Opinions on what to use for close up pictures

[E-TREC-Virginia]

I want to start posting some pictures on the forum of my finds and wanted to get some opinions on the different options to use. I have a digital camera, but it does not take very good closeups. I was thinking about a new camera or a microscope that connects to the PC. The microscope would allow me to see the minute details of the coins and pick out the hard to see dates, however, it would have it drawbacks as to the size of the objects that I wanted to look at and take pictures of. The camera on the other hand may do the same thing and of course can be used to take pictures of anything anywhere.

What do you guys/gals like to use and what brands/setups? If a camera, do you have a specific type of lense that works better? At the last MD club meeting that I went to, one of the guys was taking pictures with a light or a flash (not sure which one) built right in to the lense (really cool) or it appeared to be part of the lense.

Would appreciate the advice.

 

[C&RHunter]

I use an older 4.0 mega pixel digital camera. I then download the pictures to my computer and edit, as to size, lighting, etc. in Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 software. Sometimes I have to take multiple pictures to get the best one, due to me using a tripod and not being steady sometimes. I have, also, used a scanner before, that works most of the time. But I still edit the pictures with my software. Good Luck with your photos.

 

[leslie]

Some very good Digital Cameras today and not too expensive

just make sure that the camera you choose features a MACRO

mode, great for those close up shots.

Good Luck

 

[E-TREC-Virginia]

I use an older 4.0 mega pixel digital camera. I then download the pictures to my computer and edit, as to size, lighting, etc. in Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 software. Sometimes I have to take multiple pictures to get the best one, due to me using a tripod and not being steady sometimes. I have, also, used a scanner before, that works most of the time. But I still edit the pictures with my software. Good Luck with your photos.

Thanks, not sure why I did not think of my scanner as it's sitting right in front of me. Just tried it for the first time with a new post a minute ago. Maybe the scanner will do, until I find something better. Still welcome everyones input.

 

[ronfin]

I use an iPhone, but if I want a nice detailed and well-lit photo, I'll use my scanner.

 

[Bill M]

Nikon L20, new model is the L22 (I think). Sam's has them for around $100, great camera.

 

[bob.oz]

Put a magnifying glass in front of the lens..I use a cheap cannon A560 works great..

 

[Goes4ever]

I use a cheapie camera from walmart, it takes amazing pics. Cost me 79 bucks it is a sony DSC-S930
Here is a pic I took with it

 

[Felix (FL)]

I sell on Ebay regularly and a good picture is a big plus. I use a Nikon D70 SLR with a dedicated Vivitar manual focus macro lens. The 1909-s VDB was taken with this combination. Click on the image below to see the big picture.

I also use an older Nikon Coolpix 4500 with an inexpensive ($150) stereomicroscope for extreme close-ups (see date on 1914-d). You wouldn't need this unless your a 'variety' collector as I am. It makes a big difference if you buy uncertified rare coins as you'll need to see the die/mintmark varieties to authenticate certain dates.

 

[E-TREC-Virginia]

I sell on Ebay regularly and a good picture is a big plus. I use a Nikon D70 SLR with a dedicated Vivitar manual focus macro lens. The 1909-s VDB was taken with this combination. Click on the image below to see the big picture.

I also use an older Nikon Coolpix 4500 with an inexpensive ($150) stereomicroscope for extreme close-ups (see date on 1914-d). You wouldn't need this unless your a 'variety' collector as I am. It makes a big difference if you buy uncertified rare coins as you'll need to see the die/mintmark varieties to authenticate certain dates.

Wow, that picture of the 1909 penny is so clear, it's amazing. Is there a reason why you use the combinaton of the Nikon Coolpix 4500 with the stereomicroscope? I assume that the D70 SLR would work as well?? What brand of stereomicroscope are you using?

 

[greedykind]

Kodak z18 has macro and batteries much better than the z16, also has video and fits in a cell phone case on your belt for in the field.My favorite.

 

[Felix (FL)]

Is there a reason why you use the combinaton of the Nikon Coolpix 4500 with the stereomicroscope? I assume that the D70 SLR would work as well?? What brand of stereomicroscope are you using?

There is an inexpensive adapter available through Nikon that looks like a tube that fits over the lens of the Coolpix and attaches to the eyepiece of the stereomicroscope. It keeps things tight and allows vibration-free pics through the lens. I don't know if an adapter is available for the D70 but so far I've never read of one. The stereomicroscope I use is a Chinese made unit that looks nearly identical to this one: http://www.coinmicroscopes.com/images/productsnew/001a000a-m_1.jpg. A vendor had a slew of these at the annual ANA coin show a few years back and was selling them like hotcakes.

 

[LabradorBob]

I just use a HP Photosmart 5.0 Megapixel camera,But i use a jewelers eye piece with it for close ups.
The eye piece has two lenses and screws together!
I use the bigger part to take close ups by holding it against the camera lens.
For extreme close ups i use both.
The first pic is with just the bigger lens.

[attachment 225190 HPIM1166.JPG]


The second pic is with both lenses

[attachment 225191 HPIM0399.JPG]

[attachment 225192 HPIM0818.JPG]

[attachment 225193 HPIM0817.JPG]



[

 

[Crusty]

I want to start posting some pictures on the forum of my finds and wanted to get some opinions on the different options to use. I have a digital camera, but it does not take very good closeups. I was thinking about a new camera or a microscope that connects to the PC. The microscope would allow me to see the minute details of the coins and pick out the hard to see dates, however, it would have it drawbacks as to the size of the objects that I wanted to look at and take pictures of. The camera on the other hand may do the same thing and of course can be used to take pictures of anything anywhere.

What do you guys/gals like to use and what brands/setups? If a camera, do you have a specific type of lense that works better? At the last MD club meeting that I went to, one of the guys was taking pictures with a light or a flash (not sure which one) built right in to the lense (really cool) or it appeared to be part of the lense.

Would appreciate the advice.

I love taking macro photos of my finds........coin photography can actually be difficult to get good results. But it can be a lot of fun too.
I have explained how I do it on my little finds page.....just one way out of many I'm sure.
Scroll down near the bottom of the first page.

Crusty Metal Detecting



Dave

 

[jabbo]

n/t

 

[ryanchappell]

Remember there are two things that blur an image, shake and focus.

If there is not enough light the camera will likely automatically choose a slow shutter speed. Unless you are using a tripod and a timer or remote trigger, this will cause shake. Alternatively you can point the brightest light you can find at the coin, and it is more likely the camera will choose a shutter speed fast enough to stop or reduce shake.

If you are having trouble with focus, switch to manual focus, or move back and zoom using a crop feature in a photo editing program.

As far as a camera recommendation, I say the canon powershot 130IS. It is less than $150, on amazon, because the 150 is out. My mother-in-law has one and it has a great zoom, and macro features. When you switch to macro it has a zoomed in square for precise manual focusing!

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX130IS-Stabilized-3-0-Inch/dp/B003ZSHNG8