New camera setup looking for advice????

Today i went out and got a few lights and a tri-pod for my camera, also im using a white box. I made a sort of homemade photo booth and i was just looking for some tips or advice on revising its design. I dont think im using the proper lighting so i would like to know what you guys use on here to get such nice photos? Also I would like to know how you get such good photos of toning anything relevant would be appreciated thanks again.



Here is a small sampling of the photos i was able to achieve while using this new setup, they are in plastic flips so dont mind the scratches and finger prints I did not feel like opening them all and photographing raw until i refine my setup a little.

 

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Personally I don't photograph coins, so I'll let others comment. It would be very handy if you left EXIF information in the photos, or posted it here. I'm seeing two issues. Firstly it looks like you've got motion blur in these, I'm curious as to what shutter speed you're using and whether your tripod is really holding the camera still. The other is that you've got some pretty harsh lighting, and some hot spots in areas. I'd think diffusing your light a bit more, or backing it away, might help with that one.

Dave

 

Could have been the tripod its not a very sturdy one....

How do you diffuse lighting???

 

Also dont know how to check shutter speed????

 

Shine it through something like a white napkin for example.

Regarding shutter speed, if you have a way to link us to an original file out of the camera, rather than one you've edited, we'd be able to see the shutter speed. Not sure if you have a way to do that?

Dave

 

Would something like a white sheet work and no i do not have a way to link you the file without editing unless i email it?

 

You can try a sheet. It should work.

 

A white piece of paper might work, though it could be too much. White tissue paper?

I'll pm you my email and you can send the file...

Dave

 

I often times go from paper towels to printer paper when diffusing. It is all what I have at hand really.

 

Message sent....

The lights are just hot and i dont want to burn my house down what kind of lights do you guys use????

 

GE Reveal lights, same as yours, and Halogen lights. Switching depending on what kind of coin I want.

I haven't had any fire problems... Yet.

 

The image you sent be was:
Shutter 1/34
F-stop f/5.4
ISO 100
Focal Length 22mm

While that's a pretty slow speed, it *should* be good enough unless your tripod is made of rubber. It could be the focus is just off, but to me it looks directionally off, which is why I think it's the tripod. Are you pressing the shutter button by hand? If so, you might see if you have a timer on the camera, which would let you push the button, it waits 5-10 seconds (while the tripod settles down from your finger push), and then shoots the shot.

Dave

 

The focus is off a little i think because in order for the image to be clear so close up i have to put a magnifying glass up to the lens. Also the camera i think is too heavy for the tripod maybe i will upgrade soon but in order for my pics to get better i think im going to need to just spend the money and get a camera with a DSLR lens. I will shoot some more pics in the morning with your suggestions.

 

I would suggest this is 99% of your problem. How far back do you have to go before the camera will focus directly on the coin, without this magnifying glass? The pic you sent me was absolutely huge, you could certainly afford to back off a bit if needed.

Dave

 

I will give quick and dirty couple thoughts.

I never diffuse and don't care for the white surround. Reveal bulbs are very blue, be sure to set the white balance.

I see more overdoing it as far as imaging on this forum with tricks and gimmicks. I use light, no diffusers, bounces, angles, or anything funny. Keep is easy and adjust your lights.

 

Ditch the magnifying glass.

Get in macro mode and do what you can with the optical zoom.

 

Here are some new photos i shot with your suggestions and i can honestly say wow not bad at all.