24" monitors is cheap nowadays.. https://www.amazon.com/24-inch-monitor/s?k=24+inch+monitor if you think its too big, then smaller LCD can be bought from PC shop at fraction of price (or find used market you can get free). if you think they are expensive, Amscope and any other stereoscopes are more expensive, so i cant follow the logic.
Note: this started out as a short (not my specialty) reply/comment to Mechatrommer; but it caused me to go back and review the Amscope product line - not 100% fully but somewhat quickly - to pick-out the models that seem relevant for soldering (ie, ~3.5x-22.5 using a 0.5 Barlow to give ~8" working space). So you can zip past the digital camera and monitor stuff and maybe the Amscope model recap below will help someone get beyond decoding the numbering system of the Amscope models and just focus-in (haha) on some of the more interesting models/configurations for soldering.---
Without a doubt using a HDMI monitor is part of the equation. With a HDMI camera you can go directly to the monitor and not even need a computer (if one isn't available nearby); you can move the image with a SD card to a computer for post processing if you don't have a USB connection from the camera to a computer.
Dell P2219H
If you are low on space, this might be a consideration; it can sometimes be found for $129 or less:
https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Screen-LED-Lit-Monitor-P2219H/dp/B07F8Z2WFL/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=2219h+dell&qid=1604078410&sr=8-2Dell U2415
This will provide some extra real estate (1920 x 1200) and a brighter (300cd/m
2), better picture and it would be a great general purpose monitor as well as a good microscope monitor.
https://www.microcenter.com/search/search_results.aspx?N=&cat=&Ntt=dell+u2415&searchButton=searchWhatever monitor you choose you can add a digital camera for about $100 plus or minus; with a stand and some other accessories maybe another $100, so all in it's about $200-$250 (if you have HDMI monitor), or about $350-$400 (if you need a monitor) for 1080P 60 fps. (Don't forget some type of lighting.)
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Alternatively, for around the same price you could have a pretty nice optical scope (might be able to find these for ~10% off):
Amscope microscope model recap for solderingSM-3BX (~$400 with discount)
https://www.amscope.com/3-5x-45x-stereo-zoom-microscope-with-single-arm-boom-stand.htmlSM-3TX (adds trinocular port)
https://www.amscope.com/3-5x-45x-trinocular-stereo-zoom-microscope-on-single-arm-boom-stand.htmlSM-3NTPX (adds simulfocal port)
https://www.amscope.com/3-5x-45x-simul-focal-stereo-lockable-zoom-microscope-on-single-arm-boom-stand.htmlOr for 2x $ you could have both optical and digital - either each standalone, or integrated (as trinocular or simulfocal).
Still more possibilities: (same opticals as the SM-3 series; what the SM-1 series gives up vs the SM-3 series is the boom flexibility, but it might be possible to find the ideal location on your bench and leave the scope there; in other words you position the PCB for the scope rather than positioning the scope (with the boom) for the PCB; maybe not much of a give in return for going easier on the budget) :
SM-1BX (~$330 with discount) - maybe just add light and call it a day with this
https://www.amscope.com/3-5x-45x-stereo-inspection-microscope-with-super-large-stand.htmlSM-1TSZ-V203 (maybe better yet @ ~$265 with discount) - this could be the sweet spot for entry optical; this would (maybe) make jfiresto happy
(with this model, or any of the trinocs (instead of the simulfocals) I think you can close down the 3rd port when you don't need it and (maybe) thereby keep all the light (clearly and reasonably undistorted?) for the binoc view; then you can open the 3rd port when you want an image or video). I think the only limitation might be the size of the stand: (10" x 7-7/8" x 7/8", allow for some horizontal space taken by the pillar) - will your PCBs fit? If not, the 1BX (above) with the larger stand might be a solution. Or maybe go for this SM-1TSZ-V203, ditch the stand, and mount the pillar directly on your bench?
https://www.amscope.com/3-5x-90x-zoom-trinocular-stereo-microscope-with-table-pillar-stand.htmlSE400-Z - yet another alternative, at about $200 (with discount) including a light this would seem to give most digital scopes a run for their money
https://www.amscope.com/10x-20x-led-binocular-stereo-microscope-boom-arm-with-gooseneck-light.htmlBIG DISCLAIMERS: 1. Watch out for scope creep; you can start at the entry level and pretty soon walk yourself up the ladder to more features.
2. This is strictly research to help you find some info in one place. I don't have an Amscope model [anything] yet.
3. YMMV
Edit:
found another interesting video:
looks like this is the reviewers configuration:
- from the review it appeared to be a simufocal rather than a regular trinocular
- I think MinsVision is what Berni has been using
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32880372287.html(it isn't clear if this has a 14" post; it seems to include a 1080P camera but it isn't clear if it's 60 fps vs 30/other fps)
- another
Disclaimer: I have zero experience with aliexpress