Abstract: A confocal optical imaging system comprises light source means (110, 310, 410, 710), detector means (150, 160, 350, 360, 450, 750) with at least one two-dimensional detector camera, and spatial light modulator means (120, 320, 420, 720) with a first (121a) and a second group (121b) of modulator elements, wherein the first group of modulator elements is adapted to illuminate an object to be investigated according to a predetermined pattern sequence of illumination spots focused to conjugate locations (141, 341, 441) of the object from which detection light is directed to the detector means for forming a first image Ic, and the second group of elements is adapted to illuminate the object at non-conjugate locations and/or to direct detection light from non-conjugate locations of the object to the detector means for forming a second image Inc. In an optical imaging method using this system, the first and second images are collected simultaneously or subsequently.