Abstract: A system and method for multimode imaging of at least one sample is disclosed. The system includes at least one light source; an optical system selected responsive to a mode of operation of the imaging system; and a detector capable of selective reading of pixels. The at least one sample is moved elative to the optical system using a sample movement technique selected from the group consisting of step sample moving and continuous sample moving. The method includes the steps of (1) selecting a mode of operation for the imaging system; (2) transmitting light from at least one light source through an optical system selected in response to the mode of operation for the imaging system; (3) moving the at least one sample relative to the optical system using a sample movement technique selected from the group consisting of step sample moving and continuous sample moving; and (4) selectively reading pixels with a detector.