Quantitative digital and video microscopy.

Obviously there are many variations and embellishments on the topic of quantitating your image. I have tried here to offer you a very practical guide that highlights some of the critical issues, paying particular attention to problems that can prevent or compromise your success. These include errors caused by aspect ratio, use of automatic camera settings, improper setting of dynamic range, and use of integer arithmetic. Further information can be found in several other chapters in this volume as well as in the references provided. In addition, you should not overlook the technical manuals that come with your imaging systems. The field of digital microscopy has evolved as a cooperative effort between academia and industry. As a result you will find that many of the technical support personnel from microscope, camera, and image-processing companies are well versed on the issue of digital imaging in biology and are more than willing to assist you.