im new on here and thanks for having me,but i do not own a camera at this point other than a web cam and would like to know what would be best to buy for taking and uploading pictures for a reasonable ammount of money,any thoughts on what would give the best pic quality for this would be greatly appriciated and thanks in advance
The Nikon Coolpix line has done really well for many folks . I think the Nikon L100 goes for about $225-$250, has great macro modes for close up shots and a pretty big lens to let lots of light in. It's not small but very capable where small pocket cameras really just don't do macro shots that well. The most important things beyond this are a sturdy tripod or copy stand and 2-3 adjustible flexible desk or floor standing lights. The lights can be cheap Ikea type lights as long as they are adjustable. The last thing is check out http://www.browncopper.com Mark Goodman has created a book (available on amazon or through Mark) specifically on coin photography. He also has a few scattered articles and blogs on his website.
The Coolpix 995 is a very good starter camera for coin photography. It's macro-capable. Main drawback is that it's only 3.2 Mpixels so closeup shots of small features such as mintmarks are not really possible. Plus it's been out of production for several years. I see a lot of them on eBay in the $100-150 range. When you find them make sure they work (obviously) and have been refurbished. There was a major problem with the originals. You'll need (most of this applies to ANY camera you get): - a camera stand (preferred over a tripod for this sort of work) - an image card - a card reader (I don't think you can hook them directly to you computer) - a battery - a battery charger - a remote shutter release (VERY important since any vibration will blur your images when working in macro mode) - documentation (VERY important since the camera functions are complicated and not necessarily obvious) Also get Mark Goodman's book, Numismatic Photography.
thanks for the input on this i am illiterate when it comes to cameras, i guess my dads old nikkon from the seventies wouldnt work for what i want to use it for,no memory card slot
.....have to mention another popular choice. http://www.microscope.com/dinolite-buyers-guide-t-17.html
If your not familiar with cameras, I suggest prior to spending a lot of money on one, you first decide what you intend to do with one. To run out and purchase a camera, tripod, carrying bags, extra cards, etc. you will want to know what your doing a little. For example if you purchase a digital camera that uses a Compact Flash card, do you have a computer or printer or somethig that can read that type of card? Digital cameras come with built in memories so you have to download from a cable. Does your computer have the ability to do that. Also, there are SD, XD, etc types of cards for cameras. Some cameras that take an SD card can not take the newer higher memory capacity of those new cards. Some SD cards are now as high as 16Gigs of memory. If you purchase a digital camera that uses SD cards, make sure it has the capacity to use all. Yes it can get a bit complicated so make sure you read up on cameras first. And remember, if you loose interest in taking photos of anything, the camera will sit on a shelf as lost money. Same with tripods, extra cards, etc.
One more thing. I have about 5 digital cameras and only use one and very seldom. Usually when my grandughter comes to visit.
thanks carl,my computer can do all the above and i am quite familiar with all the cables,and wires the last camera i had my ex wife took with her 5 years ago and cameras and technology have come a long way ince then,i plan on useing it for numerous things like pics of coins and my kids,i dont need a 1000 dollar camera just something that gets the job done and gives a good quality pic for either a web site or for personal use in my mind i dont need a tripod right now maybe down the road the memory card differences is something i didnt really know about and thanks for the input
