Point And Shoot Vs Smartphones

I built a photo booth for my P&S.

Ikea Billy book case add on shelf and LED light bars (I don't remember the name).

Cut a hole in the top for the camera. Use Sugru to create a rest around the hole to precisely and consistently position the camera.

Create a rest (block of wood or similar) so that the coin (or slab or whatever) is positioned precisely at the maximum macro focal point. If you have multiple items you photograph, create multiple blocks. Cover the top of the block in black felt.

I have vacillated about replying to this thread. Some point and shoots have a definite sweet spot with pixel size and Sensor size. Small sensors can have a distinct advantage over larger sensors when it comes to macro and micro photography. The problem is these days camera manufacturers compete by packing more pixels into the sensor. That MP packing is the reason Phone cameras will never produce good ( in comparison to ICL ( interchangeable lens)cameras). To get the Pixel count high the pixels are so small that Diffraction is an issue at any F value.

MFT might have been a better option than a point and shoot but the same problem is occuring. Most MFT cameras being sold today have a mininum of 16mp meaning the smallest aperture that is diffraction free is not more than F7. However If one doesn't mind second hand cameras some of the 4-5 year old MFT models with 12 MP should be brilliant performers. For example the Olympus PEN E-PL1 can be got for less than US$60.00 it will have the same advantages as a point and shoot but you will be able to use it with enlarger lenses( also can be found cheap)

These were taken with a droid turbo 2,20mp camera. I was very very surprised with the detail of the pictures.For what I do,this is suffice enough,eventually I will get a better camera,but if you can make do with a phone,this is what should come out.

I purchased a olloclip lens for my iPhone 4s and made a stand for it at the correct focal length. Works fine but it is a little slow for processing the amount of pictures I take for online sales. https://www.olloclip.com/shop/lense...one4-3-in-1/ http://www.ebay.com/itm/Olloclip-3-...AOSwhOdXo-KT