What do I need to look for in a camera that I can use for coin pics? I just got a compact digital camera with 5MP and 5x, but I am not sure what is key for those great closeup photos some of you take (I have not opened the camera yet as I may exchange it).
Thanks, but what's a "macro setting"? Do I need a digital camera with all sorts of manual features? The one I have (which I have not opened yet, pending decision on exchange), is a point and shoot type thing. Probanly great for pics of friends or the dog, but can it be made to work for coins? I did do some research and see that it has a focus range minimum of 3 feet, which is probably not what is best for coin pics.
If it has a focus range minimum of 3 ft - that's NOT the one you want. A camera with a good macro feature will allow you to focus at 1/2 inch. The better ones to within 1/4 inch. That's what macro is - it allows ultra-close focus.
While your first sentence is certainly true, the rest is a bit off base. Specifcally, your statement doesn't take into account the focal length of the lens. For instance, I use a 200mm macro lens (actually a Nikon 70-200 VR with Canon 500D closeup lens) and the closest focus distance of just over a foot, and I assure you nobody complains about my photographs. Here's one from tonight: Take care...Mike
Well, Being disatisfied with the ability of my scanner to get luster, I picked up a new digital camera today. I was looking at the nice Olympia and Canons with real lenses for the $800 range, but I just couldn't splurge a weeks salery on another camera with my Canon AE-1 sitting on the couch. But, I did spend about $300 on a Sony Cyber Shot 3x 7.2 megapix with a 2.6 inch LCD monitor... blah blah blah. Now, I'm a functionally competent photographer with my Canon AE-1 but Leadfoots comment is a bit beyond me. I'm sure there is math to the optics. And these lower end digital cameras not only have inferior lenses (although this one is Carl Zeiss Lens) but more importantly suffer from an inability to focus manually, adjust apeture or the fstop. In addition I'm still learning how to use it. But there seems to be a limitation to the automatic focus system regarding the shape of coins and slabs. I got some decent results and others, eh... no focus. For example this raw Peace Dollar is extrodanary in detail I can clearly see it not as a MS64 hear and an AU coin. Then there was this photo I took of a Morgan in a slab and the focus is just not a clear The focus algorithm seems to focus the slab instead of the coin. Earlier tries without the stand, hand held, don't come out clear. The camera must be mounted which is not true when I use the Canon AE-1 with film. Check this detail Not bad for click and go....jeez
Sounds like your not into cameras much so for instance what has been said is that you need a camera with a Macro feature. Macro is a term sort of like Microscopic. In other words you can move the camera very close to the subject for closeup photos. Some cameras have that feature, some have a double Macro system like my Fuji, some require you to add a closeup filter lens to the front of your camera. I suggest you check if any camera you buy has a filter ring for future additional filters or lenses. If you do try and remeber that there are some really common filter ring sizes like 49,52 and 55mm. Your best bet is to try out some photo type web sites and read what they say is the abilities of that camera. You can also learn alot by checking out the B&H web site. One of the largest photo organiztions around. It's www.bhphotovideo.com. Check out any camera stores in your area and just make a pest of yourself and ask questions about closeup abilities. I like my Fuji S7000 for most of my closeups. I've tried my Olympus D-320L and it stinks. Also, tried my Sony Mavica MVD-7 and -88 but also not to good at closeups. I've also got Canon A-1, AE-1 and AE-1 Program, a few Ricohs, several Pentexes, Hasselblad and a few others but all those are film cameras and hardly ever use them anymore. Although the Yashica with Vivitar +1,+2,+3 filters has turned up some really great closeups.
Short answer, look for the little flower icon. Most digital cameras today use it to indicate the macro mode. If you still haven't opened it, go to the manufacture's website and check out the specs...you should be able to download the manual for your specific camera. If your JUST looking for a coin camer, I'd suggest going with the Digital Blue QX5 USB computer microscope. I just got one (which reminds me I need to update a previous post) and I love it. It has 10X 60X and 200X (closer than you will EVER need to get) modes. Generally, the 10X is more than sufficient for posting here, and the 60X is great for seeing even the slightest doubling. They run about $80. I got mine from tigerdirect.com and it got to me within a week, great packaging, good communication, tracking, no problems, etc.
