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 Replies: 11 / Views: 2,509 |
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Valued Member
United States
223 Posts |
Just bought a Canon S2 IS. Took a couple of pics but man do I need help.How far from the coin do you hold the camera? What's so important about the macro setting? Do I really need to get a tripod? Any tips sure would help.
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Pillar Of The Community
Turkey
1205 Posts |
I just got myself a camera too. Kodak C643.
It has a macro setting-which gives better focus on objects close (say less than three feet).
In my opinion, a tripod is a must if you intend to take photos of coins. Any slight movement while you press the shutter gives you a blurry pic. Some people even use delayed shoot option.
I got familiar with the focusing but I need to work on my lighting.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
772 Posts |
Macro is important, because it will allow you to get closer to the coin and still be able to focus.
You do not need a tripod, but it will most definately help. I am normally about 8-12 inches away from the coin. Just start playing around with it, but for good coin pictures, I would ALWAYS use the macro.
Jordan
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Pillar of the Community
United States
772 Posts |
Going along with Renal, the delayed shoot helps because your force of pressing the button can force the camera to move. Although very slight, it can be enough to make the picture blurry.
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Rest in Peace
United States
2684 Posts |
stmpcol, I also have a Canon S2 IS, purchased in April and of which I am still attempting to master. For coins (and I have a LOOOONG way to go to perfect my techniques), the S2 IS has TWO macro settings: one for close-ups and one for really close-up. I've found the first macro setting is adequate for full coin pics and slabs whereas the second macro setting is useful for close-ups of the dates, mint marks, etc. With both settings, I've found distances from 6" to 8" down to less than 1" will work, but I've got to work on my focus techniques. Also, I've found that a mini-tripod and use of the time delay setting are desirable, but may not be essential; it all depends on the lighting which I also have not yet mastered. I bought a collapsible tripod at Walmart for about 20 bucks. It also telescopes out to about 4' high for use as a regular tripod, albeit with weak legs. As soon as I've set up my stovetop studio which should be any day now that my relocation fires are put out, I'll be more than happy to share S2 IS techniques with you as I develop them. There's at least two other S2 IS owners with a lot more expertise than I. Fred |
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Valued Member
 United States
223 Posts |
Thanks all. Guess I'll head on down and purchase a tripod. Then, practice practice practice. If I can master this on coins it should work just as well on my stamps.
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Check my post in havegunwilltravel's thread.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
756 Posts |
BAHHHH, why didn't I look into this macro BEFORE buying the dang camera.
Oh well, will just deal with it and know better for next time.
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Valued Member
United States
66 Posts |
I'm also looking at cameras for macro work. Unfortunately one of my now retired interests is photography, so I'm tempted to spend WAY too much for something "adequate" for coin pics. (Sony A100 anyone?)
Suggestions on a feasible digi in the 200-400 range?
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
quote:
Originally posted by Noxx
I'm also looking at cameras for macro work. Unfortunately one of my now retired interests is photography, so I'm tempted to spend WAY too much for something "adequate" for coin pics. (Sony A100 anyone?)
Suggestions on a feasible digi in the 200-400 range?
I'm going to sound like a broken record here, but there's nothing that'll touch the price/quality of the S2 IS in that price range. With the introduction of the S3, the S2 can now be had for under $300 shipped: http://www **(No Zip Files Allowed)** zoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=162546 In addition to the macro....   ...you get 12x zoom and image stabilization, along with full manual control. I honestly don't think you can do any better for $300. |
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Valued Member
United States
223 Posts |
No arguement out of me SuperDave. Still can't shot straight down. Either shadows or glare from the silver coins. Made a coin holder out of paper clip and shoot forward. Not the best but not bad either. Gonna go out on the patio and try natural light next nice day. Thanks for all the help.
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Rest in Peace
United States
2684 Posts |
No argument from me either, Dave. I'm still a tyro on my S2 IS, but my learning curve for coin photography is flattening out as I improve my techniques. The S2 IS may be the last camera I ever buy (in 35 years, I've bought only three cameras, the second being a cheapie digital as a temporary camera to break me into digital before I bought a serious digicam). I settled for $340 at Beach Camera in April http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/home.aspx . Fred |
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Replies: 11 / Views: 2,509 |
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Posted 09/15/2006 3:30 pm
