DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages
Home » Topics A–Z » Dermatoscope overview
Author: Dr Anthony Yung, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand, May 2017.
Buy a dermatoscope from DermNet's Amazon store
When shopping for a dermatoscope, there are some important things to be aware of before you buy.
The tables below provide an overview of some of the most popular models of dermatoscopes on the market in 2018.
See also our Dermatoscope comparative image gallery.
CANFIELD VEOS DS3 |
Dermlite
|
Dermlite
|
Fotofinder Handyscope |
Heine
|
|
Photo |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Smartphone
|
iPod Touch | iPhone, iPod, iPad, Samsung + | Almost any smartphone <5.5" width | Iphone 6, 6s, iPod Touch | IPhone 5, 5S, 6, 6s |
Charger |
USB rechargeable |
USB rechargeable |
USB rechargeable |
USB rechargeable |
USB rechargeable |
Battery time |
3.5 hours | 1 hour | 0.5 hour | 8 hours | 3.5 hours |
Polarisation |
Polarised + unpolarised |
Polarised + unpolarised |
Polarised | Polarised + unpolarised |
Polarised + unpolarised |
Contact/
|
Contact + non-contact |
Contact + non-contact |
Contact only | Contact + non-contact |
Contact only |
Magnification |
10x | 10x | 10x |
20x |
12x - 40x |
Cost |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
FirstCheck SkinScope |
MoleScope I (unpolarised) |
MoleScope II (polarised)
|
MedicMind
|
|
Photo |
![]() |
|
|
|
Compatibility |
All smartphones |
All iPhones 5-7, iPod Touch 5,6, All iPod Minis, iPod Air, iPod Pro, Most Android Smartphones and Tablets |
Wide range of phones and tablets | Wide range of phones and tablets |
Charger
|
N/A | USB rechargeable battery +user-replaceable batteries | USB rechargeable | N/A |
Battery time |
N/A | N/A | 6 hours | N/A |
Polarisation |
Unpolarised | Unpolarised | Polarised | Polarised |
Contact/ Non contact |
Contact only | Contact only | Contact + non-contact | Contact only |
Magnification |
20X | 10X (50X-60X depending on the smartphone used) | 10X (50X-60X depending on the smartphone used) | 10x |
Cost |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|
Firstcheck is a software for medical professionals, which includes a web portal and iOS, Android apps. There's a free app called "Firstcheck" for patients.
3Gen DermLite DL100 |
3Gen DermLite
|
3Gen DermLite DL4 |
Heine
|
Heine
|
Opticlar VISIONMED
|
|
Photo |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
No | No |
iPhone, iPod, iPad, Samsung + |
Canon, Olympus, Nikon, SLR cameras | No |
SLR + Smartphone adaptor |
Charger |
Disposable Type 2CR5 |
Disposable Type 2CR5 |
USB/cradle rechargeable |
USB recharg.+ |
AA batteries + rechargeable |
USB rechargeable |
Battery Time |
8 hours |
8 hours | 2 hours | 10 hours | 10 hours | 8 hours |
Polarisation |
Polarised | Polarised + linear-pol |
Polarised + unpolarised |
Polarised + unpolarised |
Unpolarised | Polarised + unpolarised |
Contact/
|
Non-contact | Contact + non-contact |
Contact + non-contact |
Contact only | Contact only | Contact + non-contact |
Magnification |
10x | 10x | 10x | 10x - 16x | 10x | 10x |
Cost |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
3Gen DermLite DL200 HR |
3Gen DermLite
|
VisioMed
|
Heine
|
CANFIELD VEOS HD1 |
CANFIELD VEOS HD2 |
|
Photo |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Compatibility |
iPhone, iPod, iPad, Samsung + more |
iPhone, iPod, iPad, Samsung + more |
No |
No | iPhone 4, 4s, 5, 5s, 6, 6s |
iPhone 4, 4s, 5, 5s, 6, 6s |
Charger |
USB |
USB/cradle |
Rechargable battery |
AA batteries |
USB rechargeable |
USB rechargeable |
Battery Time |
2 hours |
2 hours | 1.2 hours | 3.5 hours | 3.5 hours | 3.5 hours |
Polarisation |
Polarised | Polarised + linear-pol |
Polarised | Polarised + unpolarised |
Polarised | Polarised + unpolarised |
Contact/
|
Contact + non-contact |
Contact + non-contact |
