The method for coding live images in microscopy makes possible the recording of a first complete image (25₁) that depicts a portion of a microscopic preparation (14a). A first coded complete image (200) is generated therefrom and is stored in a buffer memory (27). The first coded complete image (25₁) can moreover be output, for example, on a monitor. When a second complete image (25₂) is recorded, only a part is processed and transmitted. That part corresponds to the offset of an X-Y stage (12). The coordinates of the portion of the second complete image (25₂), and further control data, are transferred to a control data decoder (26). A correspondingly assembled and coded complete image (210) is generated in an image assembler (32), the at least one coded partial image (220) and the preceding coded complete image located in the buffer memory (27) being used.