Do you need a scanner and a camera?

ldhair

Wondering what others think about about this topic.

If you want great quality images of all kinds of different coins with
great detail and correct color, do you need both?

Will a high quality scanned do it all?

Will a camera do it all?

Barry

Speaking from personal experience, those that own both were disappointed with the scanner and then bought a camera. I believe a good digital camera can do it all. There is much more flexibility in obtaining the image you want, in terms of highlights, luster, etc.

Cam40

I too think the camera gets you more options in how you want to view.With a scanner your stuck with the lighting you have and are limited to viewing a coin at limted angles.With a camera you choose the lighting and angle.
I vote camera over scanner.

ldhair

I keep thinking camera too.
My scans to get the color looked washed out.
I just hate the learning curve that comes with a new camera.
I guess it's time.

Lakesammman

Camera, definitely.

nwcs

A camera is always your best option. And the higher the quality the LENS, the better off your images will be. Many optics on digital cameras are average or less quality. But companies that are known for good film cameras generally have good lenses on their digital cameras. Like Canon and Minolta and Nikon. Of course, they can be expensive, too.

ccr

I`ve had a scanner for a month now and hard to get a " true " read on the coin(s).

airplanenut

You get to choose the angles and lights for a camera... they are better and I'm getting a digi one soon

LanLord

I have both. I owned the digicam before I got the scanner. I like the scanner for it's ease of access and scanning circulated coins and unc coins. To get a Proof image that is anything close to what it looks like in hand you will need to use a camara, the right lighting and a darkened background.

fairtraderzz

Forget the scanner idea... Get a good camera and you will never regret it. Spend a few extra bucks and get a quailty camera. We use Nikon camera's and feel that they are the best for the buck.
Am playing with a Nikon 4500 and getting the hang of it. Just takes time to get used to it....

fairtraderz

coppercoins

I agree with the others. I have both, but haven't put a coin on my scanner in over three years. Scanners are simply not made for doing coins, they never work out right, even for those who think they do.

cosmicdebris

Camera over a scanner for coins anyday. But don't throw away the scanner you can still use it for document scanning.