Best Way to get a good close up image of pennies?

[Guest]

What is the best way to get a good photo of a penny to post online. The digital camera is not doing so well. What about a copy machine or a scanner?

[hasfam]

This is really a question for Jason and/or Bob who are pro photographers.
I wouldn't suggest a scanner because there is not enough pixels to enlarge with any clarity. You digital camera should have a macro function and the higher the pixel rating the better. I use a 7.0 pixel rating. Again, wait for Jason or Bob on this.

[mustbebob]

Does your digital camera have a macro setting? If not, many folks have some good results by taking a pic through a loupe or magnifying glass. However you choose to do it, please be patient. The more still you can keep the camera, the better.

[omnimathemagicaleyez]

zoom function

The Camera seems to work pretty well when I use the Zoom Function. You might want to look at some of the VAARIOUS PHOTOS of Pennies I have Found listed under new thread ERROR OTHER and let me know whatyou think. Thanks, omnimathemagicaleyez.

[mustbebob]

I just looked at those pics, and they are actually very nice. I was able to zoom in on them without a lot of pix-elating and blurriness. For the purposes we have here, I think they're great. I wouldn't change a thing.

[jcuve]

Photography is all about a light sensitive material, which is exposed by a focused stream of light reflected off of something in front of the camera. Time is involved; the amount of time the light sensitive material needs for a clear (or proper) exposure. Another factor to be considered is the limits of the lens and what it can and cannot focus on.

I teach photography and can get a little long winded BTW...

Bob's comments about a macro setting (closeup photography), holding a loupe up to the lens and stabilizing the camera (i.e., reducing or eliminating camera shake) are critical points. The last big element is a light source that correctly illuminates the surface without overdoing it; too little light and it is dark, too much and the highlights turn white and eat into the areas you're photographing.

I suggest a tripod or monopod and most of all: experimentation.

Good luck!

[BadThad]

Agree with Jason:

#1 Macro mode, picture must be in focus
#2 Lighting
#3 Lighting....LOL

[atarian]

What i found to be good an Iphone with a microscope worked well

now a digital microscope from CELESTRON that is on ebay for 20. does a even better job. with the ability to crop and zoom in with work or excel its a great item to have for cheap picture taking

[liveandievarieties]

Hi Jay-

The gentlemen who have already weighed in are far better versed on the subject. What I use is an AmScope microscope which comes with a digital camera. The setup yields professional quality photos which COULDN'T be easier or quicker to produce. Hooks right into your computer and makes photos a breeze! It's what I swear by. The entire setup costs less than $200, direct from the manufacturer. Little USB scopes are handy sometimes, but for the time involved in what you're doing and the quality of photo you need, they probably won't be your answer. With the AmScope, you can take a perfect image, in less than 30 seconds, including the time it takes to focus and click the keyboard. Super easy, super simple and just makes more sense than anything else I've seen out there.

For anyone interested- I'm purchasing another one of their more affordable models (under $200) to compare it to the $300 model I have. I think that the lesser costing scope will do everything I need. I'll keep everyone posted, below you'll see photos produced by their $300 model, IMO, they're great quality, AND you don't have to worry about lighting, they have a built in light source. -CW.

20X SETTING:





40X SETTING:





JUST A $100 POINT AND SHOOT FOR WHOLE COIN SHOTS:

[lara4228]

Ahh Chris...drool....I wish I could nab this one

Good luck with it though and have fun with your new one

[coinman2009]

Sounds like a nice set up! Very Nice Pic's!

[BadThad]

Hi Jay-

The gentlemen who have already weighed in are far better versed on the subject. What I use is an AmScope microscope which comes with a digital camera. The setup yields professional quality photos which COULDN'T be easier or quicker to produce. Hooks right into your computer and makes photos a breeze! It's what I swear by. The entire setup costs less than $200, direct from the manufacturer. Little USB scopes are handy sometimes, but for the time involved in what you're doing and the quality of photo you need, they probably won't be your answer. With the AmScope, you can take a perfect image, in less than 30 seconds, including the time it takes to focus and click the keyboard. Super easy, super simple and just makes more sense than anything else I've seen out there.

For anyone interested- I'm purchasing another one of their more affordable models (under $200) to compare it to the $300 model I have. I think that the lesser costing scope will do everything I need. I'll keep everyone posted, below you'll see photos produced by their $300 model, IMO, they're great quality, AND you don't have to worry about lighting, they have a built in light source. -CW.

What model do you have? Everything I see on their website requires a separate microscope. I've been looking for one that has optical mag built in with computer adjustable focus. All I've seen is the cheap Chinese ones.

[liveandievarieties]

I'll let you know the model I buy tomorrow. Truth be told.....when we went on a buying trip/vacation a month ago, I hid my scope. Somewhere reeeallly safe....I haven't uncovered that amazingly hidden spot yet. As soon as I pick up a replacement, I'm sure my hidden one will appear. I'll be able to give you more information soon. Was planning on calling the company today, but the coin phone rang too many times.

I honestly think so highly of this product that I spoke with a rep last week about possibly becoming a low-volume distributor. If I can get a volume discount on sales, I'd look forward to helping to pass that on to forum members. But I don't have much to tell you at this point. I'll keep you updated soon Thad.

By the way- props on the Verdi-Care (Thad), I've had impressive results on early AU/MS Lincolns!

[BadThad]

I'll let you know the model I buy tomorrow. Truth be told.....when we went on a buying trip/vacation a month ago, I hid my scope. Somewhere reeeallly safe....I haven't uncovered that amazingly hidden spot yet. As soon as I pick up a replacement, I'm sure my hidden one will appear. I'll be able to give you more information soon. Was planning on calling the company today, but the coin phone rang too many times.

I honestly think so highly of this product that I spoke with a rep last week about possibly becoming a low-volume distributor. If I can get a volume discount on sales, I'd look forward to helping to pass that on to forum members. But I don't have much to tell you at this point. I'll keep you updated soon Thad.

By the way- props on the Verdi-Care (Thad), I've had impressive results on early AU/MS Lincolns!

Excellent! Have any before/after pics for us?