You're right of course Leadfoot, I was not taking into account long lenses. My comments were general in nature in that many if not most of the digital cameras have 35mm lenses. And with them, you have to get close to get good pics. With a 200mm lense, you can stay 12 - 18 inches away and zoom in on the object until you are in effect - only 1/2 inch away.
Thanks for the input - I will have to digest it all. My digital camera is definitely a "snapshot" camera, and I am not sure I will exchange it for a specialized close-up one right now. The ones that are best for micro work may not be the best for throwing in your pocket and taking along on vacation. I will see if I can get the best of both worlds while staying in the same general area, and I know I can get a version that cuts the 3 ft focus down to less than a foot - not sure if that will help. Maybe I will check out the camera stores this weekend.
Again I might suggest the Fuji series such as the S5000 or S7000. The S9000 is still to new and costly. These are a little on the larger size cameras but are capable of everyday shooting for all practical purposes and 2 sttings for great close up abilities. Always check for the type of batteries your camera may use. Example is the Mavica series which only uses Sony Batteries and are very costly. Many cameras use AA batteries which are available everywhere. One nice thing about the Fuji is the fact that it has both an XD memory card AND a Compact Flash card at the same time inside. You can easily switch between the two without removing or changing anything except the settings. Gives you more photo ability while on vacation without carrying spare stuff. Even the built in flash has settings for strength and the camera has a hot shoe for larger flash units. Not that I'm partial to this camera but for all around usage can't be beat. One more thing is to check your web sites for camera shows. They have them just like coin shows, gun shows, knife shows, etc. Great for photo education and much cheaper to buy a camera.
As the acknowledged electronics geek in the family and my circle of friends, I get asked a lot about digital cameras. I'm going to say the same thing to you that I do to everyone else - go to Best Buy or Walmart and get a Canon A520. There is simply nothing else in that price range ($200) that combines the A520's capabilities all in one package. It's a 4MP, 4x zoom point-and-shoot with excellent macro capabilities. It can be run fully automatic, or fully manual once you become more comfortable with photography and want to start playing. It will take excellent pics of your coins in macro mode at resolutions far larger than you can display here, while being the perfect in-your-shirt-pocket vacation camera. And I mean in your pocket - it's only 3.5x2.5x1.5 inches thick. Here's a review from a trustworthy site: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/a520.html Currently around $180 at Walmart, and $199 at Best Buy. That's so close to the best online prices that it's worth the extra for return and warranty support. I'd buy one myself if I didn't already have a perfectly good camera with the features I need.
THANK-YOU for the short answer-I've been trying to figure out best ways to take pics for weeks, but just can't figure it out-amazing what a little flower can tell you--- Bill
Listen to SuperDave ... he used to be a moderator at one of the largest technology websites on the Internet. Too bad for us he retired
I've been staying away from the Canon because as i understand it, the new Canons are dependent on custom software to extract the photo's from the camera. I could be wrong about this. It was just a blurb I read on a DRM mailing list.
Also, Walmart is not an option until they fix their hiring practices and Best Buy actually erased my kids hard drive once and reinstalled Windows on it when she brought it in for a memory upgrade. They've been crossed off the list also. I stick now with CompUSA as a national chain. Ruben
OK, I'll respect your desire for morality to have a place in your shopping choices. For you, since you're obviously tech-savvy, I'd suggest $185 shipped from Mwave. My recommendation for local-purchase is only for those who are uncomfortable shopping for it online.
Thats a decent price I also googled this http://www.linuxquestions.org/hcl/showproduct.php/product/2926/sort/2/cat/all/page/1 http://capture.sourceforge.net/ http://www.teaser.fr/~hfiguiere/linux/digicam.html
