Ok time for me to upgrade my point and shoot camera.
Would this be a suitable camera for photographing coins ?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Nikon-D-Series-D3200-24mp-HUGE-DEAL-COMPLETE-KIT-/161371230601?pt=AU_Digital_Cameras&hash=item2592799189
looks the goods to me. wish I had that much dough to spend on a camera.
"Sigma 70-300mm 4-5.6 Macro lens "
cant wait to see your pics if you get it :)
Quote from: 'serial' pid='55081' dateline='1405913755'looks the goods to me. wish I had that much dough to spend on a camera.
"Sigma 70-300mm 4-5.6 Macro lens "
cant wait to see your pics if you get it :)
I am almost ready to pull the trigger on this, Just waiting to see if Mark or Jeff thinks it is a reasonable deal :ok:
I had a squizz on the Nikon site about this unit and it looks quite a capable camera so I bit the bullet and bought it .
I has to be better than my Fujifilm 14mp point and shoot unit anyway.
Now to order some memory cards for it. :)
Looks a good deal to me. I had an early Pentax DSLR (only 4MP) but excellent picture quality -better than an 8MP point and shoot.
I was going to just buy the body but a package with aftermarket lens was very little extra cost. I went for the Pentax as I could use all my K mount lenses from my old Pentax film camera.
In my opinion interchangeable lenses are a must if you want to be serious and quality of the lens is probably more important than the number of pixels. RAW option is good if you want absolutely best end results but I usually don't bother because the file sizes are so big.
Another important thing for close up work is distortion -the better the lens the less the distortion (or loss of focus at the edge of the picture) you are likely to suffer. Wouldn't hurt to read some reviews if you have time.
And setup for coins is another whole issue but Mark has covered that before.
And a 2x teleadaptor! I had one (and even a 3x). Pretty much useless unless camera on tripod, light good and remote shutter release used. Even then, depth of field is very restricted. My first thought is that it would not be relevant for coin photography but I would experiment with one for closeup -you never know.
congrats!
cant wait to see results
I got the entire lot for less than the cost of the Sigma 70-300mm 4-5.6 Macro lens.
Ah well I can only give it a crack when it gets here and see what I can achieve with it.:angel:
QuoteAnd setup for coins is another whole issue but Mark has covered that before.
Can you post a link to that please Jeff :)
Just a note -the sensor is smaller than standard 35mm film frame so focal length will be about 1½ times what lens is rated (18-55mm lens will actually be 27-83mm).
Some reviews'
•Photography Blog (http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/nikon_d3200_review)
•Camera Labs (http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D3200/)
•Digital Photography Review (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-d3200)
Sorry I'm late to this post, But :-
It is not going to work for you.
Combining the reversing ring with the standard 18-55 Nikor
might get you a result, but it will require patience.
The Sigma is not a Prime Macro and of no use in coin photography.
With the D3200 Nikon body as a "Newby" camera pointer
a REAL Prime Macro Lens is required.
Either :-
A: Tamron 90mm 1:1 Macro Prime Lens (Markn) $350
B: Tokina 100mm 1:1 Macro Prime Lens (Robster)$425
C: Nikor 105mm 1:1 Micro Prime Lens (Expensive)?$
D: Sigma 105mm 1:1 Macro Prime Lens (Also Expensive)
As for add on adapters, leave them on the shelf useless.
Extension tubes are far superior.
Quote from: 'Fordprefect' pid='55087' dateline='1405918727'Sorry I'm late to this post, But :-
It is not going to work for you.
Combining the reversing ring with the standard 18-55 Nikor
might get you a result, but it will require patience.
The Sigma is not a Prime Macro and of no use in coin photography.
With the D3200 Nikon body as a "Newby" camera pointer
a REAL Prime Macro Lens is required.
Either :-
A: Tamron 90mm 1:1 Macro Prime Lens (Markn) $350
B: Tokina 100mm 1:1 Macro Prime Lens (Robster)$425
C: Nikor 105mm 1:1 Micro Prime Lens (Expensive)?$
D: Sigma 105mm 1:1 Macro Prime Lens (Also Expensive)
As for add on adapters, leave them on the shelf useless.
Extension tubes are far superior.
+1. Lens is more important than the camera. You've got a nice bit of kit there but you'll need a dedicated macro lens for coins.
Which one ?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SALE-BRAND-NEW-TAMRON-SP-AF-90mm-f-2-8-F2-8-DI-MACRO-1-1-for-NIKON-DSLR-LENS-/320855567275?pt=AU_Lenses&hash=item4ab47b6bab
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Tokina-100mm-1-2-8-D-AT-X-PRO-MACRO-for-NIKON-micro-/131242444331?pt=AU_Lenses&hash=item1e8ea8c62b
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Sigma-28mm-f-1-8-EX-DG-ASP-Aspherical-Macro-Lens-For-Nikon-1-Year-Warranty-/160880809109?pt=AU_Lenses&hash=item25753e5495
Is this what I will need ?
Item specifics
Condition: Brand New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is ... Read moreabout the condition
Brand: Tamron
Focal Length: Fixed/Prime Model: 272E for Nikon
Focus Type: Manual, Auto MPN: af57n-700
Maximum Aperture: f/2.8 Camera Type: Digital SLR
Type: Telephoto Compatible Brand: For Nikon
UPC: 725211727132
Detailed item info
Product Information
The Tamron 272E 90-mm is an excellent macro lens for Nikon mount systems. The Tamron 272E is suitable for both SLR and DSLR formats and brings outstanding photo quality to either platform. The Tamron SP 272E has a longer lens to subject ability, which is a real value when photographing subjects that are difficult to get close to. The Tamron 272E 90-mm is perfect for naturalist or wildlife photographers who need to get closer shots of nervous animals, and the polycarbonate construction of the Tamron 272E makes it light enough to ensure it is always on hand for any opportunity. The Tamron 272E 90-mm has high-quality resolution and chromatic correction capabilities compared to other similarly priced lenses, and this high resolution gives the Tamron SP 272E the ability to give superior handling of out of focus areas around the subject. The Tamron 272E has excellent anti-reflection technology that reduces the unwanted glare and ghosting that can be common to even very high-end digital cameras.
Product Identifiers
Lens Brand Tamron
Model 272E for Nikon
MPN af57n-700
UPC 4960371004440, 725211727132, 725211727156
Key Features
Lens Type Telephoto
Compatible Camera Type Digital SLR
Compatible Camera Brand Nikon
Focus Type Auto, Manual
Max Aperture f/2.8
Technical Features
Lens Construction 10 Elements in 9 Groups
Focal Length Fixed/Prime
Min Aperture f/32
View Angle 27 Degrees
Filter Size 55 mm
Minimum Focusing Distance 29 cm
Number of Diaphragm Blades 9 Blades
Macro Magnification x1
Dimensions
Diameter 7.15 cm
Length 9.7 cm
Weight 405 g
Miscellaneous
Zoom Adjustment Fixed/Prime
Additional Features Macro Lens
We have the Tamron 272E.
Quote from: 'markn' pid='55090' dateline='1405920938'We have the Tamron 272E.
PM sent :)
Ok
I have the Nikon 3200 matched with a Tamron 272E 90-mm lens .
What else will I need as I have still got some change out of my $1500 camera budget.
I imagine I will need some sort of copy stand and some other lighting options rather than just my OTT light.
The Camera I bought comes with a tripod but I guess that it would be pretty useless to use for coin pic's.
I am no expert but I would think the best use of your allowance would be on a 2nd ott light. I noticed with your pics that the light is one sided and I am led to believe that multiple light sources is key to good pics
Quote from: 'trout' pid='55091' dateline='1405921664'Quote from: 'markn' pid='55090' dateline='1405920938'We have the Tamron 272E.
PM sent :)
Ok
I have the Nikon 3200 matched with a Tamron 272E 90-mm lens .
What else will I need as I have still got some change out of my $1500 camera budget.
I imagine I will need some sort of copy stand and some other lighting options rather than just my OTT light.
The Camera I bought comes with a tripod but I guess that it would be pretty useless to use for coin pic's.
Camera stand and lights. That'd be the best thing to buy next.
:yeah_what_she_said: I second that.
One day I will get around to putting provision on my large, very sturdy USB microscope stand so I can hang my camera and a couple of lights on it too.
I just bought a new camera yesterday! it took a while and got a good one
the first one I bought a week ago I had to return it LET ME SAY - I would not **** on a Nikon if it was on fire! what a load of faulty ****
ill show some pic of the new one I got yesterday its a Olympus - so much better ( at lest it can focus in on a threepence and over date )
****ADMIN EDIT BECAUSE I HAVE A POTTY MOUTH*******
I have until recently been using a Nikon D3200, great camera.!! I use a Tokina f2.8 macro lens.! My camera is mounted on an old enlarger stand and I use a 3 light setup. (2 x Jansjo l.e.d. spots from Ikea and a 10w halogen I had lying around.!!
I have just scored a Nikon D7100 so I can use tethering software to shoot my pics through my laptop (Control my Nikon software didn't support the D3200.)
Now I have one camera for road trips and one dedicated to coins and I couldn't be happier.!!
Like all else there is much to learn but you will be so much happier as every shot improves.!! Best wishes, take tons of pics at different speeds, apertures, and lighting.!! Look forward to some results.:yahoo:
Your other lens will be great for general pics. You will have everything you need in one lens for the 'fishing' action shots.!!
Yep, copy stand and lights
But :-
Before spending any more dollars I'd be checking if
the D3200 supports Live View shooting.
From memory it dosn't, Robster I think ran into this roadblock
maybe he would be best to comment.
And i see he has responded before my post
Without "Live View" capability you are severely limiting
your options.
QuoteCamera stand and lights. That'd be the best thing to buy next.
I already have another OTT light on its way that I ordered last week so I will have a squizz in town tomorrow when I go in for some other suitable lights.
Now for a camera stand , which is recommended and who sells them?
QuoteWithout "Live View" capability you are severely limiting
your options.
Can't I simply push the button :angel:
Quote from: 'trout' pid='55099' dateline='1405928564'QuoteCamera stand and lights. That'd be the best thing to buy next.
I already have another OTT light on its way that I ordered last week so I will have a squizz in town tomorrow when I go in for some other suitable lights.
Now for a camera stand , which is recommended and who sells them?
QuoteWithout "Live View" capability you are severely limiting
your options.
Can't I simply push the button :angel:
If you wish to produce mediocre images, yes.
The problem I had with the D3200/macro lens combination was as follows; I could only use manual focus with this combo.!!
Still takes great shots but with my 'ageing' eyes what looked to be in focus was quite often just 'off'.
I bought an old 'enlarger stand' from a camera store (about $25) and with a few mods. this allows the camera to hang down over the coins.
Will try and find a pic. of the setup shortly. :idea:
These are OK but I should be able to improve on this with the new set up (I hope)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10019/2004_5c1.jpg)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10019/2004_5c.jpg)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10019/1979_2c1.jpg)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10019/1979_2c.jpg)
Nikon S3600 Digital Camera ($150 down to $118), was so nasty with auto focusing in the wrong places, couldn't do zoom in, needed to buy a memory card cos it could only take two picture before it said camera was full.... ah when I took it back to the shop the staff tried it and said there was something wrong with the lens and would send it back for repair, because I bought it new and it was within the shop warranty of so many days return they just gave my money back (dicksmiths)
when I went looking for a better camera I tried the shop displays in JB Hi-Fi and same camera had a macro option that you could choose in the menu but still count focus in on a 20c coin.
JB Hi-Fi store person sucked and said that the only camera they had with macro was $300! that $100 more or all cameras than elsewhere
I found my camera in Office works! the staff member was helpful and I got a camera $139
Olympus VR-370
(http://u.cyfrowe.pl/330x270/9/4/aparat_olympus_vr370_srebrny_3_1848021498.jpeg?seed=0.3922843794704288)
(http://u.cyfrowe.pl/330x270/0/a/aparat_olympus_vr370_srebrny_5_1601479141.jpeg?seed=0.8246165280889579)
I had a play with my new Olympus camera and it did pretty good for a first go, I took a pic of the new threepence in the mail to see if it's a over date, but alas no, then took a pic of my current over date with lighting then none, can see it good enough, a bit of playing with the camera should be able to take top pics
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10011/34_t.JPG)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10011/34_tt.JPG)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10011/34_ttt.JPG)
http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/olympus-vr370-digital-camera-16mp12-5x3in-silver-olvr370sr?searchTerm=Olympus VR-370
We didn't have liveview until recently and yes, it's much better with it. But we didn't have it for years and we got along ok without it. At least with the lenses you've got and the Tamron you seem to have bought you can get a new body in the future and still be able to use your lenses.
Without liveview I strongly recommend you find a way of tethering your camera to your PC to allow you to take images and review them quickly because the auto focus won't always work the way you expect. And if you're doing the SD-Card->PC Copy->Review cycle then it takes forever.
(http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o787/robster836/IMGP2794_zpsf7de1f2a.jpg)
Trout, this is the stand that I hang my camera on.!!
Quote from: 'markn' pid='55106' dateline='1405931107'We didn't have liveview until recently and yes, it's much better with it. But we didn't have it for years and we got along ok without it. At least with the lenses you've got and the Tamron you seem to have bought you can get a new body in the future and still be able to use your lenses.
Without liveview I strongly recommend you find a way of tethering your camera to your PC to allow you to take images and review them quickly because the auto focus won't always work the way you expect. And if you're doing the SD-Card->PC Copy->Review cycle then it takes forever.
I should be able to run a cable from the camera to the computer to view the images.
my cable to camera to computer (not only upload pics) but charges the camera, also has a plug piece to charge it from wall, bonus :)
I LOVE that stand Rob :good:
So fess up where did you find it :)
Quotemy cable to camera to computer (not only upload pics) but charges the camera, also has a plug piece to charge it from wall, bonus
I have that with my Fujifilm Point and shoot Camera as well but I normally take 20-30 images at a time and suss them in the viewfinder then take the sd card out to do the cropping.
The transfer rate from the camera via the cable is pretty slow and is easier/faster to do it that way.
BTW this little Fujifilm jobbie is the best point and shot camera I have owned and cost less than $300 :good:
QuoteAt least with the lenses you've got and the Tamron you seem to have bought you can get a new body in the future and still be able to use your lenses.
Good Point Mark.
I did buy the Tamron so if the 3200 body becomes a pain in the proverbial I can always upgrade to a better Nikon body :good:
In the meantime this new equipment is far more advanced on what I have at the moment so I should be happy with what I have got until "I" get more advanced at taking coin shots :angel:
The advice from you and other learned camera buffs on this site has been invaluable and I appreciate it greatly.
My goal eventually is to be able to take an image of a coin that looks "Exactly" how it does "In Hand", I have a long way to go yet but by Crikey I am enjoying the Journey :dance2:
The stand was bought second hand from a camera store. originally held an enlarger.!!:angel:
Trout
i'd suspect that if the transfer rate is slow then it's the computer not the camera
my only caution - but too late now, is with a second handie
what you get is exactly what you get
my son has taken to photography like a duck to water with his journalism course but has been burnt buying second handies and he needs to post them to Melbourne for repairs. no local repair guys
he has mastered/is mastering the setting and functions of his original canon purchase and is taking amazing photos
so I am now convinced that 85% of good photos is the operator skill level
QuoteI am now convinced that 85% of good photos is the operator skill level
Spot On RG
That remark resembles me, My pic's make up the other 15% :angel:
he just did a short photography holiday/course - his very first o'seas trip - went to Timoreast
last night he was giving me tutorials on my computer about his photos and the taking and editing tips he has been given
I think I got about 15% of it all!! ha ha
he has just downloaded a 30 day photographic editing program trial - "creative cloud" - a photoshop (I think) program as he has to use it next semester - it is interesting what you can do to 'tweek' photos i.e. clarity, colour adjustments , so I might learnt it too as I very often just can't capture the coin as my eye sees it ,
maybe more specific colour filters etc might help but I am no camera buff and got my camera for far less then $200
yep AC -it is an Olympus too ( I love it)
hehe when I get the hang of it ill show some tips and stuff
Like anything else that we endeavour to master, we soon realise that the more we learn the easier it becomes.! Members on here have provided some wonderful images and how to achieve them but there is no substitute for experience.!
Trout, the pics of your decimals are already very high quality and a pleasure to view, but knowing that you strive for perfection in your coins, I have no doubt this will spark your 'creative juices' and you will be soon be up with the best.!
Mark has often mentioned that lighting is ultra important and I agree, running a very close second would be ensuring that the coin portrayed is in sharp focus.! Viewing a coin with a 'fuzzy' image is frustrating to us all, particularly when trying to identify errors etc. and I am sure I am one of the biggest culprits.!
Looking back through my early attempts I believe I was rushing to get my coins on 'air' rather than ensuring that I was providing a good quality image.!:dodgy:
In my opinion producing images of coins is a wonderful addition to the hobby and a fantastic way to fill in time whilst waiting for the arrival of the next package.!
Will follow your journey with interest.! :angel:
Just discovering that "Program" setting on my Camera made me look at things in a whole new way.
I have binned 3 point and shoot cameras in the past simply because I thought they were rubbish, When in reality it was Me that was crap Not the camera.
My new entry level setup will have lots more settings I can discover and play around with and I am really looking forward to the challenge.
Now I just have to be patient and wait for the equipment to arrive :dash1:
Yet another newbie question :angel:
Would this sd card be suitable to use with the Nikon D3200?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Samsung-64GB-SD-SDXC-Pro-80MB-s-Class-10-UHS-I-3D-Video-Camera-Memory-Card-64G-/171335031939?pt=AU_Electronics_Memory_Cards&hash=item27e45d1c83
Quote from: 'Australian coin' pid='55114' dateline='1405933150'my cable to camera to computer (not only upload pics) but charges the camera, also has a plug piece to charge it from wall, bonus :)
Tethering the camera to your computer is a lot more than moving pictures from the camera to the computer. It can also be used to control the camera remotely and take images remotely. It will also show you the images as you take them.
Trout I suggest you take a look at the software DIGICAMCONTROL when your camera arrives. It's kinda clunky and hard to use but can do everything you'd ever need to remotely control your camera and view images as you take them.
I use a SanDisk Ultra 8GB in the D3200.!Chosen by Mrs. Robster it allows approx. 1,000 images.
Another item that you might find useful is a set of 'Kenko' extension tubes. These attach between a camera body and a 50mm lens (3 tubes of varying length that increase the focal length of your lens.
An affordable alternative to a macro lens, if finances are tight. Best on a fixed focal length lens 50mm.!
Plenty of good reviews; try googling Ken Rockwell who reviews Nikon products and check some of his awesome images. Have fun.!!
While we are talking cameras and coin photography -has anyone had any experience with screw on close-up adapters?
There appear to be very expensive ones ($100+) which generally have two elements and very cheap ones (<$10).
Only ones in the middle -affordable- price range I could quickly find are Hoya and Vivitar.
I suspect you get what you pay for and the cheapies would not be that good.
But, interested to find out if it could be worth experimenting.
I have seen some excellent photos using these, on the net...and some shockers with complete loss of focus in the corners.
Hello,
There are some reasonable cheap Chinese made Lenses, they have a screw thread, and match up with an adapter to most Camera body mounts. This means the one Lens will fit all brands, so they are far cheaper to make. A $200 Lens will come close to a maker's $2000 Lens.
I am thinking for a camera without a removable lens.
I had a look at the tracking for my Camera and I will be able to pick it up today from the post office.
The lens arrived and cleared customs in Perth at midnight so I may have a chance of that being here at the same time, if not it should arrive tomorrow.
I have set up a separate table with two OTT lights next to my desk waiting for the camera gear to arrive.
I have a million and one different USB cables but "Murphies" Law dictates that I will have to get another one for the camera.
Getting pretty excited at this stage and can't wait to get stuck-in and try to get some good images :):angel:
Trout, your images of late are already good enough IMHO !
Quote from: 'accumulator' pid='55913' dateline='1406764405'Trout, your images of late are already good enough IMHO !
When I can finally reproduce an image of a toned coin in all its glory, Then they will be Good enough :)
I am hoping that this new equipment will aid me in that quest :good:
Anyway mucking about with new "Toys" is always Fun :angel:
[/quote]
Anyway mucking about with new "Toys" is always Fun :angel:
[/quote]
True !:winkextra:
Well it finally arrived :dance2:
My first impressions were "Crikey that is a LOT of Camera".
The lens for the close up coin pics will be here tomorrow :)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10019/camera1.jpg)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10019/camera.jpg)
Came with a pretty snazzy tripod as well
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10019/camera2.jpg)
ooooo reminds me I have to practise with mine before the show
Can anyone give me the basic settings to start off with using this camera?
ISO, shutter speed , White balance etc. :)
nice trout!
wish you didn't live out in the middle of nowhere! I could have popped round to get some pics done!
Quote from: 'trout' pid='55927' dateline='1406785138'Can anyone give me the basic settings to start off with using this camera?
ISO, shutter speed , White balance etc. :)
ISO100. Manual white balance, you'll need to read the manual to work out how to do that. Put the camera on full manual and set the F stop to F8-F11, set shutter speed to suit your lights. You might like to try out the Av (aperture priority) setting to let the camera set it's own shutter speed. If you do that make sure you put the metering on center weight.
Caveat.
These settings are really for your macro lens, I doubt they'll work on the zoom one you've got on it now. You're going to need to get the camera square to the plane of the coin too.
Quote from: 'markn' pid='55932' dateline='1406788959'Quote from: 'trout' pid='55927' dateline='1406785138'Can anyone give me the basic settings to start off with using this camera?
ISO, shutter speed , White balance etc. :)
ISO100. Manual white balance, you'll need to read the manual to work out how to do that. Put the camera on full manual and set the F stop to F8-F11, set shutter speed to suit your lights. You might like to try out the Av (aperture priority) setting to let the camera set it's own shutter speed. If you do that make sure you put the metering on center weight.
Caveat.
These settings are really for your macro lens, I doubt they'll work on the zoom one you've got on it now. You're going to need to get the camera square to the plane of the coin too.
Thanks Mark.
Ill set it up with those settings when I get the other lens.
From there it should be just trial and error until I come up with what I am happy with.
That other sigma lens is a monster compared to the Nikon lens.
I recon I could see the craters on the Moon with that puppy :)
hey Trout
Where did you get that tripod from ? Or did it come with the set?
I reckon I could do with something like that
Quote from: 'robbiegal' pid='55937' dateline='1406791140'hey Trout
Where did you get that tripod from ? Or did it come with the set?
I reckon I could do with something like that
It came with the set, It is beautifully made and sturdy :good:
I figured out how to swap lens's :yahoo:
Normal lens
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10019/nikon3.jpg)
Sigma lens
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10019/nikon2.jpg)
Neither of which are much good for coin shots but that Sigma is a beut :)
Lens did NOT arrive today :cray:
Nothing worse that getting a new toy and having a "Batteries Not included " Moment :dash1: