Levenhuk DTX RC2 3-200x Remote Controlled Digital Microscope

The DTX RC2 is a stand-mounted digital microscope with a 7-inch colour screen that tilts, a 120 by 200 mm base and a wireless clicker, so you can change magnification, adjust the light and take a photo without putting a hand on the microscope. Levenhuk aims it at repair shops and service centres: circuit boards, solder joints, welds and jewellery appraisal. Magnification on the screen runs from 3x to 200x, optical and digital combined.

Lighting comes from LEDs inside the lens and from two spotlights on flexible holders that bend round to rake light across an engraved surface. Brightness buttons and the power switch sit on a small block on the cord, and a UV filter is included. All the light comes from above, so it's for solid objects, not slides. Coarse focus travels 150 mm and the body is plastic. Levenhuk rates it from minus 20 to plus 70 degrees C.

The sensor is a 2 MP 1/2.9-inch CMOS, and photos save at up to 4032 by 3024 pixels (12 MP, interpolated) with video at 1080p, onto a microSD card of up to 32 GB that isn't included. White balance and exposure are set by hand. There is a microUSB port, but Levenhuk says the RC2 isn't meant to connect to a computer. Power is 5 V 2 A through the USB cable and mains adapter in the box, with no battery, and the clicker takes two AAA cells, also not included.

In the box are the screen, stand, base with clips, the two spotlights, the infrared remote, the UV filter, the power cable with its switch and brightness knob, the adapter, tools and fixings and the manual. The DTX RC1 below it has a 4.3-inch screen and connects to a computer, and the DTX 800 LCD above it adds a battery and a polariser. Our guide to digital microscopes compares them, and the other microscopes for collectables are listed together.