I have searched and looked through the threads and as of yet I have not found, how do you get the great looking images that you all post. I have used my I phone and scanner and I can't get the images like the ones posted. Do I have to buy a camera or what? As a matter of fact how do you add a image? Tom
You can post an image by clicking on the "upload a file" button just to the right of the "post reply" button. You could also copy your photo and then paste it into the area where you type.
I kinda have the same question. I get the "upload a file" button or cut and paste a photo, but what tools (camera/phone/lighting, etc..) are these guys using to post such great close-up/detailed pictures of their coins?
I use a Mac and have iPhoto would that be the same? And when I use my camera the image is always blurry. Any tips on taking an image?
A point and shoot camera will give you very nice photos but you have to use it correctly. Read your camera's manual, use a tripod or some other way to stabilize it, and learn to control or use the lighting. Do you need to buy a camera to get some half decent photos? Maybe not. If you have a smart phone or iPad and learn to stabilize it and control the lighting then you're on the right path. If you can control the aperture and shutter speed and zoom then you're off to a good start. Each one of those coins was taken with my wife's point and shoot on a tripod using a lamp and ambient lighting with a round piece of black poster board to create a shadow behind the coin.
I did this one in less than 5 minutes with a 14MP camera and a shaky hand, it's not great but does the job. Photos are pretty simple, you just have to work at it until you find your groove. I recommend two lights making a sort of Y with your coin when you take the shot.
@tomd Practice... practice... practice! Mark Goodman's book Numismatic Photography and website has lots of good info to help out beginners. There are lots of posts on forums like this one and some tips you can find on YouTube and such sites. A member of this forum has a lot of good advice for photography as well: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/dougsmith/coinphoto2011ez1.html Understanding lighting is as important as knowing your camera and ability to edit in Photoshop or similar editing programs.
The PCGS Photo department also has some tips, I suggest reading Phil Arnold's thoughts on photography in these articles: Glamor Shots for your PCGS Slabs Zen and the Art of Numismatic Photography
I was just on another thread on D over D and the discussion was using a Plugable USB 2.0 Digital Microscope with Flexible Arm Observation Stand for Windows, Mac, Linux (2MP, 10x-250x Magnification)
Yes, for close-up shots, you can go with a microscope. If you have a macro setting or decent lenses and can mount a camera to a copy stand or tripod arrangement, you may obtain close up images as well without a microscope.
