by the power 
dissipation inside the camera electronics.
Description
Explanation
Advantage
Disadvantage
Analog Gain
Amplification of the analog 
­voltage signal at the output 
of an image sensor before the 
Analog-Digital-Converter (ADC)
•	 Increases the brightness impression of  
the signal
•	 Needed to optimally adapt the analog 
­signal output from the camera sensor 
to the input range of the Analog-Digital 
­Converter (ADC) within the camera 
­electronics
Special case: in the case of a bottleneck 
from the ADC input range  analog gain 
can be used as sensitivity improvement
•	 Standard case: when the ADC can handle the 
full ­signal amplitude of the sensor no sensitivity 
improvement can be achieved by analog gain
•	 Images look very noisy
•	 Reduction of available intra-scene dynamic range
EM-Gain
Electron Multiplication-Gain.
Dedicated on-chip high-voltage 
acceleration stage
•	 Compensation for read noise limitation 
 real detection improvement of low 
light ­image signals
•	 In combination with back thinning 
technology and large pixels  providing 
best possible low light sensitivity
•	 Image affected by new noise source   
random bright pixel events   
minimization of EM-gain ­required
•	 Gain efficiency affected by ageing   
limited durability of EM gain
•	 Reduction of available intra-scene dynamic range
Digital Gain
Multiplication of the digital 
pixel value by a numerical factor
•	 Mathematical way to increase 
brightness
•	 Commonly used for adapting different 
­intensities to display different 
fluorescence channels in a multichannel 
image
•	 No increase in detection sensitivity
•	 Histogram representation affected   
gaps in the histogram data
•	 Reduction of available intra-scene dynamic range
Ways to amplify signals in cameras
position [pixel]
100 counts noise
0
0
100
200
300
400
intensity [counts]
1000
2000
3000
4000
position [pixel]
without noise
0
0
100
200
300
400
intensity [counts]
1000
2000
3000
4000
Dark Noise (Thermal Noise): origin by thermal electrons in the CCD cooling 
about 8 – 10° reduces dark rushing by factor two
Cooling requires a heat sink to dissipate power from the 
thermo-electrical cooler itself. Additional measures are 
needed to prevent condensation from humidity on the 
cold sensor surface. Modern sensors show a vastly reduced 
amount of dark current compared to devices from the past. 
Extremely low temperatures – say, –20 °C – are not always 
required. Cooling is still unavoidable for EMCCD cameras, 
due to their specific working principle. All other camera 
technologies have a benefit by cooling only at long exposure 
times (after some 30s and more), when the low dark current 
sums up and gets disturbing again.
Binning
Camera sensitivity can be increased by combining photo 
generated signal charges from neighboring pixels during 
read-out. This also increases the camera frame rate. One 
side effect is the loss of image resolution. Binning factors 
can range from 1 × 1 (no binning) up to multiple pixels such 
as 5 × 5. Multiple charge binning is mainly available for CCD 
sensors. Binning in CMOS camera sensors is traditionally done 
in the digital domain by adding neighboring pixel values, 
which gives no extra sensitivity.
Frame Rate
The frame rate of a digital camera denotes the number of 
images which can be delivered per second (fps = frames 
per seconds). Unlike TV cameras, scientific cameras are not 
limited to standard video frame rates. Digital camera frame 
rates depend on various parameters:
Thermo electrical cooling helps to minimize dark current effects of CCD and 
CMOS image sensors.
Peltier cooler (white plate), 
mounted on heat sink
Sensor 
Socket
Heat sink for cooler, connected 
with housing for dissipation
Exposure time
shorter = faster:
Exposure time limits the absolute frame rate independent from all other technical factors. If the time to collect 
photons lasts for 100 ms, the maximum achievable frame rate is 1 / 100 ms = 10 fps.
Sensor readout speed / clock speed
higher = faster:
Total time to readout: accumulate photon signal+ conversion into a digital signal + transmission to a PC.  
Exposure and Readout correspond to a full cycle of an image acquisition.
Pixel count
less = faster:
The more pixels, the longer the readout cycle, the slower the frame rate.
The interface bandwidth can become the bottleneck if the pixel count cannot be transferred within the sensor 
readout time.
