Abstract: The invention is directed to a digital microform reader that has a form carrier. A light projection system projects light onto the form carrier. A digital imaging system images a portion of the form carrier. A computer communication data interface system receives an electronic image from the digital imaging system, wherein the digital microform reader does not contain a viewer. A light diffusion sheet may be used with a condenser lens of the light projection system. The digital imaging system includes a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) detector. CMOS detectors are able to capture an image much faster than CCD (Charge Coupled Device) detectors. Because the system does not have a separate viewer it is much less expensive than prior art systems. The system also uses less energy than prior art machines because of its use of light diffusion sheets with the condenser lens and as a background for the microform.