Contact + non-contact |
Contact + non-contact |
Contact + non-contact |
Contact + non-contact |
Magnification |
10x | 10x | 10 - 15x | 6 - 9x | 10x | 10x |
Cost |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
3Gen DermLite DL200 Hybrid |
Illuco IDS - 1100 |
|
Photo |
![]() |
![]() |
Compatibility |
iPhone, iPod, iPad, Samsung + more |
iPhone 5-latest, Samsung Galaxy S6+Edge, S7+Edge, S8, S8 Plus, Samsung Galaxy Note 4/5/7 |
Charger |
USB |
USB rechargeable |
Battery Time |
2 hours |
2 hours |
Polarisation |
Polarised + unpolarised |
Polarised + unpolarised |
Contact/
|
Contact + non-contact |
Contact + non-contact |
Magnification |
10x | 10X |
Cost |
![]() |
![]() |
Similar in concept to the Fotofinder Handyscope and Heine iC1, however differs in that the dermatoscope is embedded to an iPod Touch. Also differs in having unique swiveling swing away lens design allowing easy macro and dermatoscopic image acquisition. Contact and non-contact dermatoscopy via removable fixed distance cone/ spacer with or without glass plate, lighting modes switchable via Veos app, Veos App (acquire, manage, share by email images), can tag lesions directly to Dermagraphix® body map wirelessly with Mirror ® medical image/ patient data management software on computer.
Smallest dermatoscope from 3Gen for use via adaptor (bought separately) with a iPhone (4/4s upwards), iPad (iPad 2-4, Air 1 & 2, Mini 1 & 2, Pro), iPod Touch 6 and Samsung Galaxy (S3 upwards) smartphones, 4 white LEDs, has 15mm lens, 10x magnification, spacer and glass faceplate for contact dermatoscopy, cross polarised and non-polarised viewing, has microUSB charge port to charge rechargeable battery (enough power 60 lesions viewed for 60 sec each per charge, indicator blinks when charge <25%). Compatible with Dermlite® iOS app (developed by FotoFinder).
Attachment for attaching to iPhone 6 and other smartphones via slide-on universal adapter (connects to almost any smartphone with screen 4-5.5 inches), polarised, contact dermoscopy, 10x magnification, USB rechargeable, battery life 30 1 min examinations, works with Dermlite, First Derm and in future the cloud-based Derm Lite X app.
The original ‘smart’ connected dermatoscope for iPhone and iPod Touch. Consists of slide-in case to fit iPhone or iPod Touch exactly. Contact and non-contact viewing possible via removable faceplate (need to replace to get cross polarisation) up to 20x optical magnification, TwinLight LED system – 6 polarised and 6 white non polarised LEDs (switchable via a single button), integrated 2400mAh battery pack, rechargeable via USB cable, can charge while examining, battery indicator glows yellow when charge below 25%. Comes with Handyscope App (password protected) to capture, manage and store (encrypted) and share (email SSL for secure transfer) images using iPhone connectivity features. Can be uploaded to personal webspace in the Fotofinder Hub for long term storage or for getting second opinions online from renowned dermatoscopists.
Connected dermatoscope – similar to Fotofinder Handyscope. Dermatoscope up to 40x magnification and up to 12x magnification with iPhone 6s, contact dermatoscopy - contact plate is removable for cleaning, can toggle between polarised and non-polarised light, for smartphone use - potential future compatibility with exchangeable mobile phone cases (currently iPhone 5, 5s, 6, 6s, iPod Touch 6)
20x magnification, non polarised, contact only dermoscopy. Consists of a plastic lens with clear barrel, attaches to any smartphone with adhesive strip at base of the lens, no built in light source – relies on ambient light. Designed to be used by patients in combination with the FirstCheck smartphone application. Available as device only, or as bundle of the device plus various packages priced according to number of consultations purchased.