Sensor sub frame / region of 
interest
smaller = faster:
Definition of sensor sub areas (ROI) help reduce the amount of transmitted image data  
 frame rates can be increased,
Prerequisite: exposure time is shorter then readout time of ROI
Bandwidth of digital interface
higher = faster:
Data transfer capacity of the interface. Effective USB 3.0 bandwidth is approximately 320 Mbytes / s.
Parallel readout architecture of 
CMOS sensors
more = faster:
CMOS sensors exceed the frame rates of comparably sized CCD sensors due to significantly more parallel output 
structures on the sensor.
The interface bandwidth is more likely to be the data transfer bottleneck.
Trigger signal synchronization
Synchronization of external trigger components with image acquisition  
 reduction of the maximum achievable frame rates with improvement of precision.
Overlapping readout and exposure
Special optimization for fast time series acquisition (fast time-lapse) without switching external components  
 overlap of exposure event while readout of the previous image.
Only if exposure time is longer than readout  frame rate limited by exposure time.


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72  Knowledge Base
Hot Pixel
Cosmetic sensor defects are caused by a local emission of 
electrons in the sensor material. Hot pixels are visible as 
static single bright pixels against the black background. Their 
intensity varies widely and scales with exposure time and 
sensor temperature. The signal cannot be differentiated from 
photon generated electrons. If the sensor is temperature 
stabilized, the dark current can be compensated for by 
subtracting the spurious signal in correspondence with 
exposure time. Saturated pixels need to be interpolated 
because image information in these pixels is lost and cannot 
be reconstructed. Cosmic radiation can induce new hot pixel 
defects over time.
Spectral Sensitivity / Quantum efficiency
All kind of light detectors show a wavelength dependent light 
sensitivity. The conversion efficiency is the ratio of incoming 
photons to generated signal electrons stated as a percentage. 
Detection range of silicon based sensors like CCD or CMOS 
can stretch from approximately 350 nm up to 1000 nm, with 
a peak between 500 nm – 600 nm. For detection of radiation 
outside of this spectral range, other materials need to be 
used.
Modern front illuminated devices offer a typical QE in the 
range of 70 %. Monochrome peak QE can be improved with 
back thinned technology by up to 95 % in peak.
ZEISS Axiocam 702 mono offers extended flexibility for long exposure times up to 60 s
Left: Dark background, non uniformity from common CMOS sensor at 10s,  
Right: ZEISS Axiocam 702 mono with modern CMOS sensor at 10s with very dark background, low non uniformity
CMOS Sensor with high dark current, 10s, 4 °C
ZEISS Axiocam 702 mono, 10s, 15 °C
CMOS sensor with long exposure times
ZEISS Axiocam 702 mono
The spectral sensitivity of color cameras is lower than 
monochrome cameras. The color filter dyes on the pixels 
reduce the peak spectral QE by approximately 15 %. Color 
cameras also need an IR filter as color is only defined in the 
visible spectrum.
Color Temperature
Sunrise / Sunset
Candlelight
2,000 K
Incandescent
Light Bulb
3,000 K
Daylight / Flash
5,000 K
Cloudy Day
7,000 K
Shade Under
a Blue Sky
10,000 K
Color temperature is a temperature value (in Kelvin) of a light 
source and is used to describe the spectral characteristic of 
the corresponding spectral emission. It indicates the color 
impression of a light source: lower temperatures are more 
red, higher temperatures are more blue.
The color temperature of the light influences how the human 
eye perceives color.
White Balance
The color of the illuminating light source influences the color 
of an object. The relative intensity of the color channels of a 
color camera needs to be adjusted to assure a neutral color 
reproduction. For this, you will need a manual or automatic 
selection of a neutral (grey) point in the image. Fine-tune the 
color reproduction by assigning slightly shifted target values 
for the neutral point. Adjust the color temperature of the 
monitor (i.e. 3,200 K) to reach the desired color reproduction.
Display Curve
The image display curve is a powerful tool in ZEN imaging 
software, used to define how image data is displayed on 
a computer screen without changing the raw image data. 
