Scanner vs Digital Camera

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to get opinions on what people use to image their coins. I currently use an Epson scanner set at 1200 dpi to image my coins. I use those images to track my coins using a software program.

Are scanners any better or worse in comparison with digital cameras? I have an HP Photosmart R927 digital cam that is 8.2 megapixels. I don't believe it has a macro function, I'll have to check on that, but what experiences have people out there had using these different methods of imaging their coins.

I appreciate the feedback!!!!

Thanks,

Ernesto

 

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There have been many threads on this. Search them for details.

Short answer - no scanner will ever match a good digital camera. Here are the essentials :

• Digital camera with Macro and White balancing
• Stand or tripod (less than $20 at Walmart)
• GOOD LIGHTING - this is the tricky part. Too involved to go into details again here.

There is a good book coming out next month on the subject. Search the web as well.

 

A scanner is designed so that the focus point is the surface of the glass.
And it has a VERY narrow depth of field.
It is designed to be best with 2-dimensional objects (photos, documents, etc.)

A coin is a 3-dimensional object.
Yes, the depth (high points to field) is quite small, but it is not zero.
So a digital camera is better.
If you try to scan a slab you'll REALLY see the difference.
The approximate 1/8" that the coin's surface is above the glass is quite significant.

It takes more work to get it right with a camera, but the results are better.

 

With a digital camera you can take photos in different lighting to attempt to note something such as toning. You can use macro and extra macro settings one some to get real close to a portion of the coin or object. You can take photos of the edge of coins with a digital camera. Aside from all the advantages of a digital camera, have you ever tried taking photos of your family with a scanner? :headbang:
A scanner is for scanning flat objects. A digital camera is for taking photographs.

 

oh wow, those ARE good for a scanner!

 

Feedback

Hi Everyone,


Thanks for all the feedback. It sounds like digital camera is the better option if you need high quality images but if don't the scanner is ok. I did check my camera specs and they indicate it has a macro function starting at 4.7 inches. Not sure if that is good enough.

900fine, you mentioned that there was a good book coming out next month. Do you know what the name of the book is? That way I can keep my eyes out for it . Once again I want to thank everyone for all their feedback. I appreciate all of you sharing your experience and knowledge with me!!!

Thanks,

Ernesto :high5:

 

"Coin Photography" by Mark Goodman. Due to be shipped March 1.

Welcome to the site, Ernesto ! One thing about hanging around CoinTalk - my $$$ expenditure on books has increased !!!

More importantly - my time expenditure reading them has increased as well !

 

Yes, they are excellent. Maybe the best I've seen.

When I scan, I get colors which aren't on the real coin. It looks like "MONSTER TONING !!!!" a la E-bay; I think photographers call that "flare". This is especially bad with proof coins; silver too.

Two questions, Doug :

1. Did that happen on this coin ? The coin looks like fabulous NT, but the top obverse colors look like some scanner flare.
2. Would you mind sending me the real coin so I may compare it to the scanner image ??? heh heh

 

scanner vs digital...

that's great! now how about a "few easy tricks"? do you have some scanner challenged tips for us?

 

Thanks for the tips, it seems that luster is the hardest to get from a scanner. Now we know how. I can't wait to try.:thumb:

 

If you have said why you no longer have coins I missed it. I am curious.:secret:

 

When I try to take scans of a slabbed coin, it takes the scan of the SLAB and the coin is not in focus. other than that a scan can blow up your coin pretty well, but you'll not get the quality of a good digital camera with a macro setting.

I'm still working on the art of taking good detailed coin photos.

Bruce

 

scanner vs digital...

thanks, gdjmsp!

 

There are numerous photo web sites and some specialize in coins. For example the Table Top Studio under coin photography techniques. Of course there is the www.coppercoins.com web site with many tips on coin photos. The guy that has that web site brags about taking well over 10,000 photos of just Lincoln Cents.

 

Hey GDJMSP, would a cheap hp model like this one do the trick?
http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/photography/scanner/1/storefronts/L1985A%23B1H