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A Low Cost Approach to Specimen Level Imaging of Natural History Microscope Slides using a DSLR System

Specimen level imaging of microscope slides often uses automated digital microscopy systems, however, these systems are not always suitable for non-standard slides, which are frequently found in natural history collections. Currently, for these types of slides imaging requires the use of less automated alternatives. This paper presents a low cost option for imaging non-standard slides, by using a DSLR camera with a 1:1 - 5:1 macro lens mounted to a macro focusing rail and a flashbox. There was no noticeable difference in the image resolution between this DSLR-based system and the 5x magnification provided using an automated slide scanner. The DSLR-StackShot system, while only partially automated, enables the required flexibility and manual control required when imaging slides of varying sizes, thicknesses, and preservation types, as well as slides that are damaged or in poor condition.