I would like to be able to identify genera of fungi based on the shape, size, and colour of spores. So the requirements are:
- Must be able to view a 5 micrometre object clearly with reasonable resolution
- Must be true colour
- Must facilitate the measurement of an object within reasonable accuracy (500 nanometres would be nice)
- Should be inexpensive (\$100-\$400) fingers crossed
- Bonus: Be able to take photos
What type of microscope do I need? What magnification/resolution? Is there a good rule of thumb relating size of object with magnification?
How do I find and purchase a decent microscope after defining my requirements? Any tips?
Blue light is ~450 nm, so does that mean I will not get very good resolution?
(For the sake of context: I have absolutely no formal experience in biology, but I have recently taken an amateur interest in mycology and might enrol in an undergraduate course as part of my degree at some point.)