Heads up for those on dialup: If you would like to participate in the voting, please send me a PM with your mailing address. I will send you a CD with all the images. I expect the total image size to be over 5mb which will most likely be a problem for those of you on a slow connection.
<< <i>Count me in too! PM already sent. I think we need to mention our setup to take the pictures, that way, we can really get some valuable tips and a good education on how to take a good coin picture. >>
I figure there will probably be a lot of discussion once the images are posted. But for what it's worth, here's my setup:
>>
Wow! I know we don't see "eye to eye" there K6AZ, but I must say that's a set up for photographing coins. Is that how extensive one must be to properly image the color of a coin? ...I hope not, it looks like it's more just a few bucks
Actually, the two quartz lights you see on the stand aren't used for coins, I use those for circuit boards that I image for a tech manual company. For coins, I use 75w Sylvania Daylight Plus PAR30 halogen lamps. Here is an image of my setup with those lamps:
The secret to getting color to show on coin photographs is a high angle of light. Note where the coin lamps are in comparison to the quartz lights. This is an expensive setup, between the stand, the lighting, the camera and the lens I have over $2000 invested in it.
For those who want to get the same effect, but not spend a lot of money, I suggest this copy stand with the flexible lights:
Thanks for the tip. Do you think quality images can be achieved by that much less expensive set up? I'm looking to invest in a "gig" to image my own collection but just don't know how much I will need to spend to not be wasting my time with crappy images
That stand with the Sylvania bulbs and a decent camera will produce very good shots. And there are several very good digital cameras out there that are great for coins, including the Kodak that nwcs uses that has a retail price of $339. So for less than $600, you can put together a setup that will do wonderful toned coin images.
Comments
Thanks for organizing the contest, Eric!
Ken
First, we can take no additional entries.
Second, maximum physical size of 800x800 pixels per side, maximum file size 150k per side. Any entries received over these limits will be resized.
Canon Digital Rebel Camera
EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens with ET-67 Lens Hood
Photoflex Starlites
Photoflex Litediscs
Testrite CS2 Copy stand with added tripod head
Plus a regular 40 watt bulb lamp for highlights when needed.
09/07/2006
<< <i>
<< <i>Count me in too! PM already sent. I think we need to mention our setup to take the pictures, that way, we can really get some valuable tips and a good education on how to take a good coin picture. >>
I figure there will probably be a lot of discussion once the images are posted. But for what it's worth, here's my setup:
Wow! I know we don't see "eye to eye" there K6AZ, but I must say that's a
The secret to getting color to show on coin photographs is a high angle of light. Note where the coin lamps are in comparison to the quartz lights. This is an expensive setup, between the stand, the lighting, the camera and the lens I have over $2000 invested in it.
For those who want to get the same effect, but not spend a lot of money, I suggest this copy stand with the flexible lights:
Testrite CS2 Copy Stand with Lights - $113