Embodiments of a compact camera for imaging the ocular fundus are described. In some embodiments, the camera is a light, handheld camera that acquires a plurality of images of the fundus. The camera can be configured to acquire images manually or automatically. A movable imaging lens or movable image detector provides the images in a series to obtain an image with optimal focus. The camera can acquire a series of images and allow selection of an optimal image either manually, or automatically. In some embodiments, the camera is part of an imaging system that includes a base station. The base station exchanges data with the camera and can receive image data generated by the image detector of the camera. The base can further include networking capability, such that image data can be distributed over a network or to other communication or computing devices.