I fail at coin pics :help:

[BusDigger]

Let me begin by saying I have an HP Photosmart 320, 2.1MP, 4X Digital Zoom. Now let me follow by saying I have no idea what any of that means. This camera is maybe 10 years old? And does take (what I consider to be) pretty good pics of larger targets (landscape, people, etc.).

Most of the pics I take of coins (which is what I want to improve on, and the reason for this post) are blurred/out of focus, and lacking detail. I've vowed to learn to take better quality pics, but am unsure if it's even possible with the camera I own (and don't really have an interest in buying a more expensive/complicated one), so if it's not....it's not, and I'll live with it.

Just to give an idea of the method I use, I set the flash "on", and use the maximum zoom setting, and hold the camera anywhere from 12-24" above the coin, and generally take 2-3 pics of a single coin, then pick the best one to save and post.

I've read a little on the subject, and it seems some of the blurring may be from not using a stand of some sort for the camera, which I can understand, so I guess that's where I should start (by getting one).

I understand anyone who might be able to offer help/advice may not be familiar with my camera model, and being "technically challenged" I may not be able to answer questions about it (so bear with me).

Anyone have any tips to offer? I understand it may take some experimentation on my part (and with winter approaching that will help with the cabin fever), but was hoping to shorten the learning-curve just a bit.

Smitty

 

[Fire Fighter 43]

You need a camera with a macro setting. I set it to macro, turn off the flash and place coin in a well lighted place so you do not need the flash. You can get two to three inches away from the coin with the macro on. The flash on silver coins tends to brighten the picture too much. Upload the pictures to www.PhotoBucket.com and use the link to attach them to your message.Good luck.

 

[BusDigger]

So is the 4X zoom on my current camera not considered "macro"? (I'm guessing your answer is going to be a "no"). Got the pic posting thing down fine.....I just need to be able to take better pics to post

Any advice that would maximize the potential of my current camera?

Thanks for the reply!

Smitty

 

[Fire Fighter 43]

The zoom is not macro.

 

[BusDigger]

OK, thanks for the help!

Smitty

 

[Dig'em All]

Try going to the Garrett Scorpion forum and looking at my post titled Scorpion's Rings. Once there you will see a pic of I would call it a flower image that little icon means macro. If your camera has that icon you need to turn that on. I hope that helps. Dig'em All P.S. Let me know if this helps and what we need to do to make it work.

 

[Dig'em All]

Nobody home and the lights have been turned off.

 

[Idaho PRB]

BusDigger,
I downloaded the users manual for your camera and it doesn't appear to have a Macro setting. The manual says that the closest you should take pictures is 2 1/2 feet. I would recommend that you look around for a replacement camera. The prices have really come down over the years and almost all the digital cameras now have a Macro setting (which enables you to take the extreme closeups you desire for your coin photos).
Idaho PRB

 

[John in Nawth Carolina]

How close can the camera focus? You may have to do a search online for your manual. The camera may not be able to focus at the distance you want it to.

edit:

What busdigger said..

 

[John in Nawth Carolina]

I recommend the Sony WSP350. Walmart has it for $150. I have the 330. Awsome camera with moe features than you'll ever need.

 

[mr.thumb]

Smitty, do you have a scanner? Or one of those multifuctional printers? If so, try and put the coin or object you wish to photograph on the scanner glass (needs to be a flatbed,glass,scanner) and shoot or scan as if it were a photo that you were trying to copy. Then after you have it in your computer you should be able to post it on here with better results. I have some nice cameras, both digital and old fashioned film types and I have gotten the best shots of my coins with the scanner/copier/printer. That is what I have been using lately and it does a really nice job, plus you can really enlarge the image and get a super close look at your prize coin etc. Hope this helps.

Mike