Endoscope Image Capture System with Mirrorless Camera

Recent approaches to the skull base have been aided by research in the anatomic laboratory to facilitate and improve our understanding of the endoscopic anatomy. However research is hampered by access to the high cost of commercial high definition endoscopic towers. Image quality of handheld cameras has improved in recent years to 1080 high definition and 4K quality. Previous studies have demonstrated the connection of Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera (DSLR) attached to the endoscope for imaging. However, the heavy body of DSLR limits its application. Also, the compact digital camera is also reported as the image capture source. Further, there are often several objects in the same vision field but in different focus distances, and only one of them is the target. Thus, the manual focus function is required which is lacking in the compact digital camera set up. Further, the above camera systems require a specific or custom made adaptor connecting the camera and the endoscope. We hypothesized we could create high quality “off the shelf” image system comparable to commercially available endoscopic towers for the purpose of laboratory research. Methods: We introduce a method of application of a mirrorless camera as an endoscope capture device using a mirrorless digital camera mounted with an extender to match the focal length of the image size projected from a 4mm 0 or 30 degree endoscope. Results: All the components are commercial available and easily obtained at a cost under $800. Images comparable to high definition endoscopic tower systems in terms of resolution, color, focus quality are demonstrated. Conclusion: We present a low cost image capture system for purpose of endoscopic research. We discuss the optics consideration in terms of focal distance and size match to optimize image acquisition. This system allows development of an endoscopic laboratory with a low overhead cost.