Being somewhat technically challenged, I figured I’d throw this out here. I plan on viewing tens of thousands of coins and would prefer not to have to inspect each one with a loop. I like the enlarged view one gets of a coin from a pic, but would also prefer not to take a pic of each one. Optimally I’d like to be able to place the coin in/on a “devise” that will show the coin enlarged at least 5x on the computer screen and then capture a pic if desired. THERE MUST BE SUCH A SETUP OUT THERE, right? Anyone out there have such a setup or hear of one, even if applied to a different use? If not and you’re viewing coins enlarged, what are you using?
I am thinking that tethering a camera to a PC would accomplish this rather easily as long as you didn't need to change the lighting setup. There are a number of threads about tethering on the PCGS forum. For example: It's been awhile since anyone's discussed tethering a camera to their PC. Is this now a realistic option.
Great link, thanks Haven’t read it all yet, but what I did read about, although expensive, has been on my list to acquire for sometime now (a D300 or 40d). For now, hoping the link says something about tethering a less expensive camera to the computer – should be doable with the correct cable/software.
While using a picture to view a coin has the advantage of convenience it also has disadvantages. That being that a picture doesn't always show you everything you need to know. You can view 10 pictures of the same coin and still not always know everything you need to know. There is nothing that can replace or take the place of viewing a coin in hand. Of course it is also important to understand that if you don't have the requisite knowledge to start with, it won't really matter much how you view the coin.
Just thinking off the top of my head but why not hook a USB microscope to your PC? Get one with variable power from 5x-20X. The ability to take a picture is there also. Without the ability to take a picture (and what I would do if viewing that many coins) get a lighted magnifying swing lamp. You have to drop about $100 for a nice one with nice clear optics, but it'll save your eyesight. Secondly, you could get a jewelers head strap magnifier. I use one for soldering small electronics. They have them with interchangeable lenses to adjust magnification to you get what you want. Again, don't skimp on price, the nicer more expensive ones have better optics. .....Just my two cents.......
I hear what you're saying, pics can be deceptive - maybe I'll use some combination of tethering/pics and loupes. Maybe weed out the potentially good ones with tethering, then examine with a loupe. As for knowledge, that's an ongoing process - want to get to the point I can identify uber high grades that have a chance with the TPG'ers.
Nikon Camera Pro will work with a D300, but IIRC, it will not with a D40 (or D3000/3100). I also believe lightroom has a tethering option, but I've not yet used it. There is a free trial, so you may want to check it out. https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/tdrc/index.cfm?product=photoshop_lightroom
If you want to view a bazillion coins quickly and closely, for whatever reasons you may have, why don't you buy one of those reading magnifiers that has a ring light around it and is used as a table lamp? By doing this, you can look at tons of coins up close quite easily.
Yes, I have one of those and do use it, I think it's 5x, so it does work well for larger coins. But, I would like the advantage of a range of magnification, including very high for viewing small coins and more detail, and to reduce eye strain.
Haven't checked this link yet, but will any of those options for tethering work with any camera, like a Sony point & shoot?
This is a good idea. It's a visual presenter, Elmo is a brand. We have one here at work we never use, stop on by...
