A capsule endoscope is disclosed that includes a light source, an
objective optical system that forms an image of an object that is
illuminated by the light source, an image pickup device that receives the
image formed by the objective optical system; and a transparent cover
that is positioned in front of the objective optical system. Specified
conditions are satisfied by the objective optical system so that objects
having a shape that conforms with the shape of the transparent cover at
the periphery of the field of view, as well as more distant objects
on-axis, are within the depth of field of the objective optical system's
field of view. The transparent cover itself is purposely kept from being
within the depth of field of the objective optical system's field of
view.