Use this tool to adjust dark areas of your image visually by 
selectively changing the curvature or the steepness of the 
curve. Shift the minimum or maximum points to allow for 
the limitation of the visualized intensity range. The color 
rendition can be influenced by a Gamma curvature. Image 
characteristics are applied to the image data, if the image 
gets exported into non .CZI image formats.
Gamma adjustment – linear display
Gamma Adjustment – Gamma 0.45
400
450
500
550
600
650
700
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
Relative spectral sensitivity ZEISS Axiocam 506 color.
Wavelength (nm)
Relative Spectral Sensivity


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76  Knowledge Base
Technical Data
Color Cameras
Axiocam ERc 5s
Axiocam 105 color
Axiocam 208 color
Axiocam 305 color
Axiocam 506 color
Axiocam 705 color
Axiocam 712 color
Sensor type
CMOS, Rolling Shutter
CMOS, Rolling Shutter
CMOS, Rolling Shutter
CMOS, Global Shutter
CCD, Quad Port Progressive Scan
CMOS, Global Shutter
CMOS, Global Shutter
Sensor size
5.7 mm × 4.28 mm
equivalent 1/2.5″
diagonal 7.1 mm
5.70 mm × 4.28 mm
equivalent to 1/2.24″
diagonal 7.13 mm
7.1 mm × 4.0 mm
equivalent to 1/2.1″
diagonal 8.1 mm
8.5 mm × 7.1 mm
equivalent 2/3″
diagonal 11.1 mm
12.2 mm × 9,8 mm
equivalent to 1″
diagonal 16 mm
8.5 mm × 7.1 mm
equivalent to 2/3″
diagonal 11.1 mm
14.1 mm × 10.4 mm
equivalent to 1″
diagonal 17.5 mm
Pixel Count
5.0 megapixel:
2560 (H) × 1920 (V)
5.0 megapixel:
2592 (H) × 1944 (V)
8.3 megapixel:
3840 (H) × 2160 (V)
5.07 megapixel:
2464 (H) × 2056 (V)
6 megapixel:
2752 (H) × 2208 (V)
5.07 megapixel:
2464 (H) × 2056 (V)
12 megapixel:
4096 (H) × 3008 (V)
Subsampling
–
–
–
1×1, 2×2
–
1×1, 2×2
1×1, 2×2
Pixel size
2.2 µm × 2.2 µm
2.2 µm × 2.2 µm
1.85 µm × 1.85 µm
3.45 µm × 3.45 µm
4.54 µm × 4.54 µm
3.45 µm × 3.45 µm
3.45 µm × 3.45 µm
Full Well Capacity
–
–
–
10,500 e⁻
15,000 e⁻
11,000 e⁻
11,000 e⁻
Sensor Filter Mask
RGB Bayer Filter
RGB Bayer Filter
RGB Bayer Filter
RGB Bayer Filter
RGB Bayer Filter
RGB Bayer Filter
RGB Bayer Filter
Spectral Sensitivity
Approx. 400 nm – 700 nm,  
IR filter
Approx. 400 nm – 670 nm,  
IR filter
Approx. 400 nm – 700 nm,  
IR filter
Approx. 380 nm – 720 nm,  
coated IR cut filter
Approx. 400 nm – 720 nm,  
coated IR cut filter
Approx. 400 nm – 720 nm,  
coated IR cut filter
Approx. 400 nm – 720 nm,  
coated IR cut filter
Binning
Digital binning
No
No
Digital binning  
1×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×
Charge binning  
1×1, 2×2, 3×3, 4×4, 5×5
Digital binning  
1×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×
Digital binning  
1×1, 2×2, 3×3, 4×4, 5×5
ROI (Region of Interest)
Yes (adjustable)
Yes (adjustable)
Fixed frame 1080p mode
Yes (adjustable)
Yes (adjustable)
Yes (adjustable)
Yes (adjustable)
Readout Noise
–
–
–
