what's best camera for taking close pictures of coins????

[copperman]

what is the best camera on the market for taking very high detail pictures of coins, like double dies for example I need something to get real good close ups any suggestions would help me alot thanks again....

[23Pairer]

imho I would suggest a digital SLR, with interchangeable lenses. Your budget will have everything to do with your decision, though. I have taken well over 14,000 pictures with my nearly 3 year old Nikon D100, and I would not trade it for anything. Here are some examples:

 

 

The lenses I use are macro lenses, and with an extension tube I can get very detailed, even 1:1 or 2:1 magnification. I use a ring flash as well as a traditional flash, as well as natural lighting and inccandescent lighting, depending on the coin being photographed. I can upload more examples if you desire.

[copperman]

thanks for reply I will look into your suggestion tha nks again

[Bruceswar]

I also 2nd the Digital SLR.. I use a Canon Digital Rebel. Its not only great for coins but other photos as well. I have taken over 14,000 photos as well since like 2004. Here are a few shots...

 

[D.D.]

Here is one from my Canon S2. Not to bad for a point - n - shoot.

 

[skippy]

If you don't want to spend a fortune on a digital SLR, the Nikon 995 or 4500 are the best that I've found. These are not current models, but you can find used ones on eBay all the time. They have the advantage over all other point-and-shoots because they hold focus through the entire zoom range.

 

Many of the photos on my website were taken with a 995: ShieldNickels.Net

[copperman]

hi, thanks for reply bruce what are the settings you have on your canon S2 ??

I might be getting one and will need to take similar pics so I was wondering if you could help me witht the correct settings thanks,D.B.

 

[D.D.]

Well my name is not Bruce and I only wish i could take pictures as good as Bruce and 23Pairer.

 

As for the Camera settings on the Canon S2 :

 

I shoot all my pictures about 12" away from the coin. I use the camera's marco setting and the zoom to fill the LCD moniter with the coin.

I use Microsoft Photo Editor to cropped the images and I use Photobucket to host my images for posting.

 

The camera plays a part in coin images but your setup is also very important - lights, copystand etc....

 

DD

[copperman]

ty ty thta will help

[RUSS BEGA]

imho I would suggest a digital SLR, with interchangeable lenses. Your budget will have everything to do with your decision, though. I have taken well over 14,000 pictures with my nearly 3 year old Nikon D100, and I would not trade it for anything. Here are some examples:

 

 

The lenses I use are macro lenses, and with an extension tube I can get very detailed, even 1:1 or 2:1 magnification. I use a ring flash as well as a traditional flash, as well as natural lighting and inccandescent lighting, depending on the coin being photographed. I can upload more examples if you desire.

 

 

THOSE ARE GEORGUS!

 

Russ

[Bruceswar]

D. D. Don't sell yourself short. You take some great pictures as well.

[robec1347]

If you are using natural light, do you angle the coin towards the light or do you shoot straight down on it. I tried shooting down with reguar flash and was not pleased with the results. When I shoot with natural light outside and I angle the coin, it seems like part of the coin is out of focus. I suppose I could shoot when the sun is at 12 o'clock high. I suppose a $400 ring flash would solve the problem. Maybe in the future. Here's an example of what I mean about the out of focus.

 

Bob

[23Pairer]

Thank you. Besides my family and coins, photography is my other passion.

 

[copperman]

Ok, ok any final thoughts on cameras? I finally have the money and I am really thinking about getting the Canon S2 IS and just wanted to see if there were anymore recommendations out there thanks, D

[WinstonWare]

Does that have interchangeable lenses? From what I have read digital SLRs using dedicated macro lenses take the best pictures.

[ldhair]

It's really came to the point of how much time you wish to spend with the camera you have.

An SLR and a quality lens cut down on the learning time.

[mrkelso]

Nikon D50 with a close-up filter

[copperman]

do these work good for taking pictures of coins? I will e getting the Canon S2 IS and I found this and was wondering about them (check link)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...A:IT&ih=016

[Bruceswar]

I would not use a ringflash, but thats just me. I have wanted to try one, but have not. OTT lights work for me.

[copperman]

k thanks I was just wondering about them now I am kinda wondering where is best place to get a copystand?? thanks, D

[Bruceswar]

Check locally first. If you strike out then go online to like B & H photo.

[copperman]

ty Bruce

[robec1347]

k thanks I was just wondering about them now I am kinda wondering where is best place to get a copystand?? thanks, D

 

I got one (Digital Pursuits DICS129 Close-Up Copy Stand) at B & H for $30. Simple to use and works great.

 

Bob

[copperman]

sweeet I like that price now I wonder if I can find the same one...

 

 

thanks for info, D

[copperman]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?MfcISAPICommand=ViewItem&item=320047011534

 

 

what do you all think about this?? ^^^^check link please and thanks, D is that good buy or just a homemade job?? still looking tho I need something with lights that would be great.

[ldhair]

It looks like a nice setup but I'm wondering if it's heavy enough for an SLR.