i am still having trouble getting the small details to come out in my pics. here's my latest effort. any critism, advice, comments, etc. are welcome.
I think these pictures are pretty good. What type of camera and software are you using ? Are you using a macro setting on the camera ? I have found some very informative threads regarding photographing and scanning coins and then doing post processing to correct inaccurate lighting. Are you snapping your photos at the highest resolution you possibly can and then scaling them down to just under 240KB in size ? a member here named: jallengomez takes some very clear photos that do not need to be super huge. Check out this link: http://www.cointalk.com/t93175/#post817450 I do not have an SLR camera nor can I afford 1 , so I just use my webcamera & try to hold my hand steady. Here are some of my pics that introduced a whole new challenge which is extremely reflective coin surfaces:desk:
Your IHC's look good enough to me. I hope someone chimes in on how to get better detail. I think all of us have the same problems and lighting is the number one problem. After that using magnifying glasses can help a little with the detail. The more you take, the better they look, most of the time. Some coins are just harder to deal with than others. It's like some coins just don't want their pic taken.
I think the pics look pretty decent. But to me it appears you need to obtain better focus. Are you using a tripod or copy stand? Even if you are, you may be causing a slight shake when pressing the shutter button. You can try using the camera's delay timer function or use a remote to trigger the shutter. Or if you have a DSLR camera, try using manual focus and the AF confirmation. And crank up your megapixels to the camera's max, and be sure you are working within the capability of your lens...not too close/far. I'm learning this stuff too, and there sure is a lot to it -LTB
ok, i'm more convinced now than ever that it has to do with such the size of the coin. am i crazy, or does the detail come out better on the large cent and peace dollar vs. the ihc?
My guess is that the larger coins fill more of the focus area. Try switching the focus mode from multi-point to single-point. This will cause the autofocus to utilize only the center AF point which should prevent it(in theory) from trying to focus on both the coin and areas outside the coin.
The specifications may not list it as a macro setting but I suggest looking under the Auto, Manual, Image Stabilization and 14 scene modes of you camera. The "scene mode" is probably were the macro selection is buried. It may look something like this:
(1) Get a cheap tripod. It really does make a difference. (2) Find the macro setting. (3) Work on the lighting - different coins require different lighting and background. I am willing to bet the color of the coin does not exactly match the color of the real coin. And a lot of this is just continually playing to get the coin to look right.
the default on the camera is single-point, so that wasn't the problem. but thank you for the suggestion. i didn't even think of that! so the flower thing is macro? wow! you learn something new everyday! i'll give it a try and see what happens.
i think the flower/macro thing made a HUGE difference! thanks for the tip! the one on the left was, previously, what i thought was my best pic taken. the one on the right is using the advice given. all the difference in the world, i think. now to work on lighting issues.
I totally agree....the macro setting made a HUGE difference......good job! Go to Target, Walmart, or somewhere and get youself a cheap small tripod. That will make it even better. Then, start to play around with your lighting....different types and different positioning. Try diffused light.....hang a white cloth over the light source.....play around and keep trying. GREAT job so far! Post up more of your attempts.
