When i first started posting here, I tried to take some pictures and they turned out awful. Originally I thought it was my camera taking poor pictures, but I soon learned that it was the operator. Believe it or not you can take pretty decent pictures with just about any digital camera that has a macro function of some sort. I think the main key is first making the camera steady, and then having a well aimed source of light. After that it's just about adjusting till they improve and you are satisfied. There are several posts on this forum pertaining to coin photography that should be quite helpful. I started with a sony exilim 7.2 mp, and I did ok, but while rummaging around for something the other day I turned up a Cannon powershot A530 5mp and it seems to be easier for me to use. Here is a picture I took with it the other day after I found it:
For that price range, forget the camera. You're better off getting a scanner. I personally have a flatbed Cannon FB630U and it's very simple but gets the job done. You can get up to 1200 dpi, and for coins you rarely would need more than that. It costs $10-$30 (seriously, look over at ebay or amazon) for a typical Cannon flatbed scanner. You won't get the amazing shots that people get with full lusters and everything from fancy set-ups and fancy lighting, but I am personally happy enough with these kinds of shots: Plenty of detail, usually picks up the true colors of the coin, and no fancy set-up needed (not even photoshop or anything... that blue background is an empty folder i threw on top of the coin before i closed the scanner lid.) With cameras, the biggest pain for me is getting all the settings right to have the photos pick up the right colors of the coin. With the scanner, I never had to adjust anything, it just scans, that's all. Plain and simple.
You can take great pictures with a camera for under $100. Read my post here: http://www.cointalk.com/t145084/
"great pictures" is wholly subjective. While your results are above par, there are many who are not as adept at achieving those kind of results, for one reason or another, no matter what amount of money they spend on equipment nor how much time they devote to mastering the tools and learning the fundamentals of photography, let alone macro photography for numismatic subjects.
I will be posting a video tutorial on how to achieve those results for those who are beginners in the use of imaging software. Hopefully that will help a lot of people.
A scanner can be useful and give nice detail, however, from personal experience, I can say a scanner won't capture colors (for toners) and luster or any brilliance nearly as well as a photo will.
Sounds good for beginners and those who have been at it for some time. I always enjoy seeing other people's methods, that show-me approach helps in sharing ideas, tips and tricks. I look forward to your post.