10x magnification, contact dermatoscopy clip on attachment for iPhone 5 to 7+ , iPod Touch 5& 6 , iPad Mini 1 - 4 , iPad Air 1 & 2 , and iPad Pro 9.7" and 12.9". Also available for Android smartphones and tablets upon request. Image resolution – same as attached device. Mole image management software ‘optimises’ image for viewing. For imaging, archiving and communication. Online consultations are available in some regions only. Two versions:
Good Ergonomics and modern shape. Bright LED illumination lights with 3levels' brightness control, Polarised light illumination, 10X magnification and 25mm wide field of view (Aperture), smartphone connection kit, easy maintain and hygeine, automatic shutdown, high-quality and affordable, has an easy detachable protect glass for the lesions that shouldn't be touched.
Similar devices differing only in Veos HD1 (polarised light) and Veos HD2 (polarised and non-polarised light). 10x optical magnification, contact and non-contact dermatoscopy via removable magnetic glass faceplate, built in Li ion battery – up to 3 hrs continuous operation, charging via USB cable (3.5hrs to full charge). Optional sleeve kit for connection to iPhone 4, 4s, 5, 5s, 6, 6s, Veos App (acquire, manage, share by email images), Can tag lesions directly to Dermagraphix® body map wirelessly with Mirror ® medical image/ patient data management software on computer. Canfield Veos HD1 & HD2 have an optional kit to connect to Nikon 1 system cameras.
Similar size and form factor to DL100 – 15mm lens, 10x magnification, non-contact dermatoscopy, uses disposable 2CR5 lithium batteries (approx. 8 hours continuous or 1200 30sec viewings). Differs in having switchable polarised and non-polarised viewing possible (8 white linear polarised LEDs, 8 non-polarised), comes with silicone sleeve and a lanyard. Not compatible with smartphones, tablets or cameras.
Entry level dermatoscope 15mm lens, 10x magnification, non-contact dermatoscopy, polarised only permanent cross polarised viewing (8 polarised white LEDs), uses disposable lithium 2CR5 batteries (approx. 8 hours continuous or 1200 30sec viewings) , compact 99g weight and size. Comes with no accessories. Not compatible with smartphones, tablets or cameras
Four versions:
Common features are small form factor fits in palm of hand, 25mm optic, 10x magnification, contact or non-contact dermatoscopy via retractable faceplate/spacer, rechargeable via miniUSB port, approx. 2 hour continuous operation per charge, camera and smartphone compatible via the 10mm built-in threaded connection for cameras (requires stepping rings to connect to compatible camera lens) or via connection kits which use the Dermlite MagnetiConnect® system to for iPhone (4/4s upwards) , iPad (iPad 3, Air 1 & 2, Mini 1 and upwards, Pro) and Samsung Galaxy (S3 upwards ) smartphones. Compatible with Compatible with Dermlite® iOS app (developed by FotoFinder) when connected to Apple devices. Comes with belt holster and protective silicone sleeve, battery charger.
Two versions:
Common features: 25mm lens, 10x magnification, retractable spacer, faceplate, faceplate is removable, compatible with cameras, various connection kits which use the Dermlite MagnetiConnect® system with iPhone (4/4s upwards), iPad (iPad 3, Air 1 & 2, Mini 1 and upwards, Pro) and Samsung Galaxy (S3 upwards ) smartphones. Compatible with Compatible with Dermlite® iOS app (developed by FotoFinder) when connected to Apple devices. Battery charge indicator (green “3” = full charge, orange “3” = <25% charge remaining, approximately 2 hours continuous operation per charge or 600 30sec examinations). Comes with leather pouch, eye piece, desktop charger.
3Gen’s top, newest, highest specification dermatoscope. Two versions:
Common features: switchable polarised, non-polarised light viewing, 10 x magnification, contact or non-contact dermatoscopy via retractable faceplate/spacer, has IceCap® disposable covers for the faceplate to minimise risk of cross infection from contact with dermatoscope, faceplate is magnetically attached to the retractable spacer, battery level on top of device (1-4 illuminated dots representing degrees of charge of batter from low to fully charged), rechargeable via microUSB port, approx. 2hours continuous operation per charge or 240 30 sec examinations, compatible via Dermlite MagnetiConnect® system to connect to iPhone, Galaxy and iPad via the 10mm magnetic reticle which allows attachment of optional Dermlite® Connection Kit (kits include the Dermlite MagnetiConnect® system for iPhone (4/4s upwards), iPad (iPad 3, Air 1 & 2, Mini 1 and upwards, Pro) and Samsung Galaxy (S3 upwards ) smartphones). Compatible with Compatible with Dermlite® iOS app (developed by FotoFinder) when connected to Apple devices. Comes with USB cable, belt holster/ pouch, protective silicone sleeve, lens cloth and 5 IceCaps®.