Typ. 2.2 e⁻ @ gain 1×
Typ. < 6.5 e⁻ (39 Mhz),
Typ. 6 e⁻ (13 Mhz)
Typ. 2,2 e⁻ @ gain 1×,
Typ. 1,15 e⁻ @ gain 16×
Typ. 2,2 e⁻ @ gain1×,
Typ. 1,15 e⁻ @ gain 16×
Dark current
–
–
–
Typ. < 1.0 e⁻/p / s @ 25°C
Typ. < 0,06 e⁻/p / s at 18 °C
Typ. < 0.5 e⁻/p / s @ 18 °C
Typ. < 0.5 e⁻/p / s @ 18 °C
Dynamic range
–
–
–
Typ. 1:4800
Typ. 1:2500
Typ. 1:5000 at gain 1×,  
1:25,000 at HDR mode
Typ. 1:5000 at gain 1×,  
1:25,000 at HDR mode
Digitization Bit Depth
8 bit
8 bit
8 bit
12 bit / 8 bit
3× 14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit
14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit
3× 14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit
Exposure Time Range
10 µs – 2 s
30 µs – 1 s
61 µs – 1 s
100 µs – 4 s
250 µs – 60 s
100 µs to 60 s
100 µs to 60 s
Analog Gain
No
Yes
1× – 22× adjustable
1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16×
1×, 2×, 3×
1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16×
1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16×
Frame rate live image / Time Lapse 
Recording
Live 20 fps at 800 × 600,
Not recommended for time lapse 
imaging
Live 17 fps at 5 MP
Live
Ethernet: 30 fps at  
4K/1080p (H.264)
USB 3.0: 30 fps at  
4K/1080p (MJPEG)
HDMI: 30 fps at 4K/1080p
Not recommended for timelapse 
imaging in ZEN
Live 30 fps at 5 MP 
67 fps at 1920 × 1080
(ROI in HD format)
136 fps at 512 × 512 (ROI)
Live at 19 fps at 6 MP
19 fps at 2752 × 2208;
32 (ROI in HD format)
33 fps at 917 × 733;
51 fps at 550 × 440
Live 30 fps 5 MP
60 fps at 2464 × 2056 (5MP)
115 fps at 1920 × 1080 (HDTV format)
436 fps at 1920 × 256
Live 30 fps at 2048 × 1504,
Live 20 fps at full frame
23 fps full frame
63 fps at 1920 × 1080 (HDTV)
up to 430 fps at 1020 × 120
Sensor cooling
No
No
No
stabilized at 25°C
stabilized at 18°C
stabilized at 18°C
stabilized at 18°C
External trigger
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Interface
1× SD card slot,
1× mini USB 2.0,
1× RJ 45 (LAN),
1× HDMI (DVI-D)
USB 3.0 Micro-B (Camera) to  
USB 3.0 Standard A (PC / Board)
USB 3.0 Type C, Ethernet, HDMI, 
power
USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 Gbit / s); 
Bandwidth max. 240 MB / s;
USB 2.0 optional, with lower speed;
USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 Gbit / s); 
Bandwidth max. 240 MB / s;
USB 2.0 optional, with lower speed;
USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 Gbit / s); 
Bandwidth max. 330 MB / s;
USB 2.0 optional, with lower speed;
USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 Gbit / s); 
Bandwidth max. 330 MB / s;
USB 2.0 optional, with lower speed;
Power consumption  
and supply
5 W through 2× USB 2.0
max. 0.5 – 1 W through USB 3.0
9 W, external power supply
4W, powered by USB 3.0-Bus  
from PC
7W, powered by USB 2.0 and  
USB 3.0-Bus from PC;
7W, powered by USB 2.0 and  
