Researchers have developed a compact imaging system that can measure the shape and light-reflection properties of objects with high speed and accuracy. This 5D hyperspectral imaging system—so-called because it captures multiple wavelengths of light plus spatial coordinates as a function of time —could benefit a variety of applications including optical-based sorting of products and identifying people in secure areas of airports. With further miniaturization, the imager could enable smartphone-based inspection of fruit ripeness, or personal medical monitoring.