07/09/2026
A common source of confusion for those new to dermoscopy is that of ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฐ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐. In fact, the first question we receive about this usually takes the form of "how do I capture dermoscopic images with [DEVICE]?"
What surprises many is that fundamentally, it doesn't matter ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐ device is being used - camera, iPhone, Android, iPad, etc. When someone asks, "How do I take a dermoscopy picture with the clinic's [DEVICE] and then upload it to the patient's chart?," the reply is, "How do you take ๐๐ฃ๐ฎ picture with your clinic's iPad and upload it to the patient's chart?" Because the answer is the same.
The confusion often stems from the misconception that dermatoscopes themselves are taking/storing the picture. In reality, dermatoscopes simply act as an extension of whichever imaging device is being used. If you're using an iPhone, it's really the iPhone taking/storing the picture. If you're using a tablet of any kind, it's really the tablet that's taking/storing the picture. Dermatoscopes simply provide the added magnification and lighting needed to capture the required detail. But the camera, smartphone, or tablet is really what's doing the "imaging" work.
And just as the dermatoscope provides the necessary lighting/magnification, the MagnetiConnect adapter (phone case, MagnetiConnect Clamp, etc.) is what provides the ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ required by physically approximating the dermatoscope lens to the imaging device's lens and "holding it in place." That's really all it does.
Once our customers understand that fundamental concept, it all starts to make sense - and customers often realize they've been making it much more difficult than it needs to be.
If anything, the true "challenge" of dermoscopic imaging has more to do with taking photos "up close" - especially with iPhones and iPads. The reason has mostly to do with what is referred to as "auto switching" or "macro control." You can learn more about those challenges here:
https://dermatoscopes.com/blogs/dermatoscope-reviews/how-to-take-dermoscopy-photos-with-an-iphone