Dino-Lite vs Hi-Res Dino-Lite: what’s the difference?

There seems to be a little bit of confusion as to what the real difference is between the original Dino-Lite Digital Video Otoscope and the Hi-Resolution version of the same product.  Other than price and image resolution capabilities, what makes these two sister products different?

The most affordable video otoscope currently available is the original Dino-Lite (shown above). This easy to use video otoscope plugs directly into the USB port of a computer (although there is a version that will connect to a TV) and comes packaged with its own video capture software that is compatible with most computer systems.  Simply load the software and plug the USB cable from the Dino-Lite to the computer USB port.  Images may be saved as JPG or BMP files. It also allows video files up to 2 minutes in length (saved as AVI).

The Hi-Resolution version of the Dino-Lite is essentially the same otoscope as the original Dino-Lite described above with a few key differences. From an operational perspective, both otoscopes mainly work in the same manner; the one exception is that the Hi-Resolution version is equipped with a “micro-touch” setting that enables the user to capture an image by touching a designated area of the otoscope with their finger tip rather than needing to press a key on the keyboard or the mouse.

Original Dino-Lite View

Hi-Res Dino-Lite view

In terms of field of view, as shown in these images of my own tympanic membrane, the original Dino-Lite projects much more speculum, creating a more pronounced black frame around the image of interest whereas the Hi-Resolution version projects a larger field of view on the screen.   Furthermore, the original Dino-Lite is equipped with four LED lights; the Hi-Resolution version has six, providing more robust illumination.  Regarding resolution, whereas the original otoscope offers 640 x 480 pixels, the Hi-Resolution version offers 1280 x 1024. Both otoscopes represent good otoscopes available at a price point lower than other commercially available video otsocopes although the Hi-resolution version is about twice the price than the original Dino-Lite.