I have no trouble getting good images of business strikes, even through slabs. But I've got two slabbed <u>proof</u> sets that are giving me fits. Here's what I do: 1. The digital camera (Coolpix 995) is: - set on Fine resolution - set on macro - attached to a tripod - has a remote shutter release 2. The illumination: - is a white light (Ott-Lite) - is set at a low angle (20-30 degrees above the surface) - has a diffusing screen over it 3. Other light sources are off 4. The slab has a non-reflective mask around the coin so that the camera see mostly the light from the coin. RESULT: Some VERY ugly images. The contrast between light and dark areas is too much. Paint Shop Pro doesn't seem to help much, but that could be lack of skill on my part. Irregularities on the coins which are not particularly noticable are hughly emphasized in the images. I need some experienced suggestions.
Hate to be a pessimist but why take photos of coins anyway. I've been collecting coins for well over 60 years and seldom take a photo of a coin. If I have the coin, what do I need a photo of it for anyway. If I want to see a coin, I just look at the coin itself. I've also have about 5 digital cameras, about 20 Film cameras, light stands, virtually hundreds of filters and lots more photo equipment. However, I just don't know why I should take photos of coins. There are so many other things on Earth to photograph. Just my opinion.
First, You don't say it, but I assume the flash is off? Second, it would help (at least me) if you would post what you consider "VERY ugly images". Third, were the images I posted in you previous thread good, bad or other? see http://www.cointalk.org/showthread.php?t=33512 Forth, my guess is that, when all is said and done. most of you problems can be fixed with a newer camera. My old camera (Olympus D520) was newer than yours. I could not take a good coin picture for love nor money. With my new camera (Canon A560) it is almost hrd to take a bad picture. Both cameras take similar pictures for family portraits, scenery, etc., but they are worlds apart for coins and the like. They have come a long was in the nearly 10 years since your camera was designed.
Sorry, will have to do two responses in separate posts. Not easy to do responses to two posts in one message. I see a simple response here. Your coins get stolen. Prove what you have for insurance purposes.
1. You are correct. No flash. 2. Here is what I can do: - Business strike Here's what I've got so far: Proof half (NGC PF-66) Proof cent (NGC PF-65 RD) 4. So my camera and my standard lighting doesn't seem to be the problem. The IHC shows that I can do a good job at imaging through a slab for a business strike. Using that technique with the proof coins is a bust. With the eye the two proof coins look as described. But my camera technique is not right for proof coins. That's what I'm trying to correct. The half has a light brownish toning on the periphery. But that darker area at 9 0'clock doesn't look anything like that, even under 3x. It's a bit more brownish, but blends nicely into the rest of the coin. And the salt-and-pepper fields aren't nearly as prominent. The cent is as described, but you'd never know it from the image. The real kicker is that light spot below Lincoln's chin. That is really a carbon spot!!! It's supposed to be dark. SUMMARY: The IHC shows my camera can image coins well. What I need is to know the technique(s) for imaging proof coins correctly. The highly reflective surfaces have defeated me so far.
I am far from a photograph expert, but My experience is that NGC are much harder to photograph than PCGS. Someone said that it might be their background (I use no matte background), but it might also be their plastic also. A second light (about opposite the first) would definitely be helpful. Your pictures appear somewhat grainy. A second light should help this as well as bring out the details on the right side of the coin. If that does not help enough, I would suggest a new camera. If someone else has some other ideas, go for it. As i began this, I am far from an expert. BTW - No comments about my pictures. I guarantee I rely a lot more on the camera than you .
