So, I finally got a decent camera. A Kodak Easyshare c913. Problem is, the coins still are blurred, even when I zoom...I don't know how to autofocus or how to use macro.. Any suggestions? stainless
My camera has a button you push to make it clear, push in slightly to focus and then to take the picture. I suggest 2 things. Read the instruction manuel for the camera, and then go out and buy this book. I have heard GREAT things about it and this guy is a good, its supposedly easy to understand too. Here is one of my coin's he photographed: Here's his book: http://www.amazon.com/Numismatic-Photography-Mark-Goodman/dp/1933990090
Definitely recommend reading the manual first. Most cameras have a macro mode, you will need that for taking good coin pics. You will probably need to be in manual mode to control the settings. Get at least two, and preferrably more, very bright, very clean lights (I use the curly halogen bulbs) Position your coin in front of your camera and adjust the lights as necessary to properly illuminate the coin as seen through the viewfinder. Adjust the aperture and shutter speed - A low aperture and very high shutter speed work best. And by high, I have been using 1/800 lately and it has been giving me great results. Play around, experiment, take your time. Learning to photograph coins is a very difficult, but very rewarding experience. Remember, patience is the key. I sometimes take 30 or 40 shots of a very difficult coin, adjusting the lights or the settings until I find exactly the right look. But to me the extra time is worth it. Here are a couple of very difficult coins I recently photo'd - the they are beauties!
Unfortunately, I don't have the best news for you. I had a Kodak Easy share C713, and I couldn't get macro pictures worth anything. You will have to turn the dial on the top right hand side to the picture of the flower, that is your macro. I remember I had to hold a magnifying glass up to the lens to get any detail to show in the coin at all.
That's right. Try holding a 10X loupe over the camera lens. You can actually tape the loupe to the lens. You can also try changing the distance you are away from the coin. I have the Kodak cx7330 with the easyshare program. I also find that when you push the shutter button halfway down the focus changes before you take the picture. So to get the best focus push down on the button slightly then adjust your distance before snapping the shot. Hope this helps.
Thanks all for the help I am able to get them in focus, but should I try shooting further away...these are the best I can do so far. Also, I should note, about 90% of coin pics will be for ancients: stainless
stainless looks like we're about at the samelevel , but at least you can get your pics to CT , I'll give you a call this weekend . rzage
Buy an inexpensive tripod. That will help resolve some of the focus issues! Looks like you are doing better but it gets much easier with the tripod! Good Luck ~ Darryl
I was going to say read the manual, but that was too easy....so I will just say learn to read. :whistle: Plus, like Daryl said, get a cheap 12inch photo tripod. You can find one at walmart for about $10-15. That would really help a bunch. Or if you want to go big time, go this way.... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110422269010&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_1403wt_1165
How does the auto focus work on digital cameras? If doing macro shots of a coin in a slab, will it focus on the coin or the plastic in front of the coin? What digital cameras allow for manual focus?
Not much else to say, I agree with the others Mark's book is a great start for getting everything setup right.
Yes generally if you get a little farther away it is easier to get the coins in focus. That also allows you to get a much higher angle of lighting which will show the coin off a little better.
Macro is just a function of the lens and camera that allows for focus only for a close distance. Basically it is settings for a depth of field meant for close objects and usually works for things like flowers, coins etc...
Macro is for taking pictures with small details , it's not a cure all , but helps immensely in coin pics , it shows up as a flower icon on most cameras . rzage
