Abstract: A modular imager or camera system is selectively communicatively coupleable to a portable computing device. The camera system may include interchangeable lenses, and coupling structure to physically removably couple to other device, for instance microscopes. The camera system may also have the capability to connect, receive input from, or provide output to one or more input devices or output devices, which may be connected either in addition to or in place of an image sensor. The portable computing device may run one or more apps which receive and/or process images or other data from the camera system, control the camera system, and/or share images and other information between multiple portable computing devices and/or camera systems. Such is particularly useful in educational settings, allowing students or groups of students to operate respective camera systems and share images, for example under control of a teacher or facilitator.