A comparison of RussView™ to TrueView™.

Russ · May 27, 2007 4:24AM

This is one that I sold recently. The owner had TrueView™ images done so I thought it would make for an interesting comparison.

This was a tough coin to image, and drives home a point I made way back when PCGS first started the service: The $5 they were charging was a raging, screaming bargain.

Russ, NCNE

llafoe · May 27, 2007 4:25AM

I agree, $5 does seem like a bargain.

StrikeOutXXX · May 27, 2007 4:29AM

Don't get me wrong Russ - your RussView photos are always very impressive. When placed next to Phil's though, I can see why he gets paid the big bucks to take the TrueView photos

I wish I could get that sharpness over the whole coin like he does.

Russ · May 27, 2007 4:36AM

<< Don't get me wrong Russ - your RussView photos are always very impressive. When placed next to Phil's though, I can see why he gets paid the big bucks to take the TrueView photos >>

No question he's a better photographer than I am. He and Mark both blow me away. That's why the TrueView service was stupidly under-priced at $5.

Russ, NCNE

DHeath · May 27, 2007 4:40AM

Looks like the lighting helped them, but only a little.

CarlWohlforth · May 27, 2007 4:46AM

How does the color of the silver and the toning compare?

Zoins · May 27, 2007 4:46AM

Russ, do you think it would have been easier if you were also able to shoot the coin raw?

Russ · May 27, 2007 5:00AM

<< How does the color of the silver and the toning compare? >>

Both images are pretty accurate renderings depending on how the coin is viewed.

<< Russ, do you think it would have been easier if you were also able to shoot the coin raw? >>

No question. Raw coins come out more crisp because there's no plastic in the way.

Russ, NCNE

Goldbully · May 27, 2007 5:02AM

RussView® is awesome!!

NumisOxide · May 27, 2007 5:06AM

Is PCGS still doing the TrueView™ service?

coinlieutenant · May 27, 2007 5:07AM

I think they are very similar actually...and good representations of the coin.

Goldbully · May 27, 2007 5:23AM

<< Is PCGS still doing the TrueView™ service? >>

Here's the 2005 PR....I guess it still applies.

PCGS PR

ricko · May 27, 2007 5:39AM

Great pictures Russ... I assume the TruView pictures are raw coins.. which give them an edge. Cheers, RickO

mgoodm3 · May 27, 2007 5:47AM

Nice pics, both of yuhs. The difference between Phil's and Russ' work is mainly $$$ equipment.

Cameonut · May 27, 2007 6:16AM

Great photos Russ - I wish I had the patience to fine tune my setup.

And I agree 100% that the TrueView service was a bargain at $5. I feel fortunate that I was able to get most of my proof cameo collection imaged by Phil.

stev32k · May 27, 2007 6:28AM

Just for fun I put both shots together with the same background I think that makes a difference. No other adjustments made except to reduce Russ's to about the same size as the PCGS shot. The main difference I see is lighting. I would bet that PCGS is using a pair of soft boxes. Notice how the PCGS coin is bright, but does not have any blown highlights. There also seems to be a slight difference in the white balance It's likely they are shooting raw and adjusting the exposure and white balance in post processing. Also I don't think you can get as good a shot with the coin in a holder as you can raw. The plastic will effect the light, and as mgoodm3 said PCGS likely has several thousand dollars tied up in photographic equipment.

CarlWohlforth · May 27, 2007 6:33AM

Thanks for posting this comparison.

Jcarney · May 27, 2007 10:49AM

<< No question he's a better photographer than I am. He and Mark both blow me away. >>

No. Uh uh. If we compared equipment, I think folk's jaws would drop at just how good you are Russ.