Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze the measuring accuracy and operators error of a newly developed prototype dental multi-spectrophotometer (Handy-MSC, Olympus) that utilizes 8-band LEDs built into the hand-held camera head. The device takes approximately 0.25sec to obtain 8-band image. Methods: Color measurements of 8 shade tabs (VITAPAN A1, A3, A4, 1M-1, 2M-1, 3M-1, 4M-1, 5M-1) were performed using 5 spectrophotometers: Shade-Scan (MHT); MSC-2000 (Olympus); CAS-ID1 (Iwate Med. Univ); PR-650 (Photo-Research); and Handy-MSC (Olympus). The color data obtained by CAS-ID1, an analyzer documented to eliminate edge-loss error and match perceptional readings accurately (Ishikawa, et al, Int J Prosthodont, 1994), was used as control. The color differences between CAS-ID1 and the other units were calculated. The color of the central incisor (upper right) was measured 5 times by 5 operators each using the Handy-MSC and dE among measurements and operators were calculated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Fishers PLSD tests. Results: Color differences are listed in the table:

	Shade-Scan	MSC-2000	PR-650	Handy MSC
dL*(n=8)	3.70±1.1	0.66±1.01	3.63±1.5	1.04±0.3
da*(n=8)	0.28±0.2	1.76±0.45	-2.24±2.1	0.11±0.6
db*(n=8)	3.45±0.45	0.96±0.57	-1.96±3.2	-1.27±0.5
dE (n=8)	6.19±3.66	2.33±0.67	5.11±0.83	2.37±0.44

Shade-Scan and PR-650 indicated significantly higher dL* values (p<0.01). PR-650 showed a lower da* (p<0.05) and db* (p<0.05) values. Shade-Scan had a higher db* (p<0.01) and MSC-2000 indicated a higher da* (p<0.05). Handy-MSC and MSC-2000 produced significantly lower mean dE values (p<0.01). The mean dE values among measurements were 0.36±0.23 and 0.67±0.41 among operators. Conclusion: Data obtained suggest that all units tested have no edge-loss, however readings by Shade-Scan and PR-650 may not match perceptional readings. MSC-2000 and Handy-MSC had readings that matched perceptional readings with a clinically acceptable dE. Thus, the compact Handy-MSC has demonstrated accurate and stable readings that can be useful dental-clinical application.