Coin photography help

I am trying to take better pictures of my coins. I currently have an Ipod Touch 4 that has horrible zoom, and my dad has a camera but he only uploads it to the computer every couple months. Is there anything out there that can take good close up pictures and is not horribly expensive (under $200?) I would rather spend my money on coins than on cameras, but it helps to have images when talking about your coins on here. What would you suggest?

 

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I do not think my pictures are the greatest, but many like my pictures. See Guess the Grade threads. I use a Canon SX150IS. It ran $140 when I bought it about 2 years ago. I have seen pictures as good or better using an old 3MB camera. The real secret is the lighting.

 

I agree rlm, you really don't need to spend a ton of cash on a camera. I just use a simple point and shoot digital, (cannon A3100 IS). I don't take the greatest photos but they are plenty good for me. Here is a random sample for you:

 

As long as the camera has a macro setting, you should be able to find a nice Point and Shoot that will take outstanding pictures for under $200. Just stay with the major brands and you will be OK. It is much more about the photographer and lighting than the camera itself.

Also consider some support for your camera (tripod etc.).

For lighting, two inexpensive goose necks are hard to beat and they won't kill your budget.

Mike

 

As for the lighting secret, I don't use any. Just a window and natural light works best for me. Thats how I took the above photo.

 

Nice image merlin. You must be Irish too! :thumb:

 

How did you guess? LOL Must have been that errant post on the "favorite coin thread"

 

I found the BEST thing to mount the camera on is a "copy stand" I think I paid $28 for it a few years ago. You can find them at any of the larger camera supply places on the internet. I'll see if I can find the link for you....

WOW! I actually remembered where I got it LOL! the price went up a little but it is still very affordable at $32. It works PERFECTLY for what we do:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/385012-REG/Digital_Pursuits_DPCS129_Close_Up_Copy_Stand.html

 

Read Post #37 in this thread.

Or even the entire thread, some pretty good info and entertainment in there.


http://www.cointalk.com/t227236-2/#post1701103

You can also use the search option. Theres been many threads covering the topic.

 

I use a Sony Cybershot DSC-HX10v. Has excellent setting modification ability, 18.2m, and a 16x optical zoom. I paid $230 from Costco Wholesale. I might add it takes great photos of the kid too so the wife was more than happy purchasing it.

Also, it pays to invest in a tri-pod and some goose neck lighting.




Here are some examples of three distributivity different Jeffersons

 

Thanks for the info! I will look at some of these. :greensmile:

 

Btw, nice nickels Josh! I especially like the '39 S.

 

Thanks Merlin, I just ordered me one yesterday. I was wondering are they universal mount for SLR's?

 

Yes it does, they use a 1/4-20 thread on any camera I have seen.