An engineered video inspection lighting system includes a three-dimensional array (22) of solid-state light emitting diodes (18) focused to an inspection area. A single high-current, low-duration pulse is applied to selected elements of the array. Light thus generated is passed through a diffuser (26) and to a specimen (D). Light reflected from the specimen is received by a lens (32) of a video camera (34) disposed in an interior of the three-dimensional array (22). Data thus obtained is used to determine acceptability of the specimen in accordance with preselected standards.