USB 3.0-Bus from PC;
7W, powered by USB 2.0 and  
USB 3.0-Bus from PC;
Software
ZEN blue, ZEN core, Labscope
ZEN blue, ZEN core
ZEN blue, ZEN core, Labscope
ZEN blue, ZEN core, Labscope
ZEN blue, ZEN core
ZEN blue, ZEN core
ZEN blue, ZEN core


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Technical Data
Color Cameras
Axiocam 705 pol
Axiocam 807 color
Axiocam 820 color
Sensor type
CMOS, Global Shutter
CMOS, Global Shutter Gen3
CMOS, Global Shutter, Back Iluminated
Sensor size
8.5 mm × 7.1 mm
equivalent to 2/3″
diagonal 11.1 mm
14.5 mm × 9.9 mm 
equivalent to 1.1″ 
diagonal 17.6 mm
12.4 mm × 12.4 mm  
(square field of view),  
equivalent to 1.1″  
diagonal 17.5 mm
Pixel Count
5.07 megapixel:
2464 (H) × 2056 (V)
7.1 megapixel:  
3216 (H) × 2208 (V)
20 megapixel:  
4512 (H) × 4512(V)
Subsampling
1 × 1
1 × 1, 2 × 2
1 × 1, 2 × 2
Pixel size
3.45 µm × 3.45 µm,
6.9 µm effective pixel size based on 
polarization filter cell size
4.5 µm × 4.5 µm
2.74 µm × 2.74 µm
Full Well Capacity
11,000 e⁻
25,000 e⁻
10,000 e⁻
Sensor Filter Mask
Polarization Filter (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°)
78% @ 520 nm 
–
Spectral Sensitivity
Approx. 350 nm – 1,000 nm,  
coated protective glass
Approx. 400 nm – 720 nm,  
coated IR Cut filter 
Approx. 400 nm – 720 nm,  
coated IR Cut filter 
Binning
Digital binning  
1×1
Hybrid binning  
1×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×
Hybrid binning  
1×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×
ROI (Region of Interest)
Yes (adjustable)
Yes (adjustable)
Yes (adjustable)
Readout Noise
Typ. 2.2 e⁻ @ gain 1×
Typ. 1.15 e⁻ @ gain 16×
Typ. 5.7 e⁻ @ gain 1×  
down to 2.9 e⁻ @ gain 16×
Typ. 2.3 e⁻ @ gain 1×  
down to 1.3 e⁻ @ gain 16×
Dark current
Typ. < 0.5 e⁻/p / s @ 18°C
Typ. 0.3 e⁻/p / s @ 25°C
Typ. < 0.1 e⁻/p / s @ 25°C
Dynamic range
Typ. 1:5,000 at gain 1×, 
1:25,000 at HDR mode
Typ. >1:4,420 at gain 1×,  
Low Noise Mode 1:6,230
Typ. 1:4,400 at gain 1×,  
HDR 1:25,000 
Digitization Bit Depth
14 bit / 12 bit / 8 Bit
3× 14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit 
3× 14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit 
Exposure Time Range
100 µs – 60 s
0.1 ms to 60 s
100 µs to 60 s
Analog Gain
1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16×
1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16×
1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16×
Frame rate live image / Time Lapse 
Recording
Live 25 fps 5 MP (values only for 
monochrome or fast color modes),
Live 30 fps at 1920 × 1080
60 fps at 2464 × 2056 (5MP)
115 fps at 1920 × 1080 (HDTV 
format)
436 fps at 1920 × 256
Live at 30 fps at 7 MP 
73 fps at 3216 × 2208 
145 fps at 1920 × 1080 (HDTV) 
260 fps at 1608 × 1104 
487 fps up to 1920 × 256
Live 30 fps at 2256 × 2256 
28 fps at 4512 × 4512 
75 fps at 2256 × 2256 (subsampl.) 
