Inexpensive cameras for coins?

LastExitInNY · October 24, 2005 4:44PM

Are there any fairly inexpensive cameras out there to use for coin photos or is a better camera the best way to shoot a coin?

Man · October 24, 2005 4:53PM

I'd go with a better camera or if your low-budget try a scanner I find it faster to use then my camera.

My camera shoots at 2592x1944.
My scanner goes to 6400x3200 at 1/3 the cost.

messydesk · October 24, 2005 11:18PM

How inexpensive?

JrGMan2004 · October 25, 2005 12:25AM

<< <i>I'd go with a better camera or if your low-budget try a scanner I find it faster to use then my camera.

My camera shoots at 2592x1944.
My scanner goes to 6400x3200 at 1/3 the cost. >>

With all due respect to our scanner users out there...

A scanner doesn't even compare when it comes to taking pictures of coins, at least Uncs... on circulated coins, they are closer, but for anything really lustrous, or with lots of color, a scanner just doesn't do the coin justice. A camera requires more work and more practice, but in the end, will provide a much better picture...

As for a low-budget camera, try to find a low-end Nikon Coolpix. You might be able to find one used that's still decent. No matter what camera you get, get one with a black body. But, I would try and save up and get a decent Nikon. Like a 4000 series Coolpix

LastExitInNY · October 25, 2005 4:18PM

Thanks for the info everyone.

carl · October 26, 2005 12:22AM

All depends on if you want a digital or film type camera. Nowadays a film camera is dirt cheap but you have to get the photos turned into an electronic file if you want to put them on your computer. This is no problem now with numerous stores that do developing or if you have a good scanner you can do it yourself. The price of a great film camera is down to dirt cheap. I've got many of them and couldn't sell them for much more than a Burger King hamburger. I think McDonald's is have thier .49 and .59 burgers today so my cameras are worth even less. I just tried to sell a Canon A with five lenses and couldn't get an offer for nothing. Now a digital camera is probably the way to go so just look for one that has close up/ macro abilities. Don't worry about the telephoto capabilities if you want to just use it for coins. My son just bought an outdated digital camera model from a place called Office Max for $29 and it does great close up photos. Many are on sale soon because of the holidays coming up. Last year the number one gift bought was digital cameras so just wait a few more weeks and start shopping around. Get a B&H catalog by going on line to get an idea of basic prices. They are just abaout the largest supplier of photo equipment anywhere.

Inexpensive cameras for coins?

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