A digital microscope is a traditional microscope with a built-in charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, and is used for the magnified viewing of samples and specimens. These microscopes are connected to a computer by a USB port so that the images they produce can be saved onto a hard drive for later inspection, or displayed on a monitor so that several people can see a specimen at the same time. By utilizing a combination of technologies, digital microscopes play a crucial role in research and education.

The first digital microscopes were made in Japan by Hirox Co. Ltd. and the Keyence Corporation. Both of these companies are still frontrunners in digital microscopy design and manufacture. Over the last 20 years, however, a flood of other companies have emerged to produce a number of other forms of USB digital microscopes.

Although digital microscopes are used in many of the same applications as optical microscopes, the way they work is vastly different. An optical microscope is designed to take the optics of the human eye into account. A digital microscope is designed solely for computer monitors and does not provide an eye piece through which to look.

Another important difference between digital microscopes and optical microscopes is their magnification level. Because a digital microscope has no eye piece, magnification is restricted by how large the sample can be reproduced on a monitor. Most digital systems use a 15 inch (38.1 cm) monitor, limiting the size of the image. Typically, digital microscopes supply 60% less magnification than optical microscopes.

Despite the disadvantages related to image magnification, there are several advantages over optical systems. Images of specimens can be printed easily, and some digital microscopes provide resolutions as high as 54 megapixels. Some models provide overhead LED illumination similar to that in tissue culture microscopes. New models feature high dynamic range and 3-D rotation and display functions. Compared to optical microscopes, computer connected microscopes are also often more affordable.

These advantages have lead to a surge in popularity for digital microscopes. Combined with the swift application of continuously advancing digital technology, they are seen by many as the future for convenient and accurate scientific research. They have become desirable for use in a number of scientific research areas, including chromosome and gene analysis, molecular biology research, phosphorescence imaging, and fluorescence imaging.