I suggest go confocal if you can afford it.  If you do, check out Noran.  (I
might be able to suggest others if Noran wasn't the only video rate confocal
I've seen in the last few years.)

For nonconfocal, we have used MetaFluor and MetaMorph software by Universal
Imaging and their software works very well.  You may already know they have
another product designed for GFP applications.  However, I'm not sure they
can satisfy your requirements for speed.

One practical thing that I would include in the budget request is a couple
of nice SuperVHS player/recorders.  We use JVC models and they're a good
bang for the buck.  Another is software and computer for video editing.   My
choice here would be an SGI O2 computer, because of its speed when handling
video data.  We have used Adobe Premiere on a loaded Win95 machine with a
video I/O card and that also does the job.

Hope this helps.

Jeff Reece
Biomedical Engineer
NIEHS Confocal Microscopy Center
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
P.O. Box 12233, MD F2-02
Research Triangle, NC  27709
ph: (919) 541-0311
fax: (919) 541-1898
[log in to unmask]


> ----------
> From:         Mancini[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Reply To:     Confocal Microscopy List
> Sent:         Monday, January 01, 2001 12:43 PM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      live imaging options
>
> This has probably been bashed around previously, but I would appreciate
> comments (to the board or directly to me) regarding people's experience
> with various "live imaging" systems that are on the market.  We are
> planning an equipment grant to address the needs of imaging a variety of
> cell culture models in the live state, principally aiming for
> bioluminescent proteins (GFP, BFP, etc.).
>
> Our main interest is in intranuclear movement that preliminary studies
> suggest require tens of sections (or more) per sec.   Of course there will
> be probably some loss of resolution, but the dynamics are such that force
> the need for speed.  Also, versatility with filters/lasers?/etc and
> excellent phase or DIC is required.
>
> Any comments on systems to recommend/avoid would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Michael A. Mancini, Ph.D.
> Assistant Professor
> Director, Integrated Microscopy Core
> Department of Cell Biology
> Baylor College of Medicine
> Houston, TX  77030
> 713 798 8952
> [log in to unmask]
>