Contact
Contact-optional
Polarized lighting allows it to perform dermoscopy without direct contact, but has a glass contact plate which allows contact dermoscopy to be performed (if desired).
Contact-required
Can only perform contact dermoscopy (by gently pressing the its contact plate against the lesion with or without immersion fluid).
IceCap-compatible
Option to use disposable snap-on caps for reducing risk of cross-contamination (via direct contact of skin with dermatoscope).
Lighting
Polarized
All Dermlite dermatoscopes include polarized lighting at a minimum. Polarized lighting cuts through surface glare, allowing the user to visualize structures and colors within the skin without the use of immersion fluid (via contact dermoscopy).
Nonpolarized
Although most significant dermoscopic features require "sub-surface" visualization (via polarized lighting), some surface features are better visualized using nonpolarized lighting (e.g., blue-white veil and milia-like cysts).
Variable polarization
UV Light
Enables visualization of fluorescence patterns not visible under traditional white light, including porphyrins, certain cosmetic tattoo pigments, and endogenous metabolic fluorochromes. Useful in evaluating photodamage, pigmentary changes, and infectious processes.
UV Light - Enhanced Brightness
Provides enhanced UV brightness exclusive to the DL5 Plus.
PigmentBoost
An amber-orange shade which is reminiscent of original incandescent lighting. Some clinicians find it can slightly enhance the contrast between various shades of pigment.
Adjustable brightness
Torch light
Provides users with ancillary lighting for performing non-dermoscopic exams. Although the DL5 is the only model featuring a dedicated torch light, users report the Dermlite GL as providing a similar effect.