110 fps at 1920 × 1080 (HDTV) 
Up to 447 fps at 1920 × 128
Sensor cooling
stabilized at 18 °C
stabilized at 25 °C
stabilized at 25 °C
External trigger
Yes
Yes 
Yes 
Interface
USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 Gbit / s); 
Bandwidth max. 330 MB / s;
USB 2.0 optional, with lower speed;
Dual USB 3.0 (2× 5 GBit/s);  
Bandwidth max. 620 MB / s;  
Single USB 3.0 operation  
at lower speed
Dual USB 3.0 (2× 5 GBit/s);  
Bandwidth max. 620 MB / s;  
Single USB 3.0 operation  
at lower speed
Power consumption  
and supply
7W, powered by USB 2.0 and  
USB 3.0-Bus from PC;
7W, powered by  
Dual USB 3.0-Bus from PC, 5V
7W, powered by  
Dual USB 3.0-Bus from PC, 5V
Software
ZEN blue, ZEN core
ZEN blue, ZEN core
ZEN blue, ZEN core


Page 18
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80  Knowledge Base
Technical Data
Monochrome Cameras
Axiocam 202 mono
Axiocam 305 mono
Axiocam 506 mono
Axiocam 702 mono
Axiocam 705 mono
Axiocam 712 mono
Axiocam 807 mono
Axiocam 820 mono
Sensor type
CMOS, Global Shutter
CMOS, Global Shutter
CCD, Quad Port Progressive Scan
CMOS, Global Shutter
CMOS, Global Shutter
CMOS, Global Shutter
CMOS, Global Shutter
CMOS, Global Shutter, Back Iluminated
Sensor size
11.25 mm × 6.33 mm
equivalent to 1/1.2″
diagonal 13.4 mm
8.5 mm × 7.1 mm
equivalent 2/3″
diagonal 11.1 mm
12.2 mm × 9.8 mm
equivalent to 1″
diagonal 16 mm
11.3 mm × 7.1 mm
equivalent to 1/1.2″
diagonal 13.3 mm
8.5 mm × 7.1 mm
equivalent to 2/3″
diagonal 11.1 mm
14.1 mm × 10.4 mm
equivalent to 1″
diagonal 17.5 mm
14.5 mm × 9.9 mm 
equivalent to 1.1″ 
diagonal 17.6 mm
12.4 mm × 12.4 mm  
(square field of view),  
equivalent to 1.1″  
diagonal 17.5 mm
Pixel Count
2 megapixel:  
1920 (H) × 1080 (V)
5.07 megapixel: 
2464 (H) × 2056 (V)
6 megapixel:  
2752 (H) × 2208 (V)
2.4 megapixel:  
1920 (H) × 1216 (V)
5.07 megapixel:  
2464 (H) × 2056 (V)
12 megapixel:  
4096 (H) × 3008 (V)
7.1 megapixel:  
3216 (H) × 2208 (V)
20 megapixel:  
4512 (H) × 4512(V)
Subsampling
–
1 × 1, 2 × 2
1 × 1, 2 × 2
1 × 1, 2 × 2
1 × 1, 2 × 2
1 × 1, 2 × 2
Pixel size
5.86 µm × 5.86 µm
3.45 µm × 3.45 µm
4.54 µm × 4.54 µm
5.86 µm × 5.86 µm
3.45 µm × 3.45 µm
3.45 µm × 3.45 µm
4.5 µm × 4.5 µm
2.74 µm × 2.74 µm
Full Well Capacity
–
10,500 e⁻
15,000 e⁻
32,000 e⁻
11,000 e⁻
11,000 e⁻
25,000 e⁻
10,000 e⁻
Quantum Efficiency
–
69% @ 525 nm
74% @ 500nm
78% @ 525 nm
72% @ 550 nm
74% @ 500 nm
78% @ 520 nm 
–
Spectral Sensitivity
Approx. 350 nm – 1,000 nm, 
coated protective glass
Approx. 380 nm – 1,000 nm,  
coated protective glass
Approx. 350 nm – 1,000 nm,  
coated protective glass
Approx. 350 nm – 1,000 nm,  
coated protective glass
Approx. 350 nm – 1,000 nm,  
coated protective glass
Approx. 350 nm – 1,000 nm,  
coated protective glass
Approx. 350 nm – 1,000 nm,  
coated protective glass
Approx. 350 nm – 1,000 nm,  
coated protective glass 
Binning
No
Digital binning  
1×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×
Charge binning  
1 × 1, 2 × 2, 3 × 3, 4 × 4, 5 × 5
Digital binning  
1 × 1, 2 × 2, 3 × 3, 4 × 4, 5 × 5
