What type of camera should I get for photographing coins?

Hi there, I plan on getting a new digital camera soon. I don't plan on getting one of those $1100 super-duper professional ones. Just a small digital one, that has good zoom and macro mode for coins. Do any of you have cameras that you would recommend?

 

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You might be able to find a small point and shoot that sometimes might get a good image. But I recommend a used DSLR with a true macro lens of 50-100mm. A Pentax K10D body can be had for less than $300 and Canikons for a bit more. Search E-Bay and Craigslist for the lens and you will have a great system.

 

If you have a good point and shoot with macro and zoom capabilities (Pay attention to optical zoom, ignore digital zoom) you can actually get very good pictures with even a cheap camera. I would also get a tripod or a copy stand, and you want someway to tip the shutter without holding the camera. Either a cable release or a timer setting. If you are shoot very close up the slightest movement of the cammera will result in a blurry picture. To a very large extent technique is more important than the camera.

 

Take a coin

Go to a Big Box Store and pull a coin out of your pocket.

Tell them you want to take photos of it.

Ask if they have any cameras on sale in your price range and request they demonstrate it.

If they are of no help~

Go to a Big Box Store and pull a coin out of your pocket............repeat until they show you what you want.