Best Digital Microscope (For Coin Photography/Video Purposes) For Your Money???

Hello CoinTalkers! Here's the story; Lately I have been taking photos of coin collection with a very unreliable camera so I've decided I want to invest in something that will make my coins much more eye-appealing in their photographs. Anything is better than what I have now... My current camera doesn't even FOCUS! I am not looking for anything extremely extravagant, but something that works well. I have come to the conclusion that a digital microscope is what I am looking for, but I have abosulely no idea what brands to look for, where to buy one, or which models are the "best for your money". I would like it to have video recording capabilities. Any comments are appreciated! :smile

Thanks in Advance,
Brian

EDIT: Hooooooray for post #300!

 

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There have been many similar posts that may be of help to you. Just put digital microscope in the white search box in the blue menu bar at the top, next to magnifying glass.

Most of the digital microscopes lack badly in resolution ( most are 3 megpixels or so, which limits blowups), have limited focus and coverage area ( except for those with extended focusing range, which are usually more expensive), and are difficult to separate lighting from the microscope unit, so it is mainly flat head on lighting.


Jim

 

Okay, here's my dumb question for the week!

Why would you want video-recording capability on a microscope? Are you going to record ants in their mating ritual dance? I doubt that they mate, but I don't think the queen would care to have strangers watching her carrying on.

The major drawbacks to many of the digital microscopes are 1) poor lighting because they rely on LED's and 2) it is a poor replacement for a camera if you have larger coins or medals, from half dollar size on up, because it is hard to get the entire coin in the image without compromising the focus.

Chris

 

Spring for a DSLR with Macro lens if it's in your budget. I got one last week and have been playing around with. It is freakin unbelievable how detailed a 15.1 MP image can be in the macro mode. There are probably some websites out there that sell used camera's & lens' as well.

 

I need video recording capabilities because I create YouTube informational videos regarding numismatics and covering part of my personal collection. I am fairly well known on YouTube when it comes to coin collecting, economics, and bullion investments.

-Brian

 

Oh! No wonder! I don't use UTube. I use Arm & Hammer toothpaste.

Chris

 

I have a similar search. Normally I just use my Canon which is pretty darn good. However, I want video too....I've been trying to find a webcam with a decent macro mode for coins. The one suggested in this thread is pretty good, but not quite there:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2165970

 

You found one already right brian?