what is the cheapest p.c. scanner combo i can buy that takes good quality pictures ?

barberlover

would love to be able to send coin pictures , thats the main reason i want to do this.

MrKelso

I am not sure if a scanner will capture a slabbed coin. Something to do with the focal lenght.

CarlWohlforth

I bought a HP. I tried several scanners and came to the conclusion that the newer very thin ones won't focus properly on coins in slabs. I guess the coin is too far from the glass for the short focal length.

I now use both the scanner and a cheap digital camera. The digicam is much harder to use because there are so many variables, especially with lighting. However it is possible to end up with a more realistic image.

I too love to see all the neat images on these forums and am looking forward to seeing some of yours.

Twowood

There's a great little HP scanner on the market. It's about the size of a hardcover book, maybe a little larger, and it sells for about $70. I saw it at CompUSA . Check it out! Twowood

MrKelso

<< <i>There's a great little HP scanner on the market. It's about the size of a hardcover book, maybe a little larger, and it sells for about $70. I saw it at CompUSA . Check it out! Twowood >>



I wonder? Do you think it has a variable focal lenght or the ability to focus on the item being scanned?
The size would be perfect for the desk top.

coppercoins

A scanner will never capture a decent picture of a coin, it's simply not possible. The technology involves a moving light (hence "scanner") which changes the surface contrast of what it's scanning as it moves. Great for printed material, but terrible for metal. Some people claim they can get great images with scanners, but these people don't know how much better it could be with a digital camera. If your sole purpose in having imaging hardware is to take pictures of coins, scanners are NOT the way to go. Get a digital camera. With the technology and prices they are available for, a decent digital camera will likely cost no more than double the camera, and it will be well worth the time and money.

LucyBop

I have a scanner and the images are okay but as Coppercoins said, the scanner in no way captures the real beauty of a coin. All of the luster is always lost on my coins when scanned. I have a Cannon G1 Camera but I am lousy at taking coin pics....

eagle7

I agree with Mr Daughtrey. Be sure to get a digital camera which will focus close to an object. A number of cameras are available for between 200 and 300 dollars.

cointagious

just to clarify; scanners tend to wash out luster and highlight surface imperfections on silver coins. they work great on copper and gold if you manage the image in a photo editing program(ei: photoshop). i prefer using a scanner for web imaging on gold/copper to our expensive digital camera.

cointagious

and to answer the original question, i saw visioneer one-touch scanners during the holidays for $18.00 !!! and they work great!

coppercoins

<< <i>just to clarify; scanners tend to wash out luster and highlight surface imperfections on silver coins. they work great on copper and gold if you manage the image in a photo editing program(ei: photoshop). i prefer using a scanner for web imaging on gold/copper to our expensive digital camera. >>



It's a simple matter of lighting. I still prefer a digital camera over a scanner ANY day. I have both, and VERY rarely use the scanner for anything, and never use it for coins.

photo of copper