To evaluate and compare the efficacy of four devices for digital photographing of gross specimens in Surgical Pathology lab. To assess the usefulness of magnifying apps, currently available for mobile phones, in studying details of pathological specimens during their gross examination.

This comparative study was carried out from Nov. 2012 to Dec. 2012 Fifty specimens were photographed; some of these were received in Department of Pathology, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, while others were from some private laboratories. Non probability purposive sampling was used to include cases which were likely to reveal interesting and comparable details. Four different devices namely Nikon Coolpix S-80, Apple iPhone 4, Samsung Galaxy S Duos and Samsung Galaxy Note II loaded with “Magnify” app were used. Results were compared subjectively regarding image resolution, sharpness, color accuracy, tone reproduction, contrast, signal to noise ratio and overall usefulness. Nikon Coolpix S-80 served as the reference index against which the other devices were assessed.

All devices gave photographs of quality good enough to be used for scientific purposes. iPhone occasionally surpassed Nikon in spite of its far more humble megapixel “score”. Samsung Galaxy Note II with “Magnify” app revealed details that could render the conventional dissecting microscopes obsolete. These findings are supported by other reports comparing different devices, though none of these refers to photographing of pathological specimens.

In view of the widespread availability of digital cameras since their incorporation into cell phones, it has become very feasible to photograph every specimen received in the Surgical Pathology lab. Digital photography has removed, to a substantial extent, the constraints of time, cost, labor and expertise involved in photographing. In conclusion, the causes for conversion to this commandeering, contemporary technique are compelling, convincing and countless.