In this paper we present methods for characterizing CCD cameras. Interesting properties are linearity of photometric response, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), sensitivity, dark current and spatial frequency response (SFR). The techniques to characterize CCD cameras are carefully designed to assist one in selecting a camera to solve a certain problem. The methods described were applied to a variety of cameras: an Astromed TE3/A with P86000 chip, a Photometrics CC200 series with Thompson chip TH7882, a Photometrics CC200 series with Kodak chip KAF1400, a Xillix' Micro Imager 1400 with Kodak chip KAF1400, an HCS MXR CCD with a Philips chip and a Sony XC-77RRCE.

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Applications in automated microscopy and three‐dimensional microscopy require careful calibration of the microscope system. This paper presents methods for calibration of the motorized z‐axis (focus or optical axis) of an automated microscope. Apart from the automated microscope the procedures require a CCD camera and a test slide containing a simple bar pattern. The calibration embraces the following characteristics of the z‐axis: (a) measuring the motor step size in nanometres; (b) measuring the mechani‐cal backlash in the focus mechanism of the microscope and (c) measuring the reproducibility and the stability of the focus position over time. The measurements employ focus functions to determine the z‐position of the microscope stage.

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