MetaMorph versus Elements?

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Michelle Aloni Michelle Aloni
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MetaMorph versus Elements?

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Dear all,

If any one of you had already compared MetaMorph (we have 7.6 version) with
the NIKON Elements software I would appreciate it very much if you share
with me your opinion.

If you used both of them, how do they compare? Which one would be your
personal choice and why?

Thank you ahead of time

Michelle Aloni MS, HTL (ASCP)
Research Specialist
USC Keck School of Medicine
Cameron Nowell Cameron Nowell
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Re: MetaMorph versus Elements?

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Hi Michelle

Do you want to use them for anlaysis of driving hardware?

We have both but use them for different things. NIS AR is used primarily
for image capture on a couple of our systems. The EDF (Extended depth of
focus) is really useful for some of our imaging. We do not use NIS for
image processing (other than EDF) or analysis. NIS has all the usual
tools for image processing and analysis but the automation and scripting
can be a bit tricky to get your head around. We use MetaMorph for
capture as well (automated tile scanning and live cell imaging).

For all our analysis we use a combination of MetaMorph, Fiji and Imaris.
The bulk of the work is usually done in MetaMorph because its ease of
scripting/automation. Part of that ease comes from what you are familiar
with of course, but I find MetaMorph's journal editor to be easier to
use (with better available tutorials etc) than NIS.


Cost could be an issue as MetaMorph is going to be double the price of
NIS (for analysis). A metamorph capture system will be more than double
NIS.

If you are interested in some tutorials etc for MetaMorph I am happy to
send you a link to download a heap of training notes (330 page manual)
and demo images I have put together over the last two years for a
MetaMorph training course I co-ran here in Melbourne.

The usual statements apply - no commercial interests in any of the
platforms just a happy (sometimes frustrated) user.

Cheers

Cam


Cameron J. Nowell
Microscopy Manager
Centre for Advanced Microscopy
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Melbourne - Parkville Branch
PO Box 2008
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Victoria, 3050
AUSTRALIA
Office: +61 3 9341 3158
Mobile: +61 422882700
Fax: +61 3 9341 3104
Facility Website
Linked In Profile



-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]]
On Behalf Of Michelle Aloni
Sent: Tuesday, 13 March 2012 11:29 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: MetaMorph versus Elements?

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
*****

Dear all,

If any one of you had already compared MetaMorph (we have 7.6 version)
with the NIKON Elements software I would appreciate it very much if you
share with me your opinion.

If you used both of them, how do they compare? Which one would be your
personal choice and why?

Thank you ahead of time

Michelle Aloni MS, HTL (ASCP)
Research Specialist
USC Keck School of Medicine
leoncio vergara leoncio vergara
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Re: MetaMorph versus Elements?

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*****

I second the opinion of Cameron, his description is almost exactly our experience. I find the automation tools in metamorph a very strong point, I almost don't do any analysis with NIS, however I find NIS better than metamorph for examining multidimensional datasets, it is very intuitive. We also use metamorph (and NIS) in combination with Image J and Imaris, I don't think there is a single package that does everything.

Leoncio Vergara
Assistant Professor
Center for Biomedical Engineering
University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston, Texas  

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Cameron Nowell
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 8:56 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: MetaMorph versus Elements?

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
*****

Hi Michelle

Do you want to use them for anlaysis of driving hardware?

We have both but use them for different things. NIS AR is used primarily for image capture on a couple of our systems. The EDF (Extended depth of
focus) is really useful for some of our imaging. We do not use NIS for image processing (other than EDF) or analysis. NIS has all the usual tools for image processing and analysis but the automation and scripting can be a bit tricky to get your head around. We use MetaMorph for capture as well (automated tile scanning and live cell imaging).

For all our analysis we use a combination of MetaMorph, Fiji and Imaris.
The bulk of the work is usually done in MetaMorph because its ease of scripting/automation. Part of that ease comes from what you are familiar with of course, but I find MetaMorph's journal editor to be easier to use (with better available tutorials etc) than NIS.


Cost could be an issue as MetaMorph is going to be double the price of NIS (for analysis). A metamorph capture system will be more than double NIS.