Same design as Heine Beta ophthalmoscope and otoscope devices with battery/handle and removable interchangeable heads for different applications (handles interchangeable across the Beta range of devices), 10x and 16x magnification. High quality LED illumination for optimal colour rendition (colour temperature 5000K), homogeneity and light intensity, contact dermatoscopy, polarised and non-polarised switching via a toggle (no need to change contacts or press a button), optional contact face plate for small lesions, SLR camera photo adaptor kits available for Canon, Nikon, Olympus. Many battery/ handle configurations (eg BETA®(2x C/ LR 14 batteries) or Beta® large handle (2x D/LR20 batteries), Beta® NT (available with NiMH or Li-Ion battery), Beta® 4 NT ( Li-ion “L” battery), Beta® L battery hand (Li-ion L battery), Beta® R handle (NiMH or Li-ion rechargeable), Beta® TR (NiMH or Li-ion rechargeable via plug-in wall transformer power supply), Beta® 4 USB handle (Li-ion ‘L” battery, USB chargeable via microUSB port, possibly compatible with Beta®Slim or mini 3000 handles, Li-ion battery versions have more battery life compared to other battery types, all handles have battery life indicator which illuminates for 10 sec when turned on orange/green/ green = 66-100%, orange/green = 33-66%, orange 10-33%, orange flashing = <10%, desktop chargers available for rechargeable handle types). Li -ion handles (2300mAh) more battery capacity than NiMH battery handles (1000mAh). All kits come with 23mm contact plate, 10ml dermatoscopy oil, dermatoscopy compendium and hard case. Optional small 8mm contact plate for small lesions.
10x magnification dermatoscope, contact dermatoscopy only, one white LED, colour temperature 4000K, battery indicator, up to 10 hr on time, uses mini3000 battery or rechargeable handle (750mAh). Optional small 8mm contact plate for small lesions.
Not strictly a dermatoscope. Hand-held non-contact examination 6x magnification magnifier. Polarised white light, has optional 9x magnification contact plate (attached magnetically) available for dermatoscopy, comes with either mini3000 battery handle or mini3000 rechargeable handle.
Very similar design to Heine® Delta 20T dermatoscope. 10x magnification, 4 white LEDs, switchable from initial view polarisation (non-contact) to contact dermatoscopy via moving the rotating contact “XY plate”, if solely non-contact viewing required, can exchange the “XY plate” for the non-contact plate, optional disposable contact plate holders available to minimise cross infection risk available, optional adaptors to fit/ attach iPhone 4, 5, 6, 6+, Sony Cybershot compact digital camera, Canon and Nikon DSLR. Available with C cell battery handle (approx. 6 hrs continuous use), USB chargeable handle (approx. 20hrs continuous use), desktop charging cradle, ‘E lithium’ handle Lithium ion rechargeable handle (twist to adjust brightness, approx. 10hrs continuous use).
Large dermatoscope, user selectable between white light and controlled colour temperature toemphasises blood vessels or pigment, microprocessor controlled constant standardised lighting (bright, adjustable light levels/modes via soft buttons), 10x – 15x magnification with selectable by rotating the eye piece (also corrects for visual acuity), eyepiece is the largest of any available dermatoscopes (very comfortable viewing) – designed to have a clear view of the lesion when viewed at 20cm from the back element of the optic, optics have minimal edge distortion, contact or non-contact dermatoscopy and polarised or non-polarised dermatoscopy via magnetic front ‘cones’ attachments with or without glass face plates (with or without scaled glass or with cross polarised filter), 58mm SLR camera adaptor, optional magnetic front attachment cone with no faceplate aperture to allow side access with small instruments. Chargeable only via desktop cradle (no USB charging possible), user replaceable battery. Approx. 70min continuous illumination.
Same as DL200 HR but additionally has ability to toggle between polarised and non-polarised light (has 21 LEDs - 15 polarised, 6 non polarised). Specification otherwise identical to DL200 HR.
See smartphone apps to check your skin.
[Sponsored content]
© 2021 DermNet New Zealand Trust.
DermNet NZ does not provide an online consultation service. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice.