Question about Cameras for

[floridason]

taking pictures of our finds? Does anyone have a good suggestion about which camera would be good (with a macro lens) to get shots of our finds to put here on the net. I can't spend too much, but I can't seem to find one that will get close enough to get GOOD pics. Any suggentions appreciated. Am still looking HH

floaidason Retired
MXT, DX-1,Bullseye, 4 coils

 

[Nancy-IL]

Most any digital camera should work. I have the Macro setting, but mostly use the zoom for a close up on the coins and then crop them. If you're only going to use if for your finds, I wouldn't spend a lot of $$. I've had a few digitials and each have served my purpose. The first was the Sony Mavica with the floppy disc and it's still taking great pictures. Then to a FujiFilm camera and it took thousands of pictures, but ate batteries. The the one I like best is my Casio Exilim 7.2 and I know I've probably taken over 5 thousand pictures with it. Prices now have gone way down for an every day camera. Hope you find one for you and HH, Nancy

 

[xwyokid]

I use the Pentax Optio A40. I paid about $160 for mine. It has a very good super macro but, I find that when I use a magnifying glass in front of the lens it does an even better job of getting real close. I saw a post the other day were a guy was using a Coolpix L19 (I think), (Nikon?) and was posting some very good close ups. I think he stated he paid about $119 if I remember correctly. The magnifyiny glass I use is one of them small pocket type. The glass is about 2" in diameter. Good Luck.

 

[Joel-Winnipeg]

I use two using SD cards both have macro
Nikon Coolpix S 550 cost about $160.00
Panasonic DMC-Tz2 sold for 2 years ago for $ 200.00
This is Canadian $ likey 20% cheaper USA

 

[ohio fred]

n/t

 

[WJW]

If you can find one, it takes great close ups. It has both macro and super macro and doesn't cost a fortune. I love mine.
HH
Bill

 

[JOE in MD]

[attachment 123648 DSCN1600LargeWebview.jpg]craigslist for $50 and it works great. I had the coolpix 2100 and thats why I went with the 5600. Here's a few samples. Check out craigslist
JOE in MD

 

[ohio fred]

n/t

 

[B.T]

How good are the pics from one? I use one and get the cover shots for a magazine.

 

[ohio fred]

n/t

 

[John in SE Pa]

When taking close up coin photos take separate photos of the silver, copper and gold colored coins. When taking close ups of light and dark colored coins together it is extremely difficult for any camera to separate the colors and focus properly.

 

[JOE in MD]

n/t

 

[tab-nabit]

I mostly use the Panasonic Lumix TZ5 - it has loads of features plus 10X Optical zoom.
I'll also use the Canon A470 - nice pics, AA batteries, nice reviews, very affordable but not as slim as many others available.
Also I have a few Olympus cameras and they fit the pocket.The FE-140 I used yesterday has macro and super macro. Affordable also but I'm guess they don't sell the 140 anymore. The other model I think is the FE-370 (son has it right now), and I think my other is the FE-240.
There are just many cameras available now. Also reviews on the Internet. You can get some results by Google - camera+reviews, etc.
My other cameras are just to large so they are for trips not metal detecting related. They are like a 35 SLR, a hand full. But like the Panasonic Lumix FZ-28, they are wonderful.
I like some of the Nikon CoolPix models also.
There is just such a large choice - I'd stay away from the really cheap off brands.
I had got the Canon A470 on sale for 79.00 at the time. I find it consistent taking decent pics - so easy to use.
Here is a macro sample from the FE-140, goes to show an inexpensive older models works okay.
[attachment 123752 07-A.JPG] [attachment 123753 07-B.JPG]

 

[ohio fred]

n/t

 

[mcinmich]

I just bought a Canon A2000 IS. Canons are known for good macro modes. This camera is going obsolete so you can find them cheaper. I paid $165 shipped from the net. Walmart still has a few but for $190. They went for $230 at the end of last year. This is 10 mp, 6 optical zoom. I like that it uses AA batteries. But because of the regular batteries it is a bit bigger then a lot of other models out there. You will need to by a bigger memory card for sure but those are cheap. As mentioned above better to go with the older models since the new one will be obsolete in 6 months anyway!

 

[rm2ken]

Almost any camera that has a macro lens is good enough. The two main things you also need are a tripod and good lighting, especially from the sides. You can either used lamps using the white balance at incandesence or next to the window with the white balance setting at daylight. If you are photographing objects that are flat like coins, any F stop aperture is fine but if it is more 3 dimensional, then you should set it at the narrowest setting: F11 to F22, to get everything in sharp focus.

 

[davidtn]

This is the best photo on this string. I also use a Canon and you just can't beat the quality of their lenses.

 

[jog]

Just recently got a Canon Power Shot A590 IS for my birthday.I've noticed that on some of my pics of coins the background color helps.Any ideas on this or am i just loosing it.