Magnification and USB Scope Resolution.

Hi Guys,
i am looking to probably purcahse a USB microscope in my constant journey to improve. Until now i have been using an illuminated magnifying glass. A USB scope will also allow me to record and send pictures to assist people in understanding exactly what i {and everyone on this section of the forum!} do in honing a razor to shave ready. Maybe most importantly, it will help {hopefully} me in getting there on those occaisionally particularly troubling razors we always seem to eventually come across.
Very restricted budget, but have seen many USB Scopes under $40 delivered in Australia. Most are 1.3 Megapixels, but magnify up to 500X.
Simply want to know if that is sufficient for good views of edges on razors. Not doing any major biological work or surgery here. :)
Anyone have relevant experience they are happy to share?
Thanks & Regards,
Adam.

I have had the Veho USB VMS-004 scope for a couple of years. There is a learning curve on using the scope and as the magnification increases, focusing is difficult and tedious at best. The adjusting knob is way too course for the magnification sensitivity, just touching the adjuster changes the focus.

You will have to make your own mount for razor viewing. I use a black foam mat base and a rubber eraser to hold the scales elevated so the bevel is 90 degrees to the lens. Rubber and foam do not slip as easily.

My software will not work on Win8 so I use it on an old Win7 laptop just for the scope. I have tried to update the software with no luck. Make sure the software will work with your PC.

You will have to use bright additional lighting to get decent photos. I use a small halogen lamp for taking photos.

It is really too big a PIA to use when honing, and you really do not need that kind of magnification for honing. A 30 - 60X hand held scope is much better and easier to use when you want a quick look and get back on the stones.

It is cool to use to document before and after photos once you learn to focus and how to best light the item, but that is about it. Not something you really need to have to learn to hone.

Digital zoom and analog zoom are two different things altogether. With digital, unless it's a good unit with high mag you get a bunch of pixels. Just make sure before you buy, the unit gives you something you can actually use.