My first camera arrived! Feedback appreciated on these CBDs

collegecoincollector

I finally have a camera to take coin pics! It's an Olympus E-520 (currently sells for around $450)...my research seemed to show that it has the best value for its relatively low price. I got it for my birthday but still chipped in a bunch so my coin budget is hurt for a while unfortunately. Anyhow, I've been practicing a bit and I feel like I am finally getting somewhere. Sure, I still have a lot of improvement to do, and Mark Goodman's book is on the way so hopefully that will help out.

These two dimes were both purchased off of ebay recently and I got great deals on both. I've really enjoyed collecting this series so far because these beautiful coins aren't too expensive but can still be very challenging IMO.

dizzyfoxx

The 1835 rev looks good, the obv needs better focus. Nice coins.

messydesk

Good start, although you need to work on sharpness. Make sure that the coin is square to the lens. You may need to focus manually to get best focus for macro shots. What lens are you using?

collegecoincollector

Thanks for the advice so far. I'm using the 14-42mm lens that came with the camera body. So far the focusing has been a challenge for sure. Unfortunately I don't have the funds for a copy stand or tripod at the moment so I have to physically hold the camera

ibzman350

<<I have to physically hold the camera >>


How about placing camera on flat surface and prop the coin perpendicular to the camera .




Herb

messydesk

That lens will be a bit of a challenge for those dimes. Use it at the 42mm setting and see how close you can get and retain sharpness. If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a support for the camera, start with a WalMart $30 tripod. I used this with much success before buying my copy stand. You can use the tripod for other photographic endeavors as well.

In general, the longer the focal length for a macro lens you can get, the better, as you'll have more room to position the lights where you want them. I and many others use a 105mm Macro for most shots. Some here have a 150mm or 180mm lens. When money permits, this is the next upgrade I'd pursue. I don't think Olympus dSLRs are compatible with the older Olympus manual focus lenses, but if they are, then an old manual focus macro would save you a lot of money over a new lens.

Deagle74

<< <i>Good start, although you need to work on sharpness.... >>



Agree...
1. Put your camera on a tripod
2. Turn the macro function on
3. Activate a 2 sec delay selftimer (+ put your coin as such distance from your camera, that a "macro focus" will work = not to close + don't zoom your lens, because your macro function will not work well then!!)
4. Focus your coin...and.......shoot - here you go, a nice sharp foto!!

Bye, R.

Rikey

I like both the way you did it.

Perfect pictures bother me. I can see the errors other see and that makes me know your coins have not been enhanced by photos.

I may be all wet on this one as I do not take pictures of my coins.