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DS-Qi2

Monochrome Microscope Camera

Capture low light fluorescence and large fields of view.

Equipped with a Nikon digital SLR camera FX-format CMOS sensor optimized for microscopy, the DS-Qi2 is an ultra-high quality 16.25 megapixel monochrome camera that features high pixel density, high sensitivity and low noise.  The DS-Qi2 is an excellent choice for applications in quantitative fluorescence imaging.

* DS-Qi2 is not for clinical diagnostic use.

Download Digital Camera Brochure (9.45MB)


Key Features

Large format CMOS sensors

Nikon manufactures CMOS sensors and imaging technologies for professional D-SLR cameras, which are 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.

Pig kidney epithelial cells expressing GFP-EB3 tubulin

Sample courtesy of: Michael Davidson, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, 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.


Low noise

Acquires dim fluorescent signals with ultra-low noise

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

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


Time-lapse photography

Fluorescent time-lapse imaging through integration with NIS-Elements software

With a large field of view, high 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 Lambda 60X Oil (NA: 1.4)

Sample courtesy of: Michael Davidson, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University