Im having a lot of trouble taking pictures of my coins. Ive tried taking pictures with my Android g1 and my 5mp camera but all my pictures turn out bad. Any method that I can use to take clear pictures?
the basic set-up: I don't know the technical nuances of your cameras but here is the basic set-up: Mount the camera on a tripod or mount it so that it cannot move. Use the timer on your camera so that it takes the picture a few second after you touch the shutter release. Use Macro mode Use the telephoto zoom to zoom in on the object. Do this even when it means that you must back-up the camera to a greater distance. Turn off the auto flash. Use a couple light sources directed from the sides for most unc & circulated coins. (I am in the process of graduating to a better white light source right now). Use a light diffuser between the light & the coin for most proof finish coins Try to shoot your coins from head-on or only slightly off axis. Perhaps the real experts here can help more or refer you to a previous thread. Very best regards, collect89
If it will accept an attachment on the front, get a cheap macro lens. I have a canon S3 and I can't take good close ups without attaching this simple macro lens that comes off the back of a wide angle lens I bought. It makes all the difference.
Here's a few links to get you started: Mark Goodman's site, blog and excellent book: Mark Goodman's site Mark Goodman's Blog And he has an excellent book, Numismatic Photography, published by Zyrus Press. You can buy it directly from him, from Zyrus Press or Amazon has it. Photographing Ancient Coins Digital Coin Photography, Hints and Tricks I hope it's not in bad form to point to another forum, but there's good info here: What You Need to Know: Coin Photography Technique But ultimately, you are just going to have to experiment and take many pictures using the tips posted and see what gives you the best results.
Tenacious has given you some good advice. Mark Goodman's book is a great start for beginners. To take good coin photos you must have equipment that is capable of taking good coin photos. If your camera does not have a Macro mode or cannot accept a close-up attachment you will not be able to take great coin photos no matter how good your photography skills. If you have the right tools you will only be limited by your photography skills.