Digital binning  
1×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×
Digital binning  
1 × 1, 2 × 2, 3 × 3, 4 × 4, 5 × 5
Hybrid binning  
1×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×
Hybrid binning  
1×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×
ROI (Region of Interest)
Fixed frame 1080p mode
Yes (adjustable)
Yes (adjustable)
Yes (adjustable)
Yes (adjustable)
Yes (adjustable)
Yes (adjustable)
Yes (adjustable)
Readout Noise
–
Typ. 2.2 e⁻ @ gain 1×
Typ. < 6.5 e⁻ (39 Mhz),
Typ. 6 e⁻ (13 Mhz)
Typ. 6 e⁻ @ gain 1×
Typ. 3.75 e⁻ @ gain 16×
Typ. 2.2 e⁻ @ gain 1×
Typ. 1.15 e⁻ @ gain 16×
Typ. 2.2 e⁻ @ gain 1×
Typ. 1.15 e⁻ @ gain 16×
Typ. 5.7 e⁻ @ gain 1×  
down to 2.9 e⁻ @ gain 16×
Typ. 2.3 e⁻ @ gain 1×  
down to 1.3 e⁻ @ gain 16×
Dark current
–
Typ. < 1.0 e / p/s @ 25°C
Typ. < 0.06 e⁻/p / s at 18°C
1.1 e⁻/p / s at 18 °C
Typ. < 0.5 e⁻/p / s @ 18°C
Typ. < 0.5 e⁻/p / s @ 18°C
Typ. 0.3 e⁻/p / s @ 25°C
Typ. < 0.1 e⁻/p / s @ 25°C
Dynamic range
–
Typ. 1:4,800
Typ. 1:2,500
Typ.> 1:5,000 at gain 1×
HDR Mode 25,000:1
Typ. 1:5,000 at gain 1×,
1:25,000 at HDR mode
Typ. 1:5,000 at gain 1×,
1:25,000 at HDR mode
Typ. >1:4,420 at gain 1×,  
Low Noise Mode 1:6,230
Typ. 1:4,400 at gain 1×,  
HDR 1:25,000 
Digitization Bit Depth
8 and 12 bit
12 bit / 8 bit
14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit
14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit
14 bit / 12 bit / 8 Bit
14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit adjustable
14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit 
14 bit / 12 bit / 8 bit 
Exposure Time Range
61 µs – 2 s
100 µs – 4 s
250 µs – 60 s
100 µs – 60 s
100 µs – 60 s
100 µs to 60 s
0.1 ms to 60 s
100 µs to 60 s
Analog Gain
1× – 16× adjustable
1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16×
1×, 2×, 3×
1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16×
1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16×
1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16×
1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16×
1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, 16×
Frame rate live 
image / Time Lapse 
Recording
Live
Ethernet: 30 fps at 1080p 
(H.264)
USB 3.0: 30 fps at 1080p 
(MJPEG)
HDMI: 30 fps at 1080p
Not recommended for 
Timelapse imaging in ZEN
Live 30 fps at 5 MP
67 fps at 1920 × 1080
(ROI in HD format)
136 fps at 512 × 512 (ROI)
Live 19 fps at 6 MP
19 fps at 2752 × 2208;
32 (ROI in HD format)
33 fps at 917 × 733;
51 fps at 550 × 440
Live 30 fps at 2.4 MP
time lapse:
128 fps at 1920 × 1216
210 fps at 1929 × 720
534 fps at 1920 × 128
1,000 fps at 1024 × 128
Live 30 fps 5 MP
60 fps at 2464 × 2056 (5MP)
115 fps at 1920 × 1080 (HDTV format)
436 fps at 1920 × 256
Live 30 fps at 2048 × 1504,
Live 20 fps at full frame
23 fps full frame
63 fps at 1920 × 1080 (HDTV)
up to 430 fps at 1020 × 120
Live at 30 fps at 7 MP 
73 fps at 3216 × 2208 
145 fps at 1920 × 1080 (HDTV) 
260 fps at 1608 × 1104 
487 fps up to 1920 × 256
Live 30 fps at 2256 × 2256 
28 fps at 4512 × 4512 
75 fps at 2256 × 2256 (subsampl.) 