If you are interested in some tutorials etc for MetaMorph I am happy to send you a link to download a heap of training notes (330 page manual) and demo images I have put together over the last two years for a MetaMorph training course I co-ran here in Melbourne.

The usual statements apply - no commercial interests in any of the platforms just a happy (sometimes frustrated) user.

Cheers

Cam


Cameron J. Nowell
Microscopy Manager
Centre for Advanced Microscopy
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Melbourne - Parkville Branch PO Box 2008 Royal Melbourne Hospital Victoria, 3050 AUSTRALIA
Office: +61 3 9341 3158
Mobile: +61 422882700
Fax: +61 3 9341 3104
Facility Website
Linked In Profile



-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]]
On Behalf Of Michelle Aloni
Sent: Tuesday, 13 March 2012 11:29 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: MetaMorph versus Elements?

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
*****

Dear all,

If any one of you had already compared MetaMorph (we have 7.6 version) with the NIKON Elements software I would appreciate it very much if you share with me your opinion.

If you used both of them, how do they compare? Which one would be your personal choice and why?

Thank you ahead of time

Michelle Aloni MS, HTL (ASCP)
Research Specialist
USC Keck School of Medicine
kspencer007 kspencer007
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Re: MetaMorph versus Elements?

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And I would second the opinions of Leoncio and Cameron. However, I think it's what software you learned first.
         It took awhile to get comfortable with MetaMorph, but now I know it and can use it well. Journaling is still tricky (thanks for the tutorial Cameron), but I haven't figured out NIS Elements macros at all. We have started doing image quantitation with Elements and like portions of it. Elements is WAY easier to view the multidimensional datasets, as Leoncio said.
        We use both MetaMorph and Elements for multi-dimensional acquisition (confocal and widefield), and my users prefer the Elements interface. Both programs really need someone who can get around inside the program for administrative purposes...our local reps are great for each.
         We have scheduled a training session with our Nikon rep to go over Elements in more detail, and to answer questions we've run up against. What is your local support?
        Best,
        Kathy Spencer
        The Scripps Research Institute


-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Vergara, Leoncio A.
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 8:07 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: MetaMorph versus Elements?

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
*****

I second the opinion of Cameron, his description is almost exactly our experience. I find the automation tools in metamorph a very strong point, I almost don't do any analysis with NIS, however I find NIS better than metamorph for examining multidimensional datasets, it is very intuitive. We also use metamorph (and NIS) in combination with Image J and Imaris, I don't think there is a single package that does everything.

Leoncio Vergara
Assistant Professor
Center for Biomedical Engineering
University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston, Texas  

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Cameron Nowell
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 8:56 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: MetaMorph versus Elements?

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
*****

Hi Michelle

Do you want to use them for anlaysis of driving hardware?

We have both but use them for different things. NIS AR is used primarily for image capture on a couple of our systems. The EDF (Extended depth of
focus) is really useful for some of our imaging. We do not use NIS for image processing (other than EDF) or analysis. NIS has all the usual tools for image processing and analysis but the automation and scripting can be a bit tricky to get your head around. We use MetaMorph for capture as well (automated tile scanning and live cell imaging).

For all our analysis we use a combination of MetaMorph, Fiji and Imaris.
The bulk of the work is usually done in MetaMorph because its ease of scripting/automation. Part of that ease comes from what you are familiar with of course, but I find MetaMorph's journal editor to be easier to use (with better available tutorials etc) than NIS.


Cost could be an issue as MetaMorph is going to be double the price of NIS (for analysis). A metamorph capture system will be more than double NIS.

If you are interested in some tutorials etc for MetaMorph I am happy to send you a link to download a heap of training notes (330 page manual) and demo images I have put together over the last two years for a MetaMorph training course I co-ran here in Melbourne.

The usual statements apply - no commercial interests in any of the platforms just a happy (sometimes frustrated) user.

Cheers

Cam


Cameron J. Nowell
Microscopy Manager
Centre for Advanced Microscopy
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Melbourne - Parkville Branch PO Box 2008 Royal Melbourne Hospital Victoria, 3050 AUSTRALIA
Office: +61 3 9341 3158
Mobile: +61 422882700
Fax: +61 3 9341 3104
Facility Website
Linked In Profile



-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]]
On Behalf Of Michelle Aloni
Sent: Tuesday, 13 March 2012 11:29 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: MetaMorph versus Elements?

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
*****

Dear all,

If any one of you had already compared MetaMorph (we have 7.6 version) with the NIKON Elements software I would appreciate it very much if you share with me your opinion.

If you used both of them, how do they compare? Which one would be your personal choice and why?

Thank you ahead of time

Michelle Aloni MS, HTL (ASCP)
Research Specialist
USC Keck School of Medicine
phil laissue phil laissue
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Re: MetaMorph versus Elements?

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It's been a while since I used MetaMorph, so can't properly compare, but
we're happy with NIS-Elements here. Particularly multidimensional
visualisation is quick and easy to handle, and allows to produce movies
easily. Image processing is pretty potent as well, particularly
thresholding (adaptive etc) to quantify and make surface rendered models. I
also use macros, but mostly on the hardware/acquisition side. I wish it
would tie in better with ImageJ though, and/or have a light edition or
something more muscular than the viewer, so people can use it at home (for
weekend image analysis).
No commercial interest etc.

Philippe Laissue, PhD
University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
Alison J. North Alison J. North
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Re: MetaMorph versus Elements?

In reply to this post by Michelle Aloni
*****
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*****

Hi Michelle,

We use both programs here - for acquisition as well as analysis.  I
agree with much of what has been said so far, but I would like to add
one other great thing about MetaMorph on the acquisition side - it is
extremely flexible when it comes to controlling new hardware, in fact
the guys at the company have written at least three new drivers for
different cameras or whatever when we have asked for their help.  The
larger companies, such as Nikon, will probably write the necessary
drivers eventually but I have been very impressed by the speed of
response from the MM guys.

All the best,
Alison


On 3/12/2012 8:28 PM, Michelle Aloni wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> *****
>
> Dear all,
>
> If any one of you had already compared MetaMorph (we have 7.6 version) with
> the NIKON Elements software I would appreciate it very much if you share
> with me your opinion.
>
> If you used both of them, how do they compare? Which one would be your
> personal choice and why?
>
> Thank you ahead of time
>
> Michelle Aloni MS, HTL (ASCP)
> Research Specialist
> USC Keck School of Medicine

--
Alison J. North, Ph.D.,
Research Associate Professor and
Senior Director of the Bio-Imaging Resource Center,
The Rockefeller University,
1230 York Avenue,
New York,
NY 10065.
Tel: office ++ 212 327 7488
Tel: lab     ++ 212 327 7486
Fax:         ++ 212 327 7489
G. Esteban Fernandez G. Esteban Fernandez
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Re: MetaMorph versus Elements?

*****
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http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
*****

For me tech. support is a major "feature" to consider when choosing
products, so I echo Alison North's point that the helpfulness and
speed of the MM guys is impressive (Neil Glinksman in particular).
I've sought their help with complicated journals on a number of
occasions.

-Esteban



On Tue, Mar 13, 2012 at 11:26 AM, Alison North
<[hidden email]> wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> *****
>
> Hi Michelle,
>
> We use both programs here - for acquisition as well as analysis.  I agree
> with much of what has been said so far, but I would like to add one other
> great thing about MetaMorph on the acquisition side - it is extremely
> flexible when it comes to controlling new hardware, in fact the guys at the
> company have written at least three new drivers for different cameras or
> whatever when we have asked for their help.  The larger companies, such as
> Nikon, will probably write the necessary drivers eventually but I have been
> very impressed by the speed of response from the MM guys.
>
> All the best,
> Alison
>
>
>
> On 3/12/2012 8:28 PM, Michelle Aloni wrote:
>>
>> *****
>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>> *****
>>
>> Dear all,
>>
>> If any one of you had already compared MetaMorph (we have 7.6 version)
>> with
>> the NIKON Elements software I would appreciate it very much if you share
>> with me your opinion.
>>
>> If you used both of them, how do they compare? Which one would be your
>> personal choice and why?
>>
>> Thank you ahead of time
>>
>> Michelle Aloni MS, HTL (ASCP)
>> Research Specialist
>> USC Keck School of Medicine
>
>
> --
> Alison J. North, Ph.D.,
> Research Associate Professor and
> Senior Director of the Bio-Imaging Resource Center,
> The Rockefeller University,
> 1230 York Avenue,
> New York,
> NY 10065.
> Tel: office     ++ 212 327 7488
> Tel: lab        ++ 212 327 7486
> Fax:            ++ 212 327 7489
Cameron Nowell Cameron Nowell
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Re: MetaMorph versus Elements?

