Point and Shoot Digital Cameras and Tips for Photographing coins?

Hi everyone,

I'm in the market for a new camera, probably in the range of 200-300 dollars, making it decidedly in the point-and-shoot rather than the DSLR range, and (of course) I'm interested in one that will do well for photographing coins. In my experience, coins are fairly difficult to photograph in a way that a) preserves color b) has a high degree of detail c) works decently in lower light (for photos taken indoors) and d) reflects actual luster and shows color of toning.

My current camera (Canon SD1300) works fairly well in Macro with no zoom, but I find that in macro mode I have to get so far down on top of the coin that it's almost impossible to light it properly. When I use zoom, I have a ridiculously hard time focusing. I have also really struggled to get an appropriate color balance and nothing really seems to show "shine" the way I actually see it myself.

Does anyone have any tips on taking photos of coins, or a recommendation for a camera in the 200-300 range that has worked well for you? Thanks in advance.

 

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'Numismatic Photography' by Mark Goodman is a good book on basic coin photography. I read somewhere that he now has a web site with much of the info in the book.

 

Coin Photography by Mark Goodman

 

Cannon,

All of my photos are taken using a Cannon Powershot SD880 IS 10 megapixel point and shoot camera. Brand new they are about $400. I recommend that you buy Mark Goodman's book along with your camera. Lighting is the key to good numismatic photography, and an abundance of patience is also a requisite. Just to show you the capability of a good point and shoot, I consider the obverse of this 1942-S Jefferson Nickel my best numismatic photo.



Good Luck!

 

Goodman may have also written a book entitled 'Coin Photography' but the book I am referring to is 'Numismatic Photography'.

 

Sorry, that's just how the title came out when I copied the link. But, that's a link to Mark Goodman's website that you were referring to in your post.

 

Great picks , I always figured you used a macro lense to get your shots I have a Sony DSC H50 and can't seem to get it to focus right . I just bought a stand for it , hope that works , if not I'll try a Canon .
Rusty

 

raider,

No problem. I just wanted to clarify the title. I think you are more likely to find the book by searching for 'Numismatic Photography' rather than 'Coin Photography'.