What do you think of the video I shot of this toned morgan?

airplanenut · April 23, 2006 7:32AM

I know a few people have played around with the idea before, but I finally got to try out the video feature on my camera. I decided to start with a semi-PL toned piece, in hopes that the video would better show the lustre/pop that the coin has in hand, that a still photo can't show. So a few questions to ask of you?

1- Would you like to see video like this in an eBay auction/on the BST
2- Is there anything that would make the video better (I hit the time limit, it can't be larger, and I don't have software to change the file format)
3- Any other comments?

1880-S PCGS MS66 Dollar (8.8mb--Quicktime file)

Second try... 3.6mb .mpg file

Jeremy

Barndog · April 23, 2006 7:41AM

The video shows the obverse colors quite well and the white reverse is also demonstrated nicely. I would suggest finding a way to eliminate the reflection of the light source across the coin and to more slowly turn the coin. Multiple, rapid movements of the coin are not needed to sufficiently demonstrate its color.

If I was buying a toned coin via ebay and had DSL or better, I would appreciate such an informative video.

relayer · April 23, 2006 7:49AM

You moved it a lot slower than that last guy's video, but it's still moving too fast. Maybe do two rotations. Also it's too long, especially the reverse.

And of course if you can get the bulb reflection out it would be great.

ddbird · April 23, 2006 7:49AM

Clean your nails sicko!

Actually, that was REALLY cool. Showed the color great and even picked up the slight textile look.

Id try to see if I could remove the heavy light source, and maybe move the coin a little slower.

Other than that it was really cool and takes away the fear from buying off the internet.

TomB · April 23, 2006 7:54AM

That's not bad for shooting it in a coal mine using only the light on your helmet! Anyway, who is taking a shower in the background? That's what it sounded like on my computer.

I think it's cool, though I would rotate the coin more slowly, use better lighting, be closer to the coin and make the file smaller by shooting a shorter movie.

airplanenut · April 23, 2006 8:15AM

Ok... so to reply to everyone so far:

1- I'll shoot it again shortly moving the coin more slowly
2- Getting rid of the reflection will be hard--I think there's more reflection that you notice through a camera, compared to what you see when you hold a coin at the perfect angle for your eye. Something to work on, but I can't promise anything.
3- The noise was my roommate's computer fan. I don't know how to make the video mute

Maybe I should try a play-by-play a la Crocodile Hunter? "Oh Crikey! Would you look at that color just glow... that's a REAAAL dangerous glow. And check out those textile dots. This big momma really got cozy with that bag!"

Russ · April 23, 2006 8:35AM

You should record it in a file format that doesn't require apple crap.

Russ, NCNE

airplanenut · April 23, 2006 8:37AM

<< <i>You should record it in a file format that doesn't require apple crap.

Russ, NCNE >>

Hey Russ, read above where I said I can't record in any other format

Know of a program to convert the file?

Mesquite · April 23, 2006 9:01AM

Jeremy,

I agree with the others - too fast. In addition, if I were looking at the video to purchase the coin I would like to see good stills of the obverse and reverse surfaces and devices. Perhaps if you start with a 5 sec stll of the obverse followed by a tip on one edge and a 5 sec very slow "rotation" to show the luster and color. Flip the coin and repeat. Good color and luster presentation on the one you showed. I agree that you need to try to elimate the light bulb reflection. Not too much to ask - show us how it's done! Pretty coin - quite worthy of the experiment.

airplanenut · April 23, 2006 9:10AM

Mesquite,

This video would complement, not replace, the pictures... the pictures will be much larger, but the video shows how the color and lustre mix, which still shots can't really do.

gyocomgd · April 23, 2006 9:17AM

Very interesting, Jeremy. I agree with previous comment--go slower and make it shorter. A bit of quick commentary wouldn't be bad either--some special feature of the coin, perhaps, or a bit of its history (i.e. crossed from an ANACS holder).

xphobe · April 23, 2006 9:18AM

google "convert mov to mpg". I found This forum thread which should give you some ideas. I agree, the world would be a better place without Quicktime hog-bloatware.

Folks here on our forum have recommended using a white sheet to diffuse the light between the source and your setup. You might try that.

You're definitely onto something. eBayers would love a movie. At least I know I would. Y'know, a movie would probably also be good for early coppers, for different reasons.

Can't wait for Part II - Revenge of the Textile Toner!

messydesk · April 23, 2006 9:36AM

Too long. Make one slower "pass" at the obverse, one of the reverse, and edit out flipping the slab over, then just let it loop on playback. You'll also need some decent still pictures. If I were hit with an 8.8 MB Quicktime file on dialup, I'd skip the auction.

MrKelso · April 23, 2006 9:39AM

Add a naked dancing girl and it will be perfect.

airplanenut · April 23, 2006 10:27AM

Here's the next try--3.6mb .mpg file

The light is still there, and I think it might be a necessary evil. I did do my best to go slower, though.

uofa1285 · April 23, 2006 10:53AM

REALLY cool! I love it!

Doug

xbob · April 23, 2006 11:48AM

Suddenly I feel sleepy. Veeerrryy Sleeeppyyy.

You madman! This is a hypnosis video!

Really it's pretty cool for showing how the lighting angles make the toning look. If it could be compresed for slow surfers (like DSL

) it would be great to add to auctions.

fcloud · April 23, 2006 11:50AM

Very cool! I like the movement.

airplanenut · April 23, 2006 11:56AM

<< <i>Really it's pretty cool for showing how the lighting angles make the toning look. If it could be compresed for slow surfers (like DSL

) it would be great to add to auctions. >>

The new file's about as compressed as I can get... shorter video and in a lower file size format

Mesquite · April 23, 2006 12:09PM

Better. Some suggestions.

I'm assuming that you have a copy-stand set up with the camera directly over the coin or something similar to that.

1. What if you held the coin and the camera stationary and had your light source start out stationary and slowly go into a pendulum motion, say located north of the slab label?

2. Same as (1) but move the light source in a 90 to 180 degree arc?

3. Place a textbook (covered with white or black cloth) on the copy stand with a racketball under each corner of the text. Keep the camera and light source stationary and in a clockwise, seemless sequence, apply a bit of pressure to each corner to tilt the coin through 360 degrees. If the racketball is too stiff try this with foam rubber.

I think you're onto something that will make an impressive display - but it needs to be subtile (I think) and should be easily reproducible. Good luck with attempting variations.

airplanenut · April 23, 2006 12:32PM

Mesquite: I tried moving the light source, but I get to way too many angles where the copystand/camera block the light, and the coin goes black. In real life, one's more likely to move the coin out of a constant plane (right/left, forwards/backwards), which will get angles that moving just the light can't do. The raquet ball idea is an interesting one, and something I'll have to think about. As it is, just putting the light on, I was able to do this well with other pieces, too, as tests. I'm hoping to spend more time on the technique later this week, after a Wednesday exam.

lloydmincy · April 23, 2006 12:39PM

Jeremy_

You're supposed to be studying to save the world someday. I never imagined that I would be watching COIN VIDEOS one day. The world is progressing too fast for me to keep up! The video is...

messydesk · April 23, 2006 12:45PM

<< <i>Mesquite: I tried moving the light source, but I get to way too many angles where the copystand/camera block the light, and the coin goes black. In real life, one's more likely to move the coin out of a constant plane (right/left, forwards/backwards), which will get angles that moving just the light can't do. The raquet ball idea is an interesting one, and something I'll have to think about. As it is, just putting the light on, I was able to do this well with other pieces, too, as tests. I'm hoping to spend more time on the technique later this week, after a Wednesday exam. >>

Just thought of one of two things you could use.
1) A small light in a circular track that could be mounted around your lens like a ringlight, then rotated.
2) An LED ringlight programmed to have the lights chase around, giving the effect of #1.
Of course, neither exists at the moment.

Mesquite · April 23, 2006 12:57PM

By all means, study for the exam! You focus on finishing well. I'll look for more from you on this project later in the week.

solid · April 23, 2006 1:06PM

Cool video - don't forget to insert the subliminal messages "Buy this coin...bid high...buy this coin...bid high..."

Ken

NumisOxide · April 23, 2006 1:18PM

Jeremy,
I think it's a great idea. It really shows the coins character much better than a still image.

bestclser1 · April 23, 2006 1:42PM

Newer one is better.As i mentioned on the other Forum,lighting is still not solved,but concept is cool.Jeremy,i cant shoot a still pic,so mine is truly a laymans opinion.

numonebuyer · April 23, 2006 2:11PM

I would think you could get some of your robotic friends from MIT to build you a robotic arm that would hold the coin to rotate it at a specific speed.

pharmer · April 23, 2006 2:16PM

It definitely shows the coin's luster more effectively, with the light moving around, versus one still image. I was thinking, on the third try, that having the light source go to each point on the compass, e/w/n/s and stay there a moment, in succession, would be better than continual movement. Well done Jeremy.

MikeInFL · April 23, 2006 5:05PM

Jeremy, That is really cool, and a great idea. I would be it would make returns less frequent, as it really shows the coin as it will be in-hand...Mike

mozeppa · April 23, 2006 10:43PM

Jeremy...

here's an idea i had for making your timing a litte more uniform and to possibly remove much of the glare.

you can get a old record player for a couple dollars at a yard sale...drill a quarter inch hole in a block of wood (so it will fit on the
spindle)

cut the top at a slight angle. ..your done.

by making the movements of the slab more predictable you'll get better results.

-mike

xbob · April 25, 2006 12:59PM

Jeremy,

As an experiment, I imported your video into flashMX and re-sampled it for low bandwidth. It got down to 720K but it's very pixilated. However, if it was in an auction listing accompanied by your great photos, it's purpose would just be to show color and luster and that it still intact.

Link to flash compressed version 720K

Coxe · April 25, 2006 1:53PM

Jeremy -- If you can get the lighting worked out, maybe reduce it to a handful of frames, make an animated GIF of it, and upload it next time for avatar or use it in your sig line.

Craton · April 25, 2006 1:57PM

Do I see some textile toning on that coin? I can see it at certain angles.

What do you think of the video I shot of this toned morgan?

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