360 Degree + 3-D Coin Imaging

JCB1983

As an aspiring entrepreneur, economist, and numismatist I try to come up with one business idea per day. I actually keep my business ideas in a 3-rin binder. My last idea of an online pawnshop (hate the word pawnshop) was going to tailor to PCGS/NGC slabbed coins. It never took off. The latest idea could possibly bring some potential, and I wanted to run it by seasoned veterans in the coin world.

3-D imaging/ 360 Degree Coin Viewing

Ever looked at real estate online, and been able see a 360 degree panoramic view of the surroundings? What if we could view a coin from 360 degrees while shopping online? If you could turn that coin upside down, rotate it, see the condition on the rim, and possibly view this image in 3-D would it help in your confidence of online buying? My uncle writes his own software, and has been experimenting with well known 3-d imaging software. He has a seriously advanced camera setup, and I myself am considering buying a D800 Nikkon. Is this something that could have some potential? What are your knee-jerk reactions? Please feel free to respond, or email me at jcbcoin@gmail.com I will not be going to any other forums regarding this possibility.

~Jason

AUandAG

How would I see 3d on my 2d monitor? It would be better than a 2d pic I would think.

bob

LanceNewmanOCC

.
i as well have tried innovative marketing techniques regarding presentation of coins online.

usually get mixed reviews when i do something different than the standard front/back flat presentation

it would be something i would enjoy integrating for possible marketing

there are sites that allow 360 degree rotation for their products but i do not recall exactly at this time which sites offered it

i imagine your end result is something like this but obviously the biggest challenge is lighting

do we want a standard image that people can rotate which really serves no purpose or an image that reacts accurately and effectively with a lighting effect?

i used my D90 to make small videos of coins being rotated with good lighting which really shows the luster bands and surfaces, edges etc while being rotated but was only

received well by a few people.

It seems that I have found it is much more effective to just take great images and offer quick and positive customer service with a generous return policy since no technology

i can image will replace the end user holding the item in their hands and making up their mind from there

looking forward to see where this thread may go
.

SmEagle1795

If you're referring to what Heritage sometimes provides, I think it would be a great service. I don't know which auctions they choose to "360" image but see this for an example: (the videos are at the bottom and require Flash). 1795 $5 Small Eagle

I've seen some earlier Heritage videos where they spin the coin far faster than you could ever find useful, but I suspect they're now using some sort of mechanical table as the rotation speed appears consistent across multiple coins I've seen imaged in this manner.

mgoodm3

The problem is that the video, while nice, don't provide a lot of detail. Good for a general overview and a look at the luster. To get much detail, you will need a lot larger images and will then run into depth of field problems. There are work arounds for that, but it would take a lot more work.

JCB1983

Thank you for the youtube link. That is what I was imagining in my head, but a much more crisp looking image. If we could establish a database/web-site, you could simply give the direct link via ebay/herritage or your own website. This is a very pre-mature idea, and it sounds like it isn't even original, but the demand is there right? My uncle Bruce used create islands/3-D creatures for an online video game called 2nd life and then sell them. On top of that he is an absolute photography expert. I know that he could pull this off. I would simply try to bring his talent/expertise into the numismatic community. My hopes were that I could show him any positive feedback from this thread to motivate him to do such a project. I could guarentee that his work would be stunning.

~Jason

blu62vette

Doing it for fun may be a good idea, for profit is a whole other thing.

I would not jump to the conclusion the demand is there.

JCB1983

Here is a very good video of a typical 3-D software program that could be used.

Video (No Coin Here)


Now look right around the 56 second mark. This is what I am talking about.

messydesk

I think a stereoscopic view of a coin with the detail that photograph can provide over a video might be better, provided the viewer can cross his eyes and see the stereoscopic effect. Here's one I did a long time ago, pre-DSLR. Try crossing your eyes until the center coin "locks" into a $10 Indian with flashy luster. It helps if you concentrate on the edge of the coin while doing this. Not everyone can do this, unfortunately.



I should try it with my current setup and skill set.

JCB1983

That is actually pretty amazing, pre-DSLR.

~Jason

Coinsponge

How would I see 3d on my 2d monitor?