Posted 08/09/2007 7:48 pm
Welcome to Coin Community, gkersh. A budget of $1000 will let you do things like you see in my gallery here:
http://www.compucoin.com/gallery/ma...2_itemId=140
(WARNING: images larger than 1mb if you click the thumbnail)
Will that do?
You can now have a Canon 350D (Digital Rebel XT), like the ones I and forum member TwoKopeiki use, for just under $500 without a lens. I use a Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens, and TwoKopeiki uses (if I recall) a Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro, which at about $400 is about $70 less than my lens. I have to say, he's getting excellent results with it. The macro lens also serves as an outstanding portrait lens, but the field of view is too small for general photography. The kit EF 28-55mm lens, available with the 350D for about $70 more, is an excellent all-around lens for the price.
You'll need to add a CF card, 1GB or more, and could add an AC adaptor ($50-ish) if you wish.
Now, the Canon comes with ZoomBrowser software which theoretically makes it remotely-controllable from the computer. I've found it glitchy and almost nonfunctional with two different cameras, my S2 IS and the 350D, on multiple Windows XP installations. So, if you wish to control the camera from the computer, I recommend you drop another $100 on Breeze Systems' DSLR Remote Pro software, which I use. The last I knew, it was not completely compatible with Vista, but it's rock-solid with WinXP. Best $100 I've spent on coin photography.
I cannot speak with any firsthand knowledge about Nikon products. DSLR Remote Pro is Canon-only.
Remember, though - this is the extreme end of coin photography. You can achieve quality results for a lot less money. Thumb through this sub-forum for more info.
http://www.compucoin.com/gallery/ma...2_itemId=140
(WARNING: images larger than 1mb if you click the thumbnail)
Will that do?
You can now have a Canon 350D (Digital Rebel XT), like the ones I and forum member TwoKopeiki use, for just under $500 without a lens. I use a Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens, and TwoKopeiki uses (if I recall) a Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro, which at about $400 is about $70 less than my lens. I have to say, he's getting excellent results with it. The macro lens also serves as an outstanding portrait lens, but the field of view is too small for general photography. The kit EF 28-55mm lens, available with the 350D for about $70 more, is an excellent all-around lens for the price.
You'll need to add a CF card, 1GB or more, and could add an AC adaptor ($50-ish) if you wish.
Now, the Canon comes with ZoomBrowser software which theoretically makes it remotely-controllable from the computer. I've found it glitchy and almost nonfunctional with two different cameras, my S2 IS and the 350D, on multiple Windows XP installations. So, if you wish to control the camera from the computer, I recommend you drop another $100 on Breeze Systems' DSLR Remote Pro software, which I use. The last I knew, it was not completely compatible with Vista, but it's rock-solid with WinXP. Best $100 I've spent on coin photography.
I cannot speak with any firsthand knowledge about Nikon products. DSLR Remote Pro is Canon-only.
Remember, though - this is the extreme end of coin photography. You can achieve quality results for a lot less money. Thumb through this sub-forum for more info.
