Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;davidh, post: 499801, member: 15062&quot;]While for many purposes, a more expensive camera might do a better job that a simple point-and-shoot, those better jobs generally are in-camera manipulation of the image.&nbsp; For taking pictures of a single object in a fixed position, e.g., a coin, a &quot;cheap&quot; camera is completely sufficient.&nbsp; The owner of the referenced web site says the pictures he shows on the site were taken with a small 2 MP camera.&nbsp; That is sufficient to take pictures of the size of the one on the site, 1.5-2&quot; screen size.&nbsp; If you want pictures that will fill a 8&quot; screen without pixelling you&#039;d need a camera of 6 MP or greater.</p><p><br /></p><p>1. A camera capable of capturing 6 MP or more without distortion on its CCD (the digital equivalent of film).&nbsp; Almost any camera around $200 or more has this capability.</p><p><br /></p><p>2. A way to focus close.&nbsp; Almost all cameras meeting the first qualification have a macro setting capable of focusing as close as 1.75-2&quot;.&nbsp; Without macro focusing, you can get a bit closer using a telephoto lens or function but it&#039;s not quite a good as macro.</p><p><br /></p><p>3. A way to hold the camera rock steady.&nbsp; A tripod or copy stand fits the requirement.&nbsp; With a fast enough shutter speed, you might be able to get away with hand holding the camera, but it&#039;s not recommended even then.&nbsp; It&#039;s best practice to use the time delay for releasing the shutter.&nbsp; That will eliminate any shaking of the camera when you push the release button.</p><p><br /></p><p>4. Suitable lighting to light the subject without shadows or reflections.&nbsp; This is what a light box does.&nbsp; It takes the light from two or more lamps and diffuses it on and around the subject to prevent hot spots or dead areas.</p><p><br /></p><p>5. Beyond those basics, a camera with light adjusting capabilities is a plus.&nbsp; Since coins, or any objects, photograph differently depending on the light source such as sunlight, incandescent, flourescent or LED, adjustments in the camera can change the results.&nbsp; Adjustments in the camera when the picture is taken reduce the need for photoshopping after taking the picture.&nbsp; Digital cameras with a LCD view screen pretty much show you what the final result will be.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>Two final thoughts, when photographing coins, the background will affect how some self-adjusting cameras process the photo.&nbsp; Experimenting with different color backgrounds will give you results which you are comfortable with.&nbsp; Also, copper coins do not photograph quite the same way as silver ones do.&nbsp; When you find combinations that suit you, notate it somewhere so you can duplicate the results the next time you try it..[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in