Having tested both optical and digital microscopes for soldering just recently I can confirm that the digital version is inferior.
I have looked at the Tagarno Magnus FHD (digital) and Mantis Elite (analog).
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http://www.tagarno.com/products/magnus-fhd-zip-0>
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http://www.visioneng.com/products/stereo-microscopes/mantis-elite-3d-eyepieceless-inspection-microscope>
The Tagarno just doesn't have the same picture quality as a good optical scope, even if you disregard the lack of stereoscopic vision.
On the positive side I would count the high working distance, wide magnification range, and strain-free viewing on a monitor.
But the mantis elite is definitely the better choice for working under it.
Now those two microscopes are probably not an option for the home shop at roughly 3000EUR/USD for either one.
I believe the gap between digital and analog is much closer on the low budget front, simply because of ergonomics.
In the low cost region you have to replace the mantis elite with a conventional stereo microscope (unless you find a used mantis).
The picture quality for conventional stereo microscopes can be very good, if you stay away from the very worst cheapy optics, but ergonomics will suffer. You'll be looking down into the eyepieces, OK for short term work but no good for days of soldering on end.
On the digital front you can actually get much closer to the Tagarno on the cheap, which is another reason why I decided against it.
You may have to eliminate the zoom optics and autofocus, but there are full HD digital microscopes which can be used for soldering.
Dave Jones from the EEV blog shows a couple of solutions in his videos.
Sorry I can't be more clear, I do believe the optical scope has the edge even on the low budget sector because of stereoscopic vision, but if ergonomics are important (e.g. bad back) I would not completely dismiss the digital version.
As for magnification and working distance, at least I can answer this with more certainty.
You want about x3 to x6 for soldering, and x8 to x15 for inspection.
Don't get carried away with high magnification, you need that low setting around 3-6 for comfortable manual work.
If you can only have one magnification, the lower one is more important.
Two fixed magnification settings is fine, zoom is not necessary.
For working distance the minimum is about 50mm (2"), the more the better.
It depends on the diameter of the objective, you need to get in there with tools at a 45° angle at the very least.
ST
On Sat, Aug 2, 2014 at 7:21 PM,
joeprice@... [Homebrew_PCBs]
<Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
Peter,
Point well taken After looking on E-Bay I don't know what I'm lloking for other than stereo
what Mag. is needed for general PC inspection and soldering also what about work distance
under optics. Could you give some general guid-lines?
Thanks Joe