Scheimpflug photography is a well recognised technique for obtaining sagittal views of the anterior structures of the human eye in vivo. A new generation of Scheimpflug camera, which uses a CCD (charge coupled device) instead of film, permitting the digitised image achieved to be directly analysed using computerised linear scanning densitometry, is described. The advantages and present limitations of this system over the older film using system are discussed and the reproducibility of the new CCD system in its ability to measure certain features of the crystalline lens is presented.