need help w/ camera+scope set

EVillageProwler

Hi,

I need a recommendation on purchasing a digital camera+microscope+light source. I intend to use the digital camera for regular use, like taking pics of my dog. And, I intend to use the entire pkg to take pics of my coins, including blowups.

Price is an issue, but must be balanced with quality of the images.

Ideally, I'd need the whole setup to be compatible w/ my XP system. I have USB.

Can someone please recommend specific products as well as where to purchase them? As much info as possible please...

Thanks,

EVP

mbbiker

heres a place to start

link

Spinynorman

I use a Sony Mavica FD-93, which I think is a good all around camera. I don't know if it is a current model, though. It cost me around $600 when I bought it.

The scope that I use most for taking pictures is relatively inexpensive, around $150 (used). It's a Selopt EMT stereo boom style inspection scope with 10x wide field lenses. It gives a total of 20x magnification. It gives up a little clarity in the photographs vs. a 30x scope, but I prefer the wide field lens. I just shoot through the lens for close-up pictures.

For lighting I use a combination of a dual fiber optic halogen lamp and a gooseneck lamp with a Reveal bulb.

EVillageProwler

anyone else w/ any recommendations?

thx to those who've responded so far...

evp

nwcs

Well, I use the RDC 4300 from Ricoh that I bought off of ebay for $150 with extras for all the digital photos I take. I really like it. Can't say about the scope, though. Light source isn't *as* important because most quality digital cameras have a white/light source/balance (called white balance or light balance or white source, etc.) that let you choose between incandescent/halogen, sunlight, or fluorescent. That color corrects most anything.

cosmicdebris

I use an Olympus C3000 Zoom with the Macro function and a Macro lens, I would see no need for a Scope for coins. I wish I waited and got the C4040 Zoom which goes to f1.8. Plus now I see the C5050 Zoom is out I'd go for that.

DMWJR

Bill, are you talking about a macro lens that you added to what was already there, or do you just mean the one already on the camera? If you added one, is it 39mm and where did you find it?

cjmbuffalo

I have an Achiever stero scope with the 10-30x , it is also availbale as 15-45x. It costs about $259. My camera is a Nikon Coolpix 995 which is a great camera. An attachment is available that will adapt it to the Microscope for $89. One of the great advantages of the nikon is it will focus down to .8 inch for nice marco photos. The last piece of stuff to use is a Clouddome, a device that is a plexiglass shade with a attachment for the camera. This difuuses the light on what you photograph. Depending on who is overing one the price range with mount runs from $149-225.

cosmicdebris

Doug yes it is an additional lens. Look HERE for a list of all the available accessories for this camera. I then go to MySimon.com to search for the best price.

FC57Coins

EVP:

I've been using a Sony Mavica FD75 - Very easy to use and it gives pretty decent images - extreme closeups are hard though - Also, this particular model doesn't have a viewfinder - you do all your viewing via the digital screen, which wears out your battery and is kind of annoying in bright sunlight, but other than that, here's the quality you get:

cosmicdebris

This was taken with the C3000:

Windycity

I use a Meiji Techno EMZ-TR scope with trinocular zoom body with a coolpix 995 digital camera. All told, about $1800 but great pictures and incredible closs up detail.

coppercoins

EVP - I posted a rather lengthy message in this thread. To save typing time on my part, Please go take a look.

shylock

Nikon's 995 is now "outdated" and priced more reasonably, and can serve the purpose of both the camera & scope (with no add on lens): example.

These are the best lights I've found after much trial and error (mostly error), and they're also easy to transport. This image was taken inside the Long Beach Convention Center with a 995 and a pair of those lights: example 2.

If you still want to get really up close and personal check out Lakesammman's image using his 995 and a $300 scope & $60 adapter here. As he stated in another thread, "...all the pixels are dedicated to a small area rather than to the entire coin. This improves resolution and the signal/noise ratio, resulting in the sharper, clearer picture. When you magnify a pic of the entire coin, the opposite occurs."

Gilbert

Shylock,

Those are some "crisp" images. Show us a silver coin?

Bulldog

Look up the website, "greatscopes.com" I forgot the guys name, but he will talk to you for hours on his 800# and head you in the right direction. He is not hard sell at all. I believe they are out of NC. I bought a stereo scope from him, now I am waiting to see if Santa brings the Scope adaptor for my digital camera.

What I really want is the set up that magnifies the coin and puts it up on a 19" tv screen. Talk about looking for varieties.

Bulldog