what cameras are best for coin pictures ?

ctgreatone · December 21, 2004 4:08AM

I need advice on which camera is best for taking pictures of coins. I would appricate all advice!
thanks

dthigpen · December 21, 2004 4:09AM

I like my Nikon D100 w/ a 105mm AF Macro Lens. (Just got the lens for Christmas from the Girlfriend!)

Murphy · December 21, 2004 4:31AM

Doug, got pics?

I use a 5-megapix Sony Cybershot usually in combo with a microscope. I get fairly good focus and great color when I have the right lighting. I use a tripod and an auto-timer to snap the shot. I don't connect the camera & microscope together with anything, I just position the camera very close to the scope, which is easy enough to do on the tripod. For best penny pics, I use in combo with the scope. I can use the cameras macro mode to photograph silver coins from quarter on up without the scope, but my scanner seems to get as good a photo without the trouble of setting up the camera and transfering the photos to the PC.

I went down to my local camera shop and for my purposes, they recommended the Nikon Coolpix 5200. You can take a macro pic just 1.6 inches from the coin. I have to be at least 4 inches away using my Sony. I'm not switching right away but I do want something better. I think it takes too much work to get good focus. I might just be lazy too. At any rate, here's some of my photos:

1969-S Machine Doubling

1914-D Fake

1998 Wide AM

1883 Racketeer Nickel

With scanner:

1974-Silver Ike

Another thing, it helps to have a good photo program that you can use to edit your photos. I use Microsoft Digital Image Pro 9, but Photoshop is probably better. I made this tonight outta a couple of my fav coins:

1909 Obverse

1909 Reverse

dthigpen · December 21, 2004 4:33AM

<< <i>Doug, got pics? >>

I'll take a couple tonight.

ctgreatone · December 21, 2004 4:44AM

Murphy, those ARE great pictures how do you connect the scope with the camera?

ddbird · December 21, 2004 5:03AM

Nikon 4200 is excellent for beginners. Any nikon with macro will get you started and keep ya going for a while. Most the people on the boards use Nikons. If you have extra cash, look at their higher models. The new 5200 is pretty sweet, but not much more different than the 4200

Numismanic · December 21, 2004 5:13AM

The Nikon Coolpix 3200 is great for taking pics of coins. It has good macro capability and is simple to use. The pic below was taken
with two 60w GE Reveal bulbs and without a copy stand. I just cropped and resized the images for posting.

Regulated · December 21, 2004 5:17AM

I have been very happy with my Nikon 8700. I generally use it with a macro lens, which does not give the quality of Murphy's microscope, but suits my needs admirably.

Barry · December 21, 2004 5:58AM

It's not the camera. It's the photographer and his/her technique and lighting.

sadysta1 · December 21, 2004 8:21AM

this is from nikon coolpix 950 (bought refurbished), I do not think they make them anymore, at one point this camera had the best macro on the market, These are regular lens pics:

Barber 1

barber 2

Russ · December 21, 2004 8:48AM

Ricoh RDC-4300, $60.

Russ, NCNE

dthigpen · December 21, 2004 8:50AM

<< <i>It's not the camera. It's the photographer and his/her technique and lighting. >>

I'd argue that a good macro lens is mandatory.

Barry · December 21, 2004 8:51AM

Russ just proved my point a few posts up.

nwcs · December 21, 2004 8:52AM

I don't know of a best one but the things to look for are a good macro mode, quality optics, and some degree of zoom.

sadysta1 · December 21, 2004 8:53AM

cent sample

mgoodm3 · December 21, 2004 8:55AM

Good lighting is at least as important as the camera.

cosmicdebris · December 21, 2004 9:06AM

Canon Digital Rebel SLR

ldhair · December 21, 2004 9:13AM

<< <i>It's not the camera. It's the photographer and his/her technique and lighting. >>

cohodk · December 21, 2004 9:23AM

I just took this with a Canon Digital Rebel.

1. Lighting is very important.

2. Your camera must have good macro capability.

3. You must parctice, practice, practice.

K6AZ · December 21, 2004 9:33AM

Nikon 4300:

mgoodm3 · December 21, 2004 9:39AM

Nikon D70

aussielover · December 21, 2004 9:54AM

Wow! Nice Pics!

So what is the best lighting setup? OTT's or Reveal bulbs?

Thanks
Brian

K6AZ · December 21, 2004 9:57AM

If you can afford it, quartz lighting is the best. If you are cheap like me, buy Reveal bulbs and use the fine tuning on the white balance.

KurtHorn · December 21, 2004 11:08AM

Just bought a Panasonic DMC FZ20 like Stuart. So, far what I can tell you is even a moron can get at least a decent coin shot with it. I know cause now I are one!

ctgreatone · December 21, 2004 2:12PM

you all arer the best. I thank each and everyone of you again and again. I think I will end up with a nikon with a macro lens. I bought a testrite copy stand with light s and some day I hope with a lot of practice my pictures will be as good as all of yours. I also hope that one day my advice will be as good as what I have gotten for all of you. I just don't know how to express my thanks I am over come with all of this help.

Merry Christmas to you all

Greg

Murphy · December 21, 2004 2:52PM

Hehehe, you're just seeing our good side. Stick around.

(Merry X-mas!)

Boom · December 21, 2004 3:09PM

He's like that...easily overcome by everything

FufiFilm FinePix A 330. More bang for your bucks.

ctgreatone · December 22, 2004 2:08AM

Boom,
Not many suggestion for the Fuji cameras. I had remembered that you use one though. Still have not bought but close, to making the decision.

what cameras are best for coin pictures ?

Comments

Leave a Comment