Discussion on coin photography

Hello I’m pretty new to coin collecting still and thought this would be a good idea for other people like me. So all you pros out there, I need answers. (Thanks in advance)

1. If you use a camera, which one and what lens?
2. If you use your phone what app do you use?
3. Any tips on setting up lighting for beginners?
4. How do you maximize sharpness in detail with a phone and a camera.

This board is open to any cointography related subjects as well. Show me your favorite photos here’s mine. I just love dolphins.

 

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Until it died I used a Canon T3 (In live mode) with an 18-55mm macro lens for whole coins shots. For the extreme closeups I bought a set of cheap tube extenders on eBay. This allowed me to zoom in pretty close and still have a clear shot. I also made my own copy stand which held the camera steady.

For lighting I have 2 Jansjo goose neck lights I purchased online. These are great little lights that are easy to move around and allows you to change the angle of light easily. I do wish I had three of them though.

Having good lighting, a steady platform to shoot from, and the right lens is important in maximizing sharpness. The background color you are shooting on is also important. I find dark grey or white non glossy backgrounds work well with most coins.

The only other thing I can think of right now is white balance. To put it simply a camera does not know what white will look like under your lighting. You must tell it what the color white is. Once your camera has "learned" this it will be able to accurately show the colors you are shooting. Most DSLR camera will allow you to adjust this with a few easy steps. If you are unable to adjust this manually there are programs that will allow you to do it in editing. Gimp is one that comes to mind for this.

Do not own a cellphone so can't help ya there.

 

If you love dolphins, then you should like this French medal.


~ Chris

 

If you decide to go with a DSLR, put the money in a nice macro lens. The lens is the most important part of getting quality images.
Mark Goodman wrote this book.
https://www.ebay.com/i/113756223345...oV-4iTw04dzl6fvA-pSga3dFoea0I8nRoCgUIQAvD_BwE

 

I personally use a 50x zoom USB camera attachment I got from ebay for my closeups.

 

I use a macro I purchased from the FIVE BELOW store for about $5.00, it works great

 

Thank you for all the information you've provided it will come to good use when I get my first camera. I also just got a metal detector and saw you own one as well so if you know any good spots in Arizona let me know cant think of any that would be historical though.

 

I. LOVE. IT.

 

Glad to know that the lens is a big contributor because I don't have the money for an expensive camera at the moment haha

 

Got any pics with it to share? I heard they can be iffy but if yours works well i'd love to try it out.

 

Yeah, my profile picture is one. Here is some more from a DDD coin I found a bit back.

 

Here is my profile picture

 

Wow that's pretty good does it zoom out? Looking to fill the frame with the whole coin.

 

Unfortunately, no. It is stuck at 50x. Good for spotting minor imperfections and errors though!