110 fps at 1920 × 1080 (HDTV) 
Up to 447 fps at 1920 × 128
Sensor cooling
No
stabilized at 25 °C
stabilized at 18°C
stabilized at 18°C
stabilized at 18 °C
stabilized at 18 °C
stabilized at 25 °C
stabilized at 25 °C
External trigger
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes 
Yes 
Interface
USB 3.0 Type C,
Ethernet,
HDMI, power
USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 Gbit / s); 
Bandwidth max. 240 MB / s;
USB 2.0 optional,  
with lower speed;
USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 Gbit / s);
Bandwidth max. 240 MB / s;
USB 2.0 optional,  
with lower speed;
USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 
Gbit / s);  
Bandwidth max. 240 MB / s;
USB 2.0 optional,  
with lower speed
USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 Gbit / s); 
Bandwidth max. 330 MB / s;
USB 2.0 optional, with lower speed
USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5 Gbit / s); 
Bandwidth max. 330 MB / s;
USB 2.0 optional, with lower speed
Dual USB 3.0 (2× 5 GBit/s);  
Bandwidth max. 620 MB / s;  
Single USB 3.0 operation  
at lower speed
Dual USB 3.0 (2× 5 GBit/s);  
Bandwidth max. 620 MB / s;  
Single USB 3.0 operation  
at lower speed
Power consumption and 
supply
9W, external power supply
4W, powered by USB 3.0-Bus 
from PC
7W, powered by USB 2.0 and  
USB 3.0-Bus from PC;
7W, powered by USB 2.0 and  
USB 3.0-Bus from PC;
7W, powered by USB 2.0 and  
USB 3.0-Bus from PC;
7W, powered by USB 2.0 and  
USB 3.0-Bus from PC;
7W, powered by  
Dual USB 3.0-Bus from PC, 5V
7W, powered by  
Dual USB 3.0-Bus from PC, 5V
Software
ZEN blue, ZEN core, Labscope
ZEN blue, ZEN core, Labscope
ZEN blue, ZEN core
ZEN blue, ZEN core
ZEN blue, ZEN core
ZEN blue, ZEN core
ZEN blue, ZEN core
ZEN blue, ZEN core


Page 19
Knowledge Base  83
82  Knowledge Base
Axiocam ERc 5s
Axiocam 105 color
Axiocam 208 color
Axiocam 305 color
Axiocam 506 color
Axiocam 705 color
Axiocam 712 color
Axiocam 705 pol
Axiocam 807 color
Axiocam 820 color
Histology / Pathology
++
++
+++
+++
++++
++++
++++
+
++++
++++
Live Cell Imaging
+
+
+
++
+++
+++
+++
++++
+++
+++
Fluorescence Imaging
+
+
+
++
++
++
++
++++
++
++
Low Light Imaging for Dim Samples
+
+
+
++
+++
+++
+++
++++
+++
+++
Semiconductor Inspection
++
++
++
+++
++++
++++
++++
++++
++++
++++
Large Samples
+
+
+
+++
++++
+++
++++
+++
++++
++++
Materials Research
++
+++
+++
++++
++++
++++
++++
++
++++
++++
Quality Control
+++
+++
++++
+++
+++
+++
++++
+
++++
++++
Teaching
++++
+++
++++
+++
+
+++
+
++
+
+
Clinical Routine
+++
++++
++++
+++
+
+++
++
+
+
++
Dynamic Range
+
+
+++
++++
++++
++++
++++
++++
++++
++++
Color Rendition
++
+++
++++
++++
++++
++++
++++
++++
++++
Polarized Light Applications
+
+
++
+++
++++
++++
++++
++++
++++
++++
Axiocam 202 mono
Axiocam 305 mono
Axiocam 506 mono
Axiocam 702 mono
Axiocam 705 mono
Axiocam 712 mono
Axiocam 807 mono
Axiocam 820 mono
Histology / Pathology
+
+++
+++
+
+
+
+++
+
Live Cell Imaging
+
++
++
++++
++++
++++
++++
++++
Fluorescence Imaging
+++
++
++
++++
++++
++++
++
++++
Low Light Imaging for Dim Samples
++
++
++
++++
++++
++++
++
++++
Semiconductor Inspection
++
+++
+++
++
++++
++++
+++
++++
Large Samples
+++
+++
+++
+++
+++
++++
+++
++++
Materials Research
++
++++
++++
++
++
+++
++++
+++
Quality Control
+
+++
+++
+
+
+
+++
+
Teaching
++++
+++
+++
+
++
+
+++
+
Clinical Routine
++++
+++
+++
+
+
+
+++
+
Dynamic Range
+++
++++
++++
++++
++++
++++
++++
++++
Applications
Monochrome Cameras
Color Cameras


Page 20
Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH
Carl-Zeiss-Promenade 10
07745 Jena, Germany
Email: microscopy@zeiss.com
zeiss.com/axiocam
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