A digital display apparatus (10) using a spatial light modulator (30) projects a monochrome or multicolor image onto a display surface (40) for diagnostic imaging applications. The image can be displayed on a direct-view display surface (40) or, with the image mirrored, on a display screen. A single spatial light modulator (30) could serve for all component colors, with multiplexed color channels. Alternately, additional spatial light modulators (30) could be used, either to obtain higher image resolution or to improve speed and performance. An optional variable filter (28) could be used to selectively control the relative transmission level of color components for successive color components.