I just bought a new camera the other month, It cost me about $200 and I still cannot for the life of me get a picture anything like some of the members here.
Its a 14 mega pixle 10x zoom Didgital jobbie , I recon I wasted my quids on this one :dash1:
Any suggestions as to what camera to get without digging into my coin budget too much ?
Quote from: 'trout' pid='7374' dateline='1359255420'I just bought a new camera the other month, It cost me about $200 and I still cannot for the life of me get a picture anything like some of the members here.
Its a 14 mega pixle 10x zoom Didgital jobbie , I recon I wasted my quids on this one :dash1:
Any suggestions as to what camera to get without digging into my coin budget too much ?
It is not Easy to capture coin images suitable for posting.
It is also Not the Dollars you throw at camera gear.
Any current Point and Shoot camera that has a Macro Mode
selectable can give acceptable results.
The Zoom feature is rarely used at all, and it has been shown
that P&S cameras with LESS zoom capabilities provide a better image
than the Super Zoom cameras.
The Basics.
1: Select Macro Mode on camera.
2: Mount camera on tripod.
3: Have camera lens at 90 degrees to coin.
4: Front of lens will need to be approx 50mil from coin.
5: Use a plain white background.
6: Table Lamp, single 11w Cool Daylight Compact Flouro.
7: Aim lamp at coin between 11am-1pm will be about correct.
(Two lamps are better but this is the Basics)
8: At this point Shoot with all default Auto modes
(The default setting of the camera in the box)
The image below comprises the results of :-
A $20 Sanyo from K-mart (In car camera I carry)
and a $300 Panasonic.
The Pana is better but not 15 times better!
(http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv160/ford_prefect/Sanyo_Panasonic_1950.jpg)
Thanks for the tips :good:
I'll have to get myself a tripod and give this a try.:yahoo:
QuoteThe image below comprises the results of :-
A $20 Sanyo from K-mart (In car camera I carry)
and a $300 Panasonic.
The Pana is better but not 15 times better!
I'd agree with that Rob,nice coin by the way.:ok:
Torn what little is left of my hair out in the last few months. I keep saying to myself- "Myself"- how hard can it be to take a respectable photo of a lump of copper.! Bloody harder than it looks I answer.! I am not posting another photo until I get it right.!
In the meantime I will marvel at those clear, concise, well lit, perfectly composed easy on the eyes examples we see from the "Cool Kids.! LOL.
Quote from: 'Robster' pid='7379' dateline='1359260936'Torn what little is left of my hair out in the last few months. I keep saying to myself- "Myself"- how hard can it be to take a respectable photo of a lump of copper.! Bloody harder than it looks I answer.! I am not posting another photo until I get it right.!
In the meantime I will marvel at those clear, concise, well lit, perfectly composed easy on the eyes examples we see from the "Cool Kids.! LOL.
It would be nice to get a result half as good as the "Cool Kids: :dash1:
From what I can gather so far there is nothing wrong with my camera, It's just the idiot using it :kez_11::shock:
Don't know about tripod but have noticed a lot of people say they use a cut down milk bottle as a stand, sorry I can't help as mine are probably..no they are the worst around :mocking:
Quote from: 'trout' pid='7380' dateline='1359261597'Quote from: 'Robster' pid='7379' dateline='1359260936'Torn what little is left of my hair out in the last few months. I keep saying
From what I can gather so far there is nothing wrong with my camera,
Your Fuji FinePix T200 is capable!
That is correct, below is your Morgan.
Cropped, we only won't to see the coin :angel:
Resized, we like them big.
The attachment method limits your display size
and resolution which reduces detail.
The angle you have taken this shot ap75deg
picks up the lustre at the expense of focus
The middle section of coin is fine, the top and
bottom of coin has fallen outside the cameras
"Field of View" for auto focus.
(http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv160/ford_prefect/Australian%20Coin%20Forum/trouts_morgan-crop_zps94ecee4b.jpg)
Quote from: 'Fordprefect' pid='7386' dateline='1359263360'Quote from: 'trout' pid='7380' dateline='1359261597'Quote from: 'Robster' pid='7379' dateline='1359260936'Torn what little is left of my hair out in the last few months. I keep saying
From what I can gather so far there is nothing wrong with my camera,
Your Fuji FinePix T200 is capable!
That is correct, below is your Morgan.
Cropped, we only won't to see the coin :angel:
Resized, we like them big.
The attachment method limits your display size
and resolution which reduces detail.
The angle you have taken this shot ap75deg
picks up the lustre at the expense of focus
The middle section of coin is fine, the top and
bottom of coin has fallen outside the cameras
"Field of View" for auto focus.
(http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv160/ford_prefect/Australian%20Coin%20Forum/trouts_morgan-crop_zps94ecee4b.jpg)
So all I have to do is get a tripod and practice,practice,practice :yahoo:
I have finepix s5800 and use super macro..on mine it looks like a flower on the menu thingy and I press once and it goes macro and then again to go to super macro
Quote from: 'ausjack' pid='7389' dateline='1359263675'I have finepix s5800 and use super macro..on mine it looks like a flower on the menu thingy and I press once and it goes macro and then again to go to super macro
I didn't know you could get games on cameras, the super macro bro's sounds like fun :laugh2:
How's this ?
freehand, a tripod should be better.
I found the flower icon :yahoo:
[attachment=1147][attachment=1148]
Quote from: 'trout' pid='7387' dateline='1359263545'Quote from: 'Fordprefect' pid='7386' dateline='1359263360'Quote from: 'trout' pid='7380' dateline='1359261597'Quote from: 'Robster' pid='7379' dateline='1359260936'Torn what little is left of my hair out in the last few months. I keep saying
From what I can gather so far there is nothing wrong with my camera,
Your Fuji FinePix T200 is capable!
Resized, we like them big.
So all I have to do is get a tripod and practice,practice,practice :yahoo:
That would be a yes.
In your Morgan pic, your camera selected :-
ISO 320 "Film Speed" (Not too important)
Shutter Speed 1/30 second
Exposure F/stop F3.4
If the camera had selected a higher shutter speed
which they generally do, the F stop would have dropped
to F2.8.
This combo would have produced an even more out of focus shot.
If you do get into it, make a physical note of the Info
that shows up on the camera's LCD screen.
The Fstop selection is very important, I like to see F4
or higher being used, it increases the Depth of field,
therefore increases the area that remains in focus.
(My camera a Canon can be manually set)
Quote from: 'trout' pid='7392' dateline='1359264043'Quote from: 'ausjack' pid='7389' dateline='1359263675'I have finepix s5800 and use super macro..on mine it looks like a flower on the menu thingy and I press once and it goes macro and then again to go to super macro
I didn't know you could get games on cameras, the super macro bro's sounds like fun :laugh2:
How's this ?
freehand, a tripod should be better.
I found the flower icon :yahoo:
Progress is good, but and it's a Big But,
Photographing Proofs is another totally different ballgame.
Best to get the copper and silver right first.
The Decimal's also offer up a challenge with there high gloss finish.
Lighting type, position and intensity/direct/diffused come into play.
On the example you have shown your camera has lost the plot
on another area of coin photography, "White Balance"
it has missed the correct balance by a wide margin.
The highly reflective nature of the coin is the culprit.
To counter this start by difusing the light with a single
layer white tissue, move the light further from the coin.
If your game the camera should/may have a custom
White Balance setting inside it, via menu.
You take a photo of a Known white surface illuminated
by your light source and store it
Quote from: 'trout' pid='7374' dateline='1359255420'I just bought a new camera the other month, It cost me about $200 and I still cannot for the life of me get a picture anything like some of the members here.
Its a 14 mega pixle 10x zoom Didgital jobbie , I recon I wasted my quids on this one :dash1:
Any suggestions as to what camera to get without digging into my coin budget too much ?
The only way I could get a decent photo was to put the coin on the handrail on the verandah but not in the sun.
Other than that, I'm as stumped as you trout.
Quote from: 'lacey' pid='7454' dateline='1359328431'Quote from: 'trout' pid='7374' dateline='1359255420'I just bought a new camera the other month, It cost me about $200 and I still cannot for the life of me get a picture anything like some of the members here.
Its a 14 mega pixle 10x zoom Didgital jobbie , I recon I wasted my quids on this one :dash1:
Any suggestions as to what camera to get without digging into my coin budget too much ?
The only way I could get a decent photo was to put the coin on the handrail on the verandah but not in the sun.
Other than that, I'm as stumped as you trout.
I am nearly at the stage of going into a Camera store and telling them what I need to do with a camera.
Then close my ears when they give me the quote and simply hand over my card to pay for it.
I have tried all sorts of digital cameras, USB gizmos and even a stupid lens that sticks to my iPhone.
I am 99% certain it is MY ineptitude that is stopping me taking amazing pic's but a better setup can only help.
Remember an athlete on a pushbike will never beat a wheezy old geezer in a Porsche in a drag race :laugh2:
About time I got rid of the pushbike.
Hi Trout,
Before spending money on more camera gear, maybe pick up a cheap camera tripod / stand, or improvise.
I've seen someone taking photos of coins in a 'glass' which would purely have been to steady the camera.
Too bad the glass had like salt crystals or similar in the bottom.
Here is my setup.
[attachment=1158]
Why not use a scanner if you have one? All the pickies of coins I post have been done with my Canon Canoscan 8600F. I edit the scans with ACDC. Bingo.
It gets a bit harder to photograph/scan coins that are in a location other than home though.
I enjoy cameras - I have a nice one but I as of yet haven't taken any pictures of my coins. I have a Nikon D7000 which cost me a few bucks over 1k when I got it. I'm sure that it will be able to take good photos, but none taken yet.
Why haven't I? Because I don't have a tripod. I'm looking at getting a carbon fiber one - but it's going to set me back about $200. I really should get me one of those. I'll use this as another wake-up call to get me one.
Wavy20
I have been in Melbourne for a few weeks and I bought a new camera to take pictures of coins errr,........ the new grandchild!
Has 24 zoom 14 megpixels - olympus $157 on special
Will post a pic when I take some more but the practice shots were brilliant.
The guy at the shop did help me to get the settings right
Do remember to take the 'macro' (the flower) off for some shots as well or it can buggar up the pic as well
(http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o787/robster836/25s001_zps34ebbd08.jpg)
1942 Penny Small Figure 1. Would like opinions on this pic. (adjusted lighting)
It's an excellent pic IMO. I'd be very happy if i could get every one of my pics that good.
What sort of lighting is that Robster? How many lights? What angles? Nice pic btw.
Thankyou both, I am slowly improving I believe.! I am using two of the Jansjo Gooseneck LED reading lights at approx 11 and 1 o'clock. Took me five shots to where I felt happy.! Cropped, resized, and posted.!
I have one more coin for today which proved to be tough, will post for opinions next.!
(http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o787/robster836/003_zps459da9c7.jpg)
(http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o787/robster836/004_zps48e7f497.jpg)
1947 Penny Streaky Planchet.:yahoo:
Lovely coin & great pics, does that coin have an orange peel effect or is it the colouring that makes it appear that way ?
Definitely a molten metal type finish. Probably why the streaking occurred IMO.
Nice streaker!
took these pics last night with the new camera
for the first time in years I have not used a maginfyer over the lens for my close ups!!
taken on the macros (the little flower with the s)
and just sitting under a desk lamp (fluro)
i am delighted with the photos taken of coins in slabs as they are the clearest pics that I have ever been able to get through the acrylic holders
and the last pic is the real reason why I bought the camera - Ariana born 12/2/2013
cheers robbie
(http://api.photoshop.com/v1.0/accounts/6ee0229316144918b0070e83ab3b31fe/assets/8abe9f05793a4cbab8e06b37c6b09959/renditions/256.jpg)(http://api.photoshop.com/v1.0/accounts/6ee0229316144918b0070e83ab3b31fe/assets/b26a42d7ffa84a4b85914c9481cefa9a/renditions/256.jpg)(http://api.photoshop.com/v1.0/accounts/6ee0229316144918b0070e83ab3b31fe/assets/7d28862629d0422e9e9be52290af21f9/renditions/256.jpg)(http://api.photoshop.com/v1.0/accounts/6ee0229316144918b0070e83ab3b31fe/assets/76ff529272f144b6aefe7db6802b32e0/renditions/256.jpg)(http://api.photoshop.com/v1.0/accounts/6ee0229316144918b0070e83ab3b31fe/assets/5791760892b34fd79a36bb121964dcc4/renditions/256.jpg)
Quote from: 'Robster' pid='8405' dateline='1361335682'(http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o787/robster836/25s001_zps34ebbd08.jpg)
1942 Penny Small Figure 1. Would like opinions on this pic. (adjusted lighting)
Hi robster
I find it hard to take a photo and have the denticles evenly photographed around the entire rim of the coin - you have achieved that in this photo - well done!
Quote from: 'robbiegal' pid='8422' dateline='1361352524'(http://api.photoshop.com/v1.0/accounts/6ee0229316144918b0070e83ab3b31fe/assets/5791760892b34fd79a36bb121964dcc4/renditions/256.jpg)
Cute coin. Looks recently minted.
Quote from: 'Robster' pid='8409' dateline='1361340777'Thankyou both, I am slowly improving I believe.! I am using two of the Jansjo Gooseneck LED reading lights at approx 11 and 1 o'clock.
Your images show the light is coming from the bottom of the coin so it's not 11 and 1 o'clock. I think coins always look more natural with the lighting from the top. Try to get your lights up near to your lens. Ideally you want the light hitting the coin at as close to 90 degrees as possible. The only way to do this is to get your lights as far away from the coin as you can and still give enough light AND get them as close to your lens as possible.
robbiegal, your new camera does a fine job and will give you many years of enjoyment, however Ariana is the real gem in this collection.!! Congratulations on the new arrival.:yahoo:
I had a rostered day off so decided to try out a few tips from a coin photography book. Excuse the size of the images again. I resized them to 400 pixels but they seem the same size as the last lot that I resized to 600 pixels.
I deliberately used common circulated currency because I was after some lustre in the fields but also some surface damage.
This is a millennium with the standard 2 lights at 11 and 1.
(//%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u20/Steveqld/Coins/Millennium2lights_zpsd955b127.jpg)[/img]
The same coin with 1 light at 11 o'clock and tilted towards the light
(//%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u20/Steveqld/Coins/Millenniumtiltedto1light_zps53c931d6.jpg)[/img]
Then a shot with axial lighting as I hadn't done this before
(//%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u20/Steveqld/Coins/Millenniumaxial_zps3b95aae1.jpg)[/img]
This is the same sequence with a rams head 50 cent because I was after the contrast from the creases in the wool.
(//%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u20/Steveqld/Coins/Ramshead2lights_zpsdde4524a.jpg)[/img]
(//%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u20/Steveqld/Coins/Ramshead1light_zps2c12d97e.jpg)[/img]
Will add the axial image later as Photobucket is playing up again.
(//%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u20/Steveqld/Coins/Ramsheadaxial_zps6b6cd545.jpg)[/img]
You have shown the different effects of lighting very well Steve- as for the size one in your pocket would be plenty.! lol.!
Quote from: 'markn' pid='8436' dateline='1361356992'Quote from: 'robbiegal' pid='8422' dateline='1361352524'(http://api.photoshop.com/v1.0/accounts/6ee0229316144918b0070e83ab3b31fe/assets/5791760892b34fd79a36bb121964dcc4/renditions/256.jpg)
Cute coin. Looks recently minted.
Thanks guys xx
Yes, this little GEM is from the Melbourne Mint - they only make special orders these days .......
Made the trek over to Belly's place this morning to pick up a photo stand he'd picked up for me. Thanks Belly!!
Very impressed with it, I can't wait to get my macro lens now!
[attachment=1335]
Couple of sample shots.
(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y484/Fr45h3R/Half%20Pennies/1964YHalpennyReverseSlabbed_zps43de7423.jpg)
(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y484/Fr45h3R/Half%20Pennies/1964YHalfpennyObverseSlabbed_zpsf63102b1.jpg)
You won't be disappointed with the Macro Lens- best wishes.!
Quote from: 'Fr45h3R' pid='8542' dateline='1361674120'Made the trek over to Belly's place this morning to pick up a photo stand he'd picked up for me. Thanks Belly!!
Very impressed with it, I can't wait to get my macro lens now!
Couple of sample shots.
(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y484/Fr45h3R/Half%20Pennies/1964YHalpennyReverseSlabbed_zps43de7423.jpg)
(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y484/Fr45h3R/Half%20Pennies/1964YHalfpennyObverseSlabbed_zpsf63102b1.jpg)
Nice pics. Really bring out the depth of the writing.