Most video microscopes are quite different from conventional microscopes. A video microscope is usually larger than a conventional microscope and is often bolted to a table. The microscope has different lenses than normal microscopes also. Video microscopes are often designed for situations in which the viewer is not right next to the microscope, so many of them have remote controls for long-range use.

There are numerous advantages to video microscopes. First, they are easier to use for long periods of time because they do not require the viewer to look through a small lens. Since a video microscope projects images onto a screen, many people can view the image at once. Video microscopes usually have zoom lenses, giving users a great deal of control over the size and focus of the image they are viewing.

Video microscopes are much bigger than conventional microscopes. They are usually fastened to a table or desk. Most video microscopes are connected to the table with a curved metal arm. The user then puts the specimen on the table under the microscope's lens. Video microscopes do not have stages with illuminators under them like most conventional microscopes. Many video microscopes have lights arranged on flexible arms that are aimed at the specimen to provide illumination.

Video microscopes are often designed to accommodate multiple viewers at once. They do not have the traditional eyepiece, but have a connected flat video screen or have output to a TV monitor. Since multiple people view the screen at once, it is usually more convenient to have a remote control to operate the video microscope so people do not have to crowd around it.

Video microscopes have revolutionized many medical and scientific lines of work. Many types of precise surgery would be nearly impossible without the use of video microscopes. Research and manufacturing jobs have also been streamlined thanks to the advent of the video microscope.