Symbology readers and methods of reading DPM codes on objects therewith are provided. The symbology reader include a housing that defines a cavity having a first portion and a second portion. A window that separates the first portion and the second portion of the cavity is positioned within the cavity. The symbology reader includes a diffuser configured to diffusingly reflect light that impinges thereon positioned within the first portion of the cavity. The symbology reader includes an imaging assembly and a first illumination assembly positioned within the second portion of the cavity. The symbology reader includes an optical element configured to direct illumination light to impinge upon the diffuser.