Photographing Coins...A Problem?

RichR · October 13, 2006 3:34AM

I have a pretty good Olympus digital camera that's about 2 years old.

Whenever I attempt to photograph coins, the image are very blurry. I've been told I need a bracket/arm to mount the camera to hold it steady to avoid distortion caused by movement.

I've also been told to "light" the coins from the sides, instead of from directly above. Photographing them against a black background (maybe a jewelry display mat?) was also recommended to increase contrast and to allow the camera to distinguish the coin from the background.

Does this all sound reasonable? And does anyone else have any suggestions. Also, does anyone else have a digital camera that simply refuses to decently image coins?

I'm asking before I go out and spend $100 on a camera mount.

Cladiator · October 13, 2006 3:38AM

If your main issue here is focus, or lack of focusing ability, on a small object at close distances your camera may not have a macro capability. A macro mode or lens is how people get sharply focused coin images.

mgoodm3 · October 13, 2006 3:39AM

Click on the link below.

Does your camera have a macro setting?

kryptonitecomics · October 13, 2006 3:42AM

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this already but it sounds like a Macro issue

BigBuffaloGuy · October 13, 2006 3:58AM

Go to the Advanced search page and search by author -- photoman . He is the photographer for ANR and has many tips about equiptment, techniques, etc. In my opinion, his pictures are the best in the biz (next to Scotsman's ofcourse

). Once you have absorbed all his info, do another search for -- MikeinFL . It will take a couple of weeks of practicing what both posters have advised, plus a little tweaking of your own, but eventually you will figure it out and see an unbelievable inprovement. It's a trial and error type of a deal.

All the best

Mark

xbob · October 13, 2006 3:58AM

The macro mode is usually indicated by a little flower icon. Check the stats of your camera in the manual or online to see the minimum distance. Some cameras can get as close a 1" (or less) while others need to be 18" or more away. I've had good luck with Nikons and coin pics.

derryb · October 13, 2006 6:13AM

An inexpensive close up filter will do the trick, provided your lens (or an adapter) is threaded to take the filter. Talk to your local photo shop (Ritz, etc.)

jdsinva · October 13, 2006 6:18AM

<< <i>I'm asking before I go out and spend $100 on a camera mount. >>

A tripod might be a less expensive means to steady the camera, if you are only going to use it for indoor use. . .

IrishMike · October 13, 2006 6:22AM

Tell us what model of Olympus you have.........there are several cures to what ails your photos, but first which model is it? And, have you studied the manual? I have an Olympus and have no issues like yours.

Photographing Coins...A Problem?

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