What camera is currently decent for imaging coins?

Morgan13

I know this subject gets brought up from time to time but technology is always improving.
I also wonder is it even worth it. I have a 50 MP android that I think takes good images under perfect daylight conditions.
Or is there something that works better.

ElmerFusterpuck

Phones are ok in a pinch or for videos, but actual cameras are still better IMHO. Here's an image I took with a Canon superzoom SX-70.

AUandAG

@Morgan13 said:
I know this subject gets brought up from time to time but technology is always improving.
I also wonder is it even worth it. I have a 50 MP android that I think takes good images under perfect daylight conditions.
Or is there something that works better.

I agree that a phone does a wonderful job with the right lighting. I think it is just fine for selling too. But, there are the pros that know how to use a camera and can do a much better job if the value warrants the cost (it's always about the money, 'eh?).
I think there are some ebay sellers that have the phone or camera technique down pat and I love to visit their sites just for the photography.
bob
vegas, baby!

Smudge

Any good camera will work well, choosing the right lens is important.

The_Dinosaur_Man

I use a Nikon and a 90mm macro, but the tools aren't enough for getting the best photos. Mastering the technique takes time, years even, of trial and error.

I have the good fortune of having a degree in film & video to back up my skills in photography.

BECOKA

I use an older Canon 40D (16 years old) with a 60mm and 100mm lens. Takes outstanding photos still today.

I have a brand new iPhone with the latest camera it's still not even in the ballpark, especially with smaller coins.

OAKSTAR

Good enough for what I use it for. I think it was 30 or 40 bucks several years ago on Amazon.

keyman64

It's less about the camera and more about the lens, lighting and setup (copy stand) etc. I enjoy my Nikon Z9 very much but I shot the bellow coin through an old NGC holder with a very old Nikon D300 + Nikon 105mm 2.8 Macro lens. I used 4 LEDs to light the coin and a tripod for the camera facing down over a table. Image was put together in Photoshop.

The first is the True View of the 67+FB coin. The second is my image that shows the fantastic luster on the coin and represents the color a bit better as well.

crazyhounddog

An SLR, single lens reflex, camera is what you need to take the best images you can.
These pics were taken with a Nikon D750 with a large Sigma macro lens. It’s all brought to life with Daylight bulbs. All held together with a VERY ridged copy stand.

Extremeengineer

@crazyhounddog said:
An SLR, single lens reflex, camera is what you need to take the best images you can.

While that sentiment was valid a decade ago, I would not steer anyone towards a DSLR when the major players (Sony Nikon, Canon) have all, or are, phasing those out for mirrorless. The best images will come from the mirrorless bodies and their associated lenses. Canon is retiring EF mount lenses as the RF’s come out, same with Nikon with the new Z mount, and Sony essentially abandoned A mount some time ago.

Now I’m not suggesting you can’t get amazing images from a DSLR platform, but I would not suggest anyone start there at this point. Go with a Sony A7 series, that’s what I’d suggest.

tcollects

@rmpsrpms makes systems with older camera bodies, bellows, and older enlarger lenses which make crisper images than with even a nikon 90 macro. Strongly rated. He turned my setup into almost a professional system for about $800