Dear Zoltan,

we have recently investigated this functionality for the Olympus FV1000,
in particular for the generation of large mosaic scans of up to
25x25x100 full frames. We found the multi area time lapse module of the
FV simple and intuitive. Data handling was easy, we exported into
several visualization and stitching software platforms. Long term
stability of the system is very good using a box incubator or the ZDC
autofocus.

Nikon has a very good autofocus unit as well, I have no experience with
the interface for multi-position acquisition tough.

(no commercial interest).

Best wishes,
jens  

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Zoltan Cseresnyes
Sent: Monday, January 11, 2010 2:31 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Live cell imaging experiences, please

Dear All,

We are planning to run a few tests, where we follow cell development
in 8-9 XY positions, running 45 um Z stacks (step size 2.5 um), 2.5
min time interval, for a total of 14 hours at room temp, using GFP and
DsRed settings.  We had lots of success with the Leica SP5 system for
the past 2 years.  We are wondering if this community has more input
about how other systems would perfom here?  We are most interested in
Olympus FV1000 and Nikon A1.  Our main concerns are the simplicity of
the setting up procedure, the stability of the system during the long
scans, and the handling of the large data files.
  All inputs will be much appreciated!  Happy New Year to all!  With
best wishes,

Zoltan

-- 

Zoltan Cseresnyes
Facility manager, Imaging Suite
Univ. Cambridge, UK