High definition video endoscopes with a resolution in the range of 1080p are still relatively new to the market. They allow for significantly improved visualization of the body’s interior, helping doctors to perform a variety of procedures with confidence and precision. Beyond 1080p HD video is the 4k standard that’s already showing up on electronic store shelves, but 
that’s certainly not the end of it. Soon we should see 8K video coming out, which has the resolution equivalent to 16 1080p screens, but in Japan there’s already an endoscope capable of transmitting 8K video for a truly unprecendented look inside the body.
The technology was made possible by combining a Hitachi Kokusai Electric 8K camera with an endoscope made by Shinko Optical Co. Because of the substantially improved imaging provided by 8K, the group behind the new system believes that surgeons won’t have to move the camera as much to get at the details in the field of view and be able to see structures not even visible with the naked eye. Moreover, the stereoscopic imaging is improved and the depth of field is increased, allowing for a improved workflow without constantly repositioning the camera.
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(hat tip: Gizmodo)