Pictures with the new Canon camera

Millertime · September 8, 2008 11:35AM

I picked up a Canon PS A590 today and here's what I've done with it. I have a black checkerboard for the background and a desk lamp with a 60 watt daylight fluorescent bulb. I tried a tripod and it sucked so right now it's just freehand. Where should I put the light? If I put the light close (like I thought I needed to) I get a lot of reflection on the slab. I can see that I need another light so I'll try that and post another picture. Comments and tips will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for looking.
Millertime

messydesk · September 8, 2008 11:42AM

Start with the lights at about 10:00 and 2:00. With a circulated coin, you won't need to have them terribly high (unless you have a thin coin tilted in an NGC holder). What kind of tripod do you have and how big is it such that it sucked?

Also, go to a parts store and get a bottle of Meguiar's PlastX and buff the scratches off the slab.

lasvegasteddy · September 8, 2008 11:50AM

looking good

Millertime · September 8, 2008 11:51AM

The tripod is a small Kodak that extends 16 inches. Any focus I have is by luck.

Millertime

Millertime · September 8, 2008 11:58AM

Here's a quick comparison showing a SLQ with the Fuji (top) and the Canon (bottom).

messydesk · September 8, 2008 12:09PM

The SLQ is improved due to the lighting. Adding the second light will make it much more even.

The tripod I use is a WalMart MX2000. It's a full-size tripod that cost me $30 and comes with a gig bag. I extend the back leg all the way and the two front legs about 6-8" less. I then lean the tripod up against my desk, which angles the center column over the desk nicely.

Millertime · September 8, 2008 12:59PM

Stupid question. How do I focus?

Millertime

direwolf1972 · September 8, 2008 1:15PM

Two suggestions

copy stand

macro lens kit and adapter off eBay.

I use a Canon A540 and the above mentioned items. I've seen a lot better photos than mine but I'm pretty happy with it for the price.

Millertime · September 11, 2008 3:02PM

Am I getting any better? I added the second light and I discovered the white balance setting.

Millertime

mgoodm3 · September 11, 2008 3:27PM

Looking pretty good.

RunnersDad · September 11, 2008 4:51PM

Those look a lot better!

Millertime · September 11, 2008 4:54PM

Thanks. The half dollar was the hardest thing I've tried to take a picture of so far. The half dollar has more luster on the reverse than the picture shows but the colors came out pretty good. I have an 1853 25c that's almost a chocolate brown that I'll tackle tomorrow.

Millertime

newbiecollector · September 11, 2008 6:58PM

I am using a new s5IS canon and still learning.

This was taken thru a NGC holder............nearly got the lighting correct I think.

ClosedLoop · September 11, 2008 9:52PM

i also have the s5is, love the macro feature on this. i'm still learning how to use it,any setting recommendations?

Millertime · September 11, 2008 11:03PM

<< <i>i also have the s5is, love the macro feature on this. i'm still learning how to use it,any setting recommendations? >>

LOL - not from me, I still don't know what I'm doing!

Anyone know what freeware photo editing software does circular (or irregular shape) crops so I can use a black background?

Thanks,
Millertime

newbiecollector · September 12, 2008 12:23AM

<< <i>

<< <i>i also have the s5is, love the macro feature on this. i'm still learning how to use it,any setting recommendations? >>

LOL - not from me, I still don't know what I'm doing!

Anyone know what freeware photo editing software does circular (or irregular shape) crops so I can use a black background?

Thanks,
Millertime >>

newbiecollector · September 12, 2008 12:25AM

Get photoscape.
It is free and works great for cropping......roundly or otherwise

Pictures with the new Canon camera

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