Coin photo camera?

jesbroken · May 8, 2018 12:20PM

Is there a reasonable $300-$400 camera that will take clear closeups of coins(no grainy look like my Canon Powershot 100 gives-maybe operator error)? Here is a sample of what I get with 2 incandescent bulbs and camera stand. Lens set to macro. Every photo has this grainy look to it. And is far worse when toning is apparent with eyes alone.
Thanks.
Jim

ms70 · May 8, 2018 12:24PM

In recent weeks someone posted absolutely outstanding pics taken with their cellphone. It'd be worth searching for the thread. The pics were fantastic.

ChrisH821 · May 8, 2018 2:10PM

Can the Powershot do remote shooting hooked up to a computer? If so I'd suggest trying that.

ChrisH821 · May 8, 2018 2:22PM

If you are using a Poweshot A100, I just looked up the specs for it and it appears to be 1.2MP with no optical zoom. If that's right I'd say that's your problem.
I am no photo expert but I do like the Rebel T6 I picked up late last year. This is my only experience with a DSLR. Costco has a reasonably priced bundle here and there are lots of videos online to help with operation. I'm sure others with more experience can help more than I can.

jesbroken · May 8, 2018 2:53PM

Chris,
I can buy an EOS Rebel T6 EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II but the macro lens cost more than the camera. My PowerShot cannot be hooked to a computer for control or remote operating. No pics to look at on the computer until you take the shot and download it to the computer. That's a large problem with the PowerShot in my opinion. I guess that was why it was a $200 camera.
Thanks
Jim

yosclimber · May 8, 2018 2:57PM

You can get a Canon T2i used for about $200 on ebay. This handles LiveView on your PC, so you can use your PC monitor for focusing. 18mp.
Canon 100mm macro lens (original model, non-USM) used for $250 on ebay (several sellers in Japan).

ChrisH821 · May 8, 2018 3:02PM

Yeah the macro lenses are expensive. I've just been using the standard lens that it came with, I remember someone on here actually saying not to use macro lenses for some reason. Hopefully they will chime in here.

AUandAG · May 8, 2018 3:07PM

I switched from a Canon Powershot A590 to my current Nikon coolpix A900 and am pleased. I did get pretty good pics with my canon, much better than yours. here's a recent pic;
coin

climber from 1/2 mile away with the zoom:

BryceM · May 8, 2018 3:26PM

The camera body is the least important part of the “nice photo” equation, but you need more than a 1MP sensor. My advice would be to hit a camera forum BST & buy a high quality but used DSLR. Spend most of your money on a nice macro lens. Anything else will just leave you frustrated.

Grainy images might be a result of a poor quality (or low Mega-pixel) sensor, too little light, high ISO setting, or any combination of these.

I took these with a used camera that I paid less than $300 for:

bsshog40 · May 8, 2018 3:40PM

I have been using my canon T4i for a few yrs now. I love it.

kiyote · May 8, 2018 4:03PM

It reminds me of a joke, a photographer went to a chefs house and the chef was complementing him on his photographs. “What kind of camera do you use?” The chef asked, so the photographer told him.

Went to dinner came, the photographer gushed over how good the meal was. “You’re some chef!” the photographer said

slider23 · May 8, 2018 7:13PM

I use the Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, 16.0MP, WiFi, 50x Optical Zoom Digital Camera. I do not use a copy stand and I like the point and shoot function, but it has all the manual setting if you want to use them. It sells new on eBay for $235. it would be a major upgrade from what you are using.

jesbroken · May 13, 2018 1:50PM

slider23,
I bought a new SX530 HS, 16.0MP with an additional Macro lens. It is coming new in box but short of the CD. Any chance I actually need the disc or is it just drivers and such? I can download that from Canon. Thanks for the advice.
Jim

Gluggo · May 13, 2018 2:07PM

I got me a Canon EOS Rebel T6i DSLR Camera from Adorama back in NY. Super fast delivery and all about customer service. I still have to learn how to use it though. Then I have to learn how to take pictures of coins to boot. One day I will master that. I bought it back in December at the time it was the newest wireless camera from Cannon a lower end cost.
Still close to 1 grand after you buy all the accessories. Glad I bought it.
https://www.adorama.com/l/?searchinfo=canon+eos+rebel+t6i

NGS428 · May 13, 2018 2:29PM

You can get a superb setup for <$400.

Take a read of some threads on this forum:
https://www.coincommunity.com/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=81

Specifically the <$400 setup thread at:
https://www.coincommunity.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=158182

The setup I landed on is detailed on page 32.

Kudbegud · May 13, 2018 4:20PM

Cellphones have advanced dramatically with their cameras. They can take excellent photos with enough light. If you have an Android phone, try an app called Cozy Magnifier. There is a free version and a $1,99 paid version.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hantor.CozyMag

slider23 · May 19, 2018 10:14AM

I know you are into Buffs, I took this photo with the SX530HS camera and a LED Ottlite lamp with a daylight bulbs. I have had better luck with the LED bulbs with coins of color. This is what the coin looks like in hand.

crazyhounddog · May 19, 2018 10:54AM

Nice pics of a pretty coin my brother. Maybe a bit more light will be in order but what an improvement.

crazyhounddog · May 19, 2018 11:05AM

I love my Nikon D750 and my setup. I enjoy imaging as much as I enjoy collecting.
Well, kinda that much.

jesbroken · May 19, 2018 11:21AM

I took these pics of the coin with 2 incandescents and one led. I still have some of the yellow from the incandescents due to the pcgs holders. I have 2 OTT lites but have no idea where they are. I bought them from Lowes when they were discontinuing them for like $12 a piece. Wish I still could get them that cheap. Oops one was staring me in the face on my work table. I'll try them next.
Thanks all for the nice comments.
Jim

jesbroken · May 19, 2018 11:27AM

BTW--this is the camera I am using.
Jim

FunwithMPL · May 19, 2018 1:08PM

Took this with my canon with a macro lens.

jesbroken · May 19, 2018 1:27PM

Nice coin and great pic. I love the result of the improper mix of the alloys. I had a near complete set of Indian Head cents in XF up with that feature(only more pronounced) lacking only three, guess which ones. lol
Jim

Sweetpie · May 19, 2018 3:00PM

Samsung S8 and 2 LED bulbs (3000k)

Cameonut · May 19, 2018 3:24PM

I used a different approach - some has already been touched on.

I bought a used macro lens first as I did not own an SLR. Turns out it had a Nikon mount so I bought a used Nikon D90 to fit.

Today, I would have done it differently. I would have bought the used macro I really wanted (Sigma 150) and then bought the SLR.

ACop · May 19, 2018 4:05PM

A used Canon 7D mark ii is a great deal right now. Not much missing from the current latest and greatest in the Canon line. There has been little development since the Canon 50D after some major strides after the 10D into the 20D(Unless you need video). Body only can come in as cheap as 250-300 if you poke around. Absolutely a professional grade camera. I came close but went the 80D route to add video versatility, not sure why but new also appealed to me.

Coin photo camera?

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