This invention relates to an article inspection system having one or more endless article conveyors configured to convey articles along one or more conveying paths. One or more light sources and one or more light diffusers are provided, wherein each light diffuser is positioned substantially at or below the level of the articles when conveyed along the conveying paths so as to illuminate, using light from the one or more light sources, at least side portions of the articles with substantially diffuse light when the articles are conveyed along the conveying path(s). At least one camera is positioned to image articles which are conveyed along the conveying paths.