I got my camera... got any tips?

[dakra]

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This is a Minolta DiMage Z1, 3.2MP w/ a minimum focus of 1.6". I took these using the Super Macro. Any tips to photographing coins better? Anything I could have done better? Any hidden settings I missed?

 

Thanks,

Dave

[spy88]

Dave, seems as if you have it down pretty good! Nice pics!

 

Which of the three you put up best represents the coin "in hand"? You've captured the luster very well but the color of the first and third seems to have been imparted by your light source. Also, when shooting at an angle, you need to keep all of the coin in focus. The focal distance will not cover the entire coin if shot at too much of an angle, especially the closer you get to it.

 

Try shooting directly above the coin to keep it all in focus and move your light source around. Can still get luster and color but will keep all of the coin in focus.

 

Hope this helps. Keep playing with it and you'll get it! Have fun!

 

David

[MikeKing]

Dave, that's a very nice pic. Photographing coins can be such a pleasure.

Lighting is almost everything (almost) and I would suggest buying two-three OTT lights and you can fiddle with using just OTT lighting and OTT lighting in combination with incandescent or natural light.

 

 

[dakra]

The middle pic represents the coin closely but it does have a nice mirror that I have not been able to duplicate. I tried a few different light sources (mostly overhead and sunlight) I'm going to see about getting a desk lamp and experimenting a bit more. Any advice on lamps ?

 

Dave

[dakra]

..and had I read the next message, I would have seen the lighting suggestion. I'm not familiar with OTT lights but I will definately look into it. I'm guessing it is natural lighting?

 

Thanks,

Dave

[sanmary]

Much better than the photos my cheap Sony takes. The second shot seems to capture the true silver color and luster. If you don't mind me asking.....about how much for a camera of this quality??

[dakra]

I spent around $400, I saw the same camera for about $100 cheaper but it ended up being referbished. I opted for the brand new in the box for the extra $100.

 

My first 3 digital camera's were all under $100. I bought my first for around $50 just to have one. It was a Polaroid Digital camera that I later saw under a different brand name for about $29... it was a great little camera. Then I bought a Kodak for under $100, again... it had some advanced features but it wasn't long until the cable or the place the cable plugged into the camera got bent and stopped working, then my son got a hold of it and.... ((yikes)). I then purchased a Logitech Camera/Cam and figured that Logitec would be superior due to the past scanners/cards I purchased. Sadly, the logitec camera was the worst camera I have ever purchased.

 

I figured it was about time to spend the extra money on a camera that would serve me two purposes. Take pictures of my son and finally be able to take good pictures of the coins I have. Especially since I would like to sell a few here or there. Plus, I feel somewhat left out during the "post your monster" messages!

 

Dave

[sanmary]

Thanks for the info. My Sony retails for about $300 and it's great for family photos and such but not great for coins. Might be time to upgrade.

[airplanenut]

I see some yellow in a few of them--you might want to try setting the white balance (try auto or incandescent).

 

Also, try shooting straight on. Instead of angling the camera, move the light to remove glare and produce lustre... some angling of the camera may be necessary, but moving the light first can be helpful... here's one of my recent shots:

 

 

Jeremy

[airplanenut]

Oh, and I just use desk lamps with white flood lights (normally one or two--rarely three)... I never felt like spending so much for the Ott lights--just moving the position of the light should do it.

 

Jeremy

[LucyBop]

Daddy-o, that middle picture flat out gets it!

[dakra]

Now you guys are getting me real picture crazy

 

 

I just need to work on the lighting and probably editing to zoom in a bit but I think I've got it down pat.... (not a richard nixon joke)

 

Thanks,

Dave

[cosmicdebris]

Are you using any kind of tripod? Some of your pictures look great others look a little blurry so I was wondering if you are holding the camera in your hand.