If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a Digital picture is worth even more because it can be conveyed around the world in seconds. In another few seconds it can be inserted, compiled, enhanced, and stored. That, which was magic, has turned into a widely accepted means of data transmittal.

Most engineering labs, Q.C. areas, and Research facilities all have some form of a digital camera used to take macro recordings of data. The problem comes when micro recording is desired. There are digital cameras on the Market which have been mechanically configured to provide easy attachment to Microscopes and other optical systems but they are expensive and extremely specialized. The standard lab would much rather adapt their existing consumer type camera to an optical system. This is doable after a fashion if one is willing to except something less than perfection in results.

NOTE: Consumer cameras come in all size, shapes, configurations and, optical characteristics. The Spectra system is a simplified generic configuration that works nicely on the Nikon Coolpix and somewhat satisfactorily on a small sampling of others if they are fully zoomed in. As it is not feasible to test all cameras on the Market, the best alternative is to purchase a package on a 30 day evaluation and "try it".