are these things any good? would a 1.3 MP up to 200x take decent pictures of coins to upload to my computer and then to share online? something like this for example http://cgi.ebay.com/4-LEDs-USB-Digi...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3caf7d20f3
The resolution is too poor for much of a blow up, but the largest problem is that it can't take a photo of a complete coin much larger than a 3 cent piece. Not even a whole lincoln cent. I actually bought one about 2 years ago and it was a waste of money and time to figure out how best to get photos. The free software they send doesn't work as well as some freeware photo software. Some have had problems getting it to work on software above xp, so check for drivers. For mint marks, varieties, very small stuff, it isn't too bad, but it is limiting. Some of the more expensive USB scopes have extended focus so they can do large coins. Jim
I own that exact microscope and I will agree with desertgem, it's a cool microscope, but doesn't work very well for coins. I also find it difficult to take photos with it because it typically moves when you press the shutter button.
The best microscopes for coin photos are stereo with either binocular or trinocular components and zoom capability. Trinocular is the best because it has a dedicated eyepiece for the camera attachment. If you're hoping to get one that will take full-frame photos of coins, you can forget it. As has already been stated, they're not much good for anything larger than a dime. However, if your primary purpose is taking microphotos of varieties and errors, then you'd want one of a standard design, similar to mine shown below. You want to be sure that it is equipped with built-in overhead lighting, preferably halogen. You'd also want to make sure that it comes with software that allows you to capture and process images using nothing more than your computer and mouse. This eliminates any possibility of camera movement which can result in blurry photos. Chris
Thanks Chris for the info. I have a nice scope about like that and was wondering if a camera for it would catch a whole coin. Now I'm glad I didn't buy a camera for it.
hi everyone i bought a 400x usb microscope and its not any good with large coins? would a 200x work better?
this is a good thread as I was just getting ready to bu one of those u.s.b. cheap-o's. I'm glad I seen this. Thank you!
No, the microscope lens system should be able to focus sharply on objects up to 40mm or so to get whole US dollar coins in the photo. There are one or 2 USB scopes similar to the China models, but able to focus on a whole silver dollar, they would generally be at least 5-6inches away and at that range , a magnification of 1X to 3-4X, and cost over $500. The Chinese manufacturers and their middlemen use magnification range rather than range of field at focus. They are lucky to get a focus on a range of field the size of a whole cent, most can't. They have limited use for variety and partial coin photos, but they aren't what people want. Most are 1.2mp, or 3mp, or on the more expensive ones 5mp. You can buy a point and shoot 12-14mp camera for under a $100 in Best Buy or Amazon. If it has a "macro" function, you can crop a 12 mp way down and get a better resolution photo than with a 3mp usb microscope camera. And it can take whole album pages, photos of the dog, etc. Jim
thanx excellent information! whats the make and model of that camera? im in the philippines, woould order camera from USA.
I have the Canon SD1400IS. It is a 14MP camera, and it can take very nice pictures of very small coins. The key is to have a copy stand to mount the camera on to avoid shake, and to use the timer when taking photos. Attached is an example of picture of a coin about the diameter of a US dime (18.5 mm) that I took with that camera (click on it for the full size). The Canon SD1200IS is also good, but is 12MP instead of 14MP. Good luck!
I got it on sale at Best Buy when it was $104.99. I think it's around $130 regular price. PS -- It has a macro setting, and has 2 second and 10 second timers (so you can mount it on a copy stand or tripod and use the timer to avoid hand-shake).
