Camera Delivers High Resolution and Sensitivity, A Multi-talented Workhorse for Life Science Researchers

QImaging has announced the release of the EXi Aqua Bio-imaging Microscopy Camera. This product replaces QImaging’s hugely popular Retiga EXi with even better performance and many feature enhancements. Life science professionals and busy labs will be able to use the camera’s ability to perform a broad range of imaging applications, from quantitative color and immuno-fluorescence imaging to the capture of dim fluorescent protein data.

The newest of the EXi series, the EXi Aqua is a user-friendly, cost-effective tool well-suited to most bio-imaging applications. This camera is a laboratory workhorse, literally 2 cameras in one—a sensitive monochrome camera, and, when utilized with the optional RGB filter module, a high-resolution color camera. And the EXi Aqua is also available with a convenient Bayer mask color CCD option. In addition, the camera’s capabilities can be upgraded, should imaging requirements change over time.

“The EXi Aqua is an excellent entry- level imaging device with the added bonus of upgradeability to achieve lower noise and 50% higher frame-rate in the future, should a researcher require the additional performance,” says Rachit Mohindra, Associate Product Manager. “The camera can adapt with its user’s needs.”

The 20 MHz, 14-bit EXi Aqua camera utilizes the remarkable bandwidth of an IEEE 1394b Firewire interface with the megapixel resolution and excellent sensitivity of a Sony ICX285 interline sensor. The IEEE 1394b protocol delivers 800 Mb/s bandwidth capacity, allowing the EXi Aqua camera to read out up to 10.9 full-resolution frames per second. Flexible binning enhances the camera’s sensitivity and speed. Variable exposure times range from 10 microseconds to 17.9 minutes. Cooled and stabilized at 0 degrees C, it boasts a broad spectral response with enhanced red sensitivity, and approximately 20% less read noise than its predecessor the Retiga EXi. Weighing in at less than 2 pounds, the camera requires no bulky external controller, minimizing bench clutter.

The EXi Aqua Microscopy Camera utilizes the robust QCam driver which integrates seamlessly with a variety of popular third-party software packages, and can be installed and operational minutes out of the box. It is backed by superior QImaging application and product support and a two-year limited warranty – the industry’s best.