Digital microscopy in phycological research, with special reference to microalgae

Digital imaging technology is gradually being incorporated into all areas of biological research, but there is a distinct lack of information resources targeted at scientists in their specialist areas. There is a wealth of potential applications for digital images in phycology, including morphometric or visual analysis of specimens, taxonomic databases and publication of digital micrographs in lieu of photomicrographs. Here, we provide a review of digital imaging in general and its potential for the field of microalgal research in particular. We also present a number of imaging techniques that are critical for image acquisition and optimization, which can enable beginners to build their own libraries of high quality digital images. Resolution requirements of digital cameras are explained and related to microscope resolution. The benefits of digital imaging technology are discussed and contrasted with those of traditional silver halide technology.