Medical camera systems have become more complex as their role in medicine has grown increasingly important. Today, medical camera systems vary according to their utility, quality and complexity. Frequently, medical camera systems are integral parts of diagnosing, treating and monitoring medical conditions.

Given the importance of the camera in medicine, it's imperative to thoroughly research your options before purchasing medical camera systems. Information about different types of medical camera systems is available through various medical equipment companies. As you filter through this information, consider the following differentiating characteristics of medical cameras:

1. Progressive scan cameras offer advanced technology that produces a higher quality picture when compared with interlaced technology.

2. Most cameras use single-chip CCD technology or more advanced and expensive three-chip CCD technology.

3. Many medical procedures require the use of remote head medical camera systems.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider purchasing progressive scan medical camera systems

The progressive scan video camera is an advanced, non-interlaced, technology. These cameras are specifically for moving applications. They take pictures in one pass, as opposed to interlaced technology, which patches two pictures together. The benefits of progressive scan imaging include improved detail, elimination of a flicker, and smoother images.

I recommend: WolfVision is one medical camera systems provider that offers various models of SONY progressive scan cameras. At Southern Imaging, you'll find color as well as black and white versions of progressive scan cameras.

Evaluate your need for one chip CCD or three chip CCD medical camera systems

Most cameras come with CCD (charge-coupled device) technology. Consumers must decide if they need a one-chip CCD camera or a three-chip CCD camera. Three chip cameras are high-end cameras that produce higher quality color reproduction than their one-chip counterparts.

I recommend: Total Turnkey Solutions sells cameras and other technical equipment for scientific imaging. You'll find one-piece, two piece and three-chip CCD cameras at their site. JEDMED Instrument Company offers an array of single-chip CCD and three-chip CCD cameras. Medigus claims to offer the smallest CCD cameras in the world. The cameras have various applications, such as urology, arthroscopy and laparoscopy.

Utilize services offered by a medical equipment consulting company to find medical camera systems

Medical equipment consulting companies offer knowledge and expertise about particular pieces of medical equipment, such as medical camera systems. They may also be able to save you money.

I recommend: Walsh Consulting Group offers consulting services to assist doctor's offices and other medical professionals in their purchases of medical equipment. KNH Medical Equipment Consultants can guide you through selecting and purchasing medical equipment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look at the medical camera systems directory for medical equipment companies to get a good idea of what is available and how much each item costs.
• •  Contact other medical professionals in your field to determine which systems are used and how reliable the systems have been in practice. Create your own medical camera systems list based on peer recommendations.
• •  Before buying cameras check the medical optical systems. If the camera doesn't have a quality lens, then it won't do a good job of capturing the light. This is especially important when capturing images in the dark.