Photographing Paper Money

the_man12 · 06-10-2009, 11:08 PM

I was just wondering how you guys get such good pictures. I've got the coins down, but I'm lost when it comes to currency imaging.

CamaroDMD · 06-10-2009, 11:23 PM

I usually scan the notes.

north49guy · 06-10-2009, 11:29 PM

I usually put it the notes on a black background like a binder or something, and under a light from above, it usually does a pretty good job. Scanned a few but it makes them too washout/white I find.

CamaroDMD · 06-10-2009, 11:54 PM

These are both scanned and I think they look good:

north49guy · 06-11-2009, 12:35 AM

Here is the difference when I scan vs. photos... I find that the photo shows the actual condition of the note better (the folds, creases etc) The scanned note is better condition then the one photo'd anyways but I dont think the scanned one is as good as it looks in the scan.

Scan

Camera

CamaroDMD · 06-11-2009, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by north49guy

Here is the difference when I scan vs. photos... I find that the photo shows the actual condition of the note better (the folds, creases etc) The scanned note is better condition then the one photo'd anyways but I dont think the scanned one is as good as it looks in the scan.

I think for a fair comparison you'd need to have the same note imaged in both ways. I have noticed that scanning them does seem to take a little of the wrinkling out in the image sometimes...plus, both notes I posted are CHCU.

Here is a well circulated note I got out of circulation a while back. This is scanned and I think it's an honest image of the notes condition. I think it also depends on the scanner and software though.

north49guy · 06-11-2009, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamaroDMD

I think for a fair comparison you'd need to have the same note imaged in both ways. I think it also depends on the scanner and software though.

I agree with the note thing, it is hard to tell. And ya my settings could be off or something.

Daggarjon · 06-11-2009, 10:11 AM

i scan all my currency, and image all my coins.

Reagrdless of scanned versus imaging notes, both can easily hide defects in the notes. Alot of depends ont he integrity of the person imaging/scanning the note. If the person wishes to hide imperfections, it can be done. Like other folks here, i prefer to get the closest possible version of the actual note. Different scanners will certainly do a better job then others, as will cameras be different frome ach other and from scanners.

I prefer scanning notes because it is alot quicker and easier with my batch scanning function (put 4 notes on the glas, hit scan, and i get 4 different images!), and scanning my notes gives me images that are very close to what the note actually looks like, so there is no incentive for me to use my camera instead.

dursin · 06-11-2009, 10:27 AM

All my notes are scanned and they tend to come out pretty good. You can see all of them if you click the link in my sig.

RickieB · 06-12-2009, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_man12

I was just wondering how you guys get such good pictures. I've got the coins down, but I'm lost when it comes to currency imaging.

I use a Epson Perfection 3170... most scanned images are at 150-300 dpi..
I cover the top inside lid with black paper for a black background.

For images that I really want to "pop" I scan at 600 dpi and above.

Do not know if that model still exist, but they are great scanners!

RickieB

Daggarjon · 06-12-2009, 07:45 AM

Epson scanners are the devil

I really do like the images i get from my current Epson .... i just dont like how Epson limits my activities!!!!

Anyhoot... i think the decision as to wheather you use a camera or scanner for your imagin needs comes down to you. If you can get better images froma camera, do that. I just liek the speed and ease in which i can scan my notes. But if my scanner didnt do such a good job at creating images, i might not be so inclined to stick with it.

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