Presented by mel sytems and services the video microscope is a hand held colour ccd video-based smd inspection system that allows user to clearly see small objects from 0201 components, 12-50 mil solder joints on any 14" tv/monitor or video projector. This is easy to use and a user-friendly system. The high-resolution video viewing kills operator eyestrain and fatigue associated with conventional and binocular microscopes and eliminates "hologram effect" of the optical projection system. It gives a sharp 3d image, which is easy to view without any strain. The colour camera of 410,000 pixels resolution comes with dsp technology and with automatic gain control. It can magnify images from 5x to 1000x depending on the lenses used. Each lens comes with an illumination head, which shines the object of view. Also there are attachments for contact, non-contact and oblique views. The system can be used to view pcb defects like surface cracks, pth quality, etc, for in-coming pcb inspection, and can be used for post reflow smd soldering inspection in the electronics industries. It can also be used even in the non-electronic industries for the inspection of precision inspection of metal parts; airline parts, printing plates, pulp and paper mesh screens.