Firefly DE500 Digital Video Otoscope Ear Camera for Telehealth, Telemedicine, Audiology, Pediatrics, and Primary Care. F.D.A. and C.E. Certified.

I bought this for monitoring a possible ear wax issue. The software CD was bad, but I downloaded from their site and also got email response quickly from support for a copy of the software. Install was otherwise painless (Windows Vista). It gives clear shot of the eardrum and ear canal. 600x800 resolution is best, because the higher one (1024?) has long delay noticeable when making focus changes -- a challenge at the highest resolution, but doable. With this I can even see the eardrum move as I yawn, or see if there is anything on it, or see if it is red or not, etc. Range of sharp focus is pretty good so you do not have to constantly focus. The video feature was a great bonus, more useful than anticipated.What could be better?-The take-picture button being on the end of the handle may force you into some odd positions to try and hold it steady while also pulling the ear back slightly and having the focus dial in reach. The firsttrys may not produce great pictures, but after you work with it a while it will be good.-The software does not seem smart enough to let you turn on the Otoscope after starting the software.

Image is clear with good color, contrast, and detail. The focusing mechanism works smoothly. The video is smooth, without jerking or delays. The snapshot button is easy to press. The snaphots (.bmp format) look good.The software is good (I'm a computer professional). I have no criticism of it whatsoever.It takes some practice to use the thing. There is some manual dexterity required.The ear canal has a curve so the entire eardrum is not visible. I can see about 85 or 90 percent of mine. Supposedly one can straighten the curve by pulling the external ear up and back, but I can't get this maneuver to make any difference in the curve.Well good. Now I can check my ears myself at any time. For example, if there a noise when I yawn, I can tell whether the sound is coming from the inner ear or from a foreign body in the ear canal.

It matches the disappointment experienced by others with poor resolution and narrow field of focus. Not to mention of course its cost. More suitable at a price point of $89.00. This price would match ones experience with it. Web camera's with a proper lens could do a much better job at half the cost. I don't think the former Sharper Image stores could market this with any success.

camera button did not work--no image capture. I'm returning it for this reason, however I think i'm going to look at other options before i'd try this again. The focus button was awkward to use, so it was challenging to get a clear picture of the ear drum; the focal length seemed to be better for the ear wax and hairs. I'm an ear surgeon, I look in ears all day long, didn't expect to find it as cumbersome to get a clear image.

I have a tendency for ear wax buildup but also just the feeling of blocked ear canals (aural fullness). After many unnecessary trips to the doctor's office I always hoped that I could find a device that I could connect to my PC to check my ears myself. I was delighted to find this device on Amazon. The price deterred me for a while but then I figured that if I could save a couple of trips to the doctors office I could make up on price.I had no trouble installing the software but I had to figure out how to use it. I wish that it had come with a written instruction manual on how to use it and what to look for.I can easily see all my earwax but cannot get a clear shot down to my eardrum. Only one time was I able to see my right drum with some pulling and twisting on the ear. Even then the image was unclear. I considered sending it back but because I bought it for mainly checking ear wax it is sufficient for that.

Expectations were met for the price paid. Quality of picture is adequate - could be better. If I wanted higher-resolution video and pictures, I would have paid more for a more advanced unit. I use this item in an occupation health clinic at private company; employee education in conjunction with hearing conservation program.

Just received this device and already loving it. The picture quality is not perfect, on youtube you will find videos with better quality. However it's good enough form my purposes: it gives a good picture of the ear wax build up in your ear and at will give you an idea how to remove it. So, 4 stars.

When I first became aware of this device and learned it was a PC-only device, I was disappointed. I contacted the company to see if they were working on software to make it a Mac-compatible device (OS X Mountain Lion in my case), and it turns out they were. They contacted me when the software was ready per my request, and I ordered the device right away. I believe I may have been one of the first to order the device for use with a Mac. They were quick to send me the software, and though I was easily able to install the software, I got an error message that the device couldn't find the software. So, I contacted customer service, and within 24 hours I had a software update that installed easily and worked immediately. As for the device, it has worked flawlessly and was exactly what I was expecting and wanting. I use it regularly for self-exams. I get clear views of the ear canal and tympanic membrane. I find the device very easy to use, though it does take a little practice using one hand to angle it properly while adjusting the focus. For those interested in self-exams, this is a great device that I recommend very highly.