In reply to this post by Alison J. North
*****
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Hi List,

To follow up on Alison's point. Controlling hardware with MetaMorph can
be really powerful. While it can do all the normal capture
(multi-channel, time lapse etc.) you have all the power of the journal
function available too. We have managed to setup journals that take
overview scans of four slides, let the user draw a box around the
tissue(s) of interest and it will then tile scan each of those areas
without any further user intervention. You can also setup journals to
change objectives etc during a time lapse as well. The possibilities are
virtually endless.

And as Alison says the support is great from the guys at MM. I haven't
had a question they can't answer yet (must try harder).

Cheers

Cam



-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]]
On Behalf Of Alison North
Sent: Wednesday, 14 March 2012 5:27 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: MetaMorph versus Elements?

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
*****

Hi Michelle,

We use both programs here - for acquisition as well as analysis.  I
agree with much of what has been said so far, but I would like to add
one other great thing about MetaMorph on the acquisition side - it is
extremely flexible when it comes to controlling new hardware, in fact
the guys at the company have written at least three new drivers for
different cameras or whatever when we have asked for their help.  The
larger companies, such as Nikon, will probably write the necessary
drivers eventually but I have been very impressed by the speed of
response from the MM guys.

All the best,
Alison


On 3/12/2012 8:28 PM, Michelle Aloni wrote:
> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> *****
>
> Dear all,
>
> If any one of you had already compared MetaMorph (we have 7.6 version)

> with the NIKON Elements software I would appreciate it very much if
> you share with me your opinion.
>
> If you used both of them, how do they compare? Which one would be your

> personal choice and why?
>
> Thank you ahead of time
>
> Michelle Aloni MS, HTL (ASCP)
> Research Specialist
> USC Keck School of Medicine

--
Alison J. North, Ph.D.,
Research Associate Professor and
Senior Director of the Bio-Imaging Resource Center, The Rockefeller
University,
1230 York Avenue,
New York,
NY 10065.
Tel: office ++ 212 327 7488
Tel: lab     ++ 212 327 7486
Fax:         ++ 212 327 7489


This communication is intended only for the named recipient and may contain information that is confidential, legally privileged or subject to copyright; the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd does not waive any rights if you have received this communication in error.
The views expressed in this communication are those of the sender and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd.
leoncio vergara leoncio vergara
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Re: MetaMorph versus Elements?

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*****

not to high jack the thread but... realtive to controlling hardware, anybody using metamorph to run the Prairie Swept field confocal?  ..

________________________________________
From: Confocal Microscopy List [[hidden email]] on behalf of Cameron Nowell [[hidden email]]
Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 5:58 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: MetaMorph versus Elements?

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
*****

Hi List,

To follow up on Alison's point. Controlling hardware with MetaMorph can
be really powerful. While it can do all the normal capture
(multi-channel, time lapse etc.) you have all the power of the journal
function available too. We have managed to setup journals that take
overview scans of four slides, let the user draw a box around the
tissue(s) of interest and it will then tile scan each of those areas
without any further user intervention. You can also setup journals to
change objectives etc during a time lapse as well. The possibilities are
virtually endless.

And as Alison says the support is great from the guys at MM. I haven't
had a question they can't answer yet (must try harder).

Cheers

Cam



-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]]
On Behalf Of Alison North
Sent: Wednesday, 14 March 2012 5:27 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: MetaMorph versus Elements?

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
*****

Hi Michelle,

We use both programs here - for acquisition as well as analysis.  I
agree with much of what has been said so far, but I would like to add
one other great thing about MetaMorph on the acquisition side - it is
extremely flexible when it comes to controlling new hardware, in fact
the guys at the company have written at least three new drivers for
different cameras or whatever when we have asked for their help.  The
larger companies, such as Nikon, will probably write the necessary
drivers eventually but I have been very impressed by the speed of
response from the MM guys.

All the best,
Alison


On 3/12/2012 8:28 PM, Michelle Aloni wrote:
> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> *****
>
> Dear all,
>
> If any one of you had already compared MetaMorph (we have 7.6 version)

> with the NIKON Elements software I would appreciate it very much if
> you share with me your opinion.
>
> If you used both of them, how do they compare? Which one would be your

> personal choice and why?
>
> Thank you ahead of time
>
> Michelle Aloni MS, HTL (ASCP)
> Research Specialist
> USC Keck School of Medicine

--
Alison J. North, Ph.D.,
Research Associate Professor and
Senior Director of the Bio-Imaging Resource Center, The Rockefeller
University,
1230 York Avenue,
New York,
NY 10065.
Tel: office     ++ 212 327 7488
Tel: lab        ++ 212 327 7486
Fax:            ++ 212 327 7489


This communication is intended only for the named recipient and may contain information that is confidential, legally privileged or subject to copyright; the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd does not waive any rights if you have received this communication in error.
The views expressed in this communication are those of the sender and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd.
Keith Morris Keith Morris
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Re: MetaMorph versus Elements?

In reply to this post by leoncio vergara
*****
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*****

Hi Michelle,

We have a pretty similar view to Cameron, Leoncio et al. We used to use
MetaMorph for capture but have since changed our licence to the Premiere
off-line version as we use our single MetaMorph key more for offline image
analysis on a stand-alone imaging workstation. We use Nikon's NISElements
solely for image acquisition on a busy manual Nikon inverted microscope,
where it's naturally well suited [rather like Zeiss Axiovision for Zeiss
microscopes]. NISElements BR is easy to use [lucky as it's in-program help
is pretty poor at the moment], and it offers easy background correction,
fluorescence image capture, calibration and so forth [I'm talking about the
expensive Basic Research BR version here, rather than the old freeware
NISElements version - there's also NISElements Advanced Research AR that
adds in options such as deconvolution]. We have the optional NISElements EDF
tool [extended depth of focus] which is useful for compressing a 3D
structure into a single 'focused' 2D picture if required. NISElements seems
strongest in image acquisition rather than image analysis, compared to
MetaMorph, but it might be I know MetaMorph inside out these days so it's my
first port of call. Adding Nikon NISElements to a Nikon microscope for image
acquisition [i.e. one supplier] might have advantages as if there's a
glitch, it's all laid at one companies door - although MetaMorph will
probably be more flexible with more microscope/driver options. NISElements
integrates well with our Nikon Eclipse TE2000U and twin B&W/colour cameras.


As we only have the single MetaMorph licence key, we also use MetaMorph to
verify similar plug-ins on freeware ImageJ/Fiji are doing exactly what we
expect them to do. Then users can use ImageJ instead if it's more
convenient. MetaMorph generally offers better visual feedback than ImageJ on
what it is doing, and I know the program so well now [we are also with v7.7
rather than  new 'easier' ribbon interface MetaMorph NX] - chances are the
old version 7.7 has more tools than the new NX at the moment, and rather
like Photoshop CS5 you can link together actions in MetaMorph v7.7 to do
more complex tasks. For 3D reconstruction, deconvolution, 3D tracking and
quantitative volume measurements we have a Perkin Elmer Volocity licence key
as well. We generally pay for software 'maintenance' agreements as it's only
a few hundred pounds a year [this often excludes major upgrades to new
versions, but includes updates/patches and support]. Support in the USA is
probably even better for MetaMorph than here [UK], in that frequent free
MetaMorph training courses are offered at Downington PA and Sunnyvale CA.
MetaMorph v7.7 also has optional modules such 3D deconvolution - plus the
'Premiere' version has apps such as object tracking, colocalization and
neurite outgrowth, which are useful to us.

Relative to the cost of the microscopes and support staff, I suppose these
commercial programs aren't that expensive, have very good support on call if
needed, and each have their strength and weakness's. For that reason we have
both NISElements and MetaMorph. We would Like to get Bitplane's Imaris to
complete the set, as we have a few users here interested in neurite
outgrowth, and their 3D version [Filament tracer] is more powerful than
MetaMorphs and imageJ's 2D neurite apps. Other groups in our centre use
ImagePro Plus for offline image analysis [to maintain consistency with
collaborators elsewhere], which is similar to MetaMorph, but our Core hasn't
got a licence for that. On our busy core Nikon microscope, our NISElements
key hasn't much free time to do image analysis, it's mainly acquiring images
with some associated processing, eg. EDF, scale bars, or background
correction.

Regards

Keith

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr Keith J. Morris,
Molecular Cytogenetics and Microscopy Core,
Laboratory 00/069 and 00/070,
The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics,
Roosevelt Drive,
Oxford  OX3 7BN,
United Kingdom.

Telephone:  +44 (0)1865 287568
Email:  [hidden email]
Web-pages: http://www.well.ox.ac.uk/microscopy-core
http://www.well.ox.ac.uk/nikon-microscope and
http://www.well.ox.ac.uk/metamorph

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On
Behalf Of Vergara, Leoncio A.
Sent: 13 March 2012 03:07
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: MetaMorph versus Elements?

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I second the opinion of Cameron, his description is almost exactly our
experience. I find the automation tools in metamorph a very strong point, I
almost don't do any analysis with NIS, however I find NIS better than
metamorph for examining multidimensional datasets, it is very intuitive. We
also use metamorph (and NIS) in combination with Image J and Imaris, I don't
think there is a single package that does everything.

Leoncio Vergara
Assistant Professor
Center for Biomedical Engineering
University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston, Texas  

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On
Behalf Of Cameron Nowell
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 8:56 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: MetaMorph versus Elements?

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Hi Michelle

Do you want to use them for anlaysis of driving hardware?

We have both but use them for different things. NIS AR is used primarily for
image capture on a couple of our systems. The EDF (Extended depth of
focus) is really useful for some of our imaging. We do not use NIS for image
processing (other than EDF) or analysis. NIS has all the usual tools for
image processing and analysis but the automation and scripting can be a bit
tricky to get your head around. We use MetaMorph for capture as well
(automated tile scanning and live cell imaging).

For all our analysis we use a combination of MetaMorph, Fiji and Imaris.
The bulk of the work is usually done in MetaMorph because its ease of
scripting/automation. Part of that ease comes from what you are familiar
with of course, but I find MetaMorph's journal editor to be easier to use
(with better available tutorials etc) than NIS.


Cost could be an issue as MetaMorph is going to be double the price of NIS
(for analysis). A metamorph capture system will be more than double NIS.

If you are interested in some tutorials etc for MetaMorph I am happy to send
you a link to download a heap of training notes (330 page manual) and demo
images I have put together over the last two years for a MetaMorph training
course I co-ran here in Melbourne.

The usual statements apply - no commercial interests in any of the platforms
just a happy (sometimes frustrated) user.

Cheers

Cam


Cameron J. Nowell
Microscopy Manager
Centre for Advanced Microscopy
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Melbourne - Parkville Branch PO Box
2008 Royal Melbourne Hospital Victoria, 3050 AUSTRALIA
Office: +61 3 9341 3158
Mobile: +61 422882700
Fax: +61 3 9341 3104
Facility Website
Linked In Profile



-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]]
On Behalf Of Michelle Aloni
Sent: Tuesday, 13 March 2012 11:29 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: MetaMorph versus Elements?

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Dear all,

If any one of you had already compared MetaMorph (we have 7.6 version) with
the NIKON Elements software I would appreciate it very much if you share
with me your opinion.

If you used both of them, how do they compare? Which one would be your
personal choice and why?

Thank you ahead of time

Michelle Aloni MS, HTL (ASCP)
Research Specialist
USC Keck School of Medicine