PCGS "Tru-Views" I'm very unimpressed

These are the first tru-views I have had PCGS do. Not to mention the first coins I have ever sent in (I will post the grades via a contest in the coming days).

I don't know exactly what I was expecting on the images, but I really thought they would be much better. I am most surprised on how they all just seem dull, void of luster and really wash out any hits or nicks. These coins having booming luster and look a heck-of-a lot more appealing than the PCGS images portray.

Here are my images following theirs. Keep in mind I use a $170 point and shoot camera.
Maybe I have a bias opinion, but I feel mine are much better.

Am I nuts?

I'm not looking for accolades on my imaging, but rather to point out the lack of quality on the tru-views.

What say you?













edit: Here is my setup if anyone cares.

 

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Wow Greg, beautiful coins. Only one problem. I think I must have borrowed you that FE and forgot about it... my address is on it's way!

Kidding! Beautiful Coins. I do think the FE has better color in their images, but otherwise, I'd say your pictures look better than theirs. The nickel looks the worst of them all. Seems very very flat, but that's just me.

 

How about now BigTee? I added one more photo of the FE. :thumb:

 

Lol thanks GP. I wouldn't go that far. I certainly see many members with better images than the PCGS tru-views.

 

gbroke I agree yours are better then the True view. They just seem to have better detail in yours.
I also would not go as far as to say yours are the best I've seen on CT but they are exceptionally good for that set up you have.
Is that really all you used to get those shots? I assume so but HOW?

 

What is that pod the camera is mounted to called and where can I get one?

 

Damn, yea I really need my coin back! :devil:

I take back the previous statement, all your pictures are now better than the tru-view

They're all nice coins but man, can't wait to see what the 1857 graded! acing:



Just noticed you had a Lincoln up there too! I think I forgot to look past the Flying Eagle. Great batch Greg!

 

Not sure what the name is, but this tripod came in a lightbox kit from ebay. Any small tripod that has the same axis adjustments is all that is needed. $10 will get you what you need.

That's it Duke.
It's all about camera setting, lighting, and small adjustments in imaging software (Google Picassa is perfect for this).

Here are some screen shots from a tutorial I have been working on. (Click them to enlarge)
I will go into greater detail in the tutorial on best lighting positions for certain coin designs.

 

Thanks!

 

Maybe PCGS has the same set-up!! :u*meY:


(And while you are not looking for accolades, you do take some great snaps!)

 

Do I dare say robec has competition???

 

I would have to say, yours look better than the tru-views. In my opinion, you seem to lose a little detail on the quarter at the eagle's breast and feathers which connect to it, but it is more than made up for with the clarity that I see added to the inscriptions USA and E Pluribus Unum, as well as the luster being shown to a far greater extent(an example). Overall, I would say that while you loose a bit of detail(only on a couple of them), you highlight the luster far better than the tru-views. And, some of those pictures of your's blew the tru-views out of the water, showing better detail, luster, etc.

 

I actually like all the images.

 

Does pcgs take the photo of the coins when they are raw, or are they slabbed when they take the photo?

 

I like your shot of the 1916 Lincoln more than the TrueView

 

raw

 

I think I know what you're about to say...though I don't think it's necessarily a valid point since all of Phil's photos look consistantly the same.


On topic: I think your photos do an amazing job capturing the luster and accurately showing the coin's hits and dings; though I do think your photos are slightly over-contrasted/saturated (only a little ). I like the Trueviews because they show off an even lighting around the coin while still showing luster in a "satiny" sort of way. I do agree that they're a bit washed out and have color biases. Now I'm curious and need to get a Trueview to see for myself!


On a side note, I'm really looking forward to seeing that FE's grade! :yes: What a beauty! (like all your other coibs pictured)

 

Honestly, i would post both photos if i was to ever sell them. I like how yours show the coin itself more but i like how theirs shows all the toning.