Help! What Can I Do With This Camera?

Thanks Hunter20ga, for the kind words, to be compared to SuperDave is an honor, But he still takes better pictures.

Justjimrob,
Here are a few tips.

have a way to hold the camera very still (I use a copy stand)
It is fairly easy to make a very usable stand with scrap wood
a 1/4 inch bolt and a C-Clamp.

A tripod would work also,

figure out your camera min. focus distance .
Mount your camera to your support at this distance.
(If this is less that 8-10 inches, use 8-10 inches for your
distance) This is to allow light to reach your coin.

A source of light I use (2) daylight bulbs (100w Fluorescent) from Home Depot.

Try for an even light across the coin. This probably will make your coin look rather flat and lifeless.

Adjust one of the lights to create shadow (this will give depth to your photo) Lighting is the key, Take notes when you find a sweet spot. Each type of coin has a different lighting approach.

Use the self timer if you do not have a remote shutter release

Hope this helps
7070

Thanks for all of the tips. If I could get my pictures to come out as nice as those Bryan I would be very happy. I have a tripod and will try to set up some lighting this weekend and see what happens. I will investigate the macro setting on my camera. I must admit that I know little about photography. My cameras, current and prior, have always exceeded the abilities of the operator!

Thanks,

Jim

quote:

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Canon says that this camera has a macro function, with closest focus at 10 cm. To me that says you'll be somewhat limited on coin photography,

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Sorry, but I disagree. 5MP from 10cm you should easily be able to get a crystal clear date at least an 3/4 of an inch high on your screen. Full photos should be awesome once you get used to the camera. 10cm is less than 4 inches.

Heck I took the photos below from a foot away, macro off, and a 4MP camera...





Make sure its in the highest pixel setting, which should be around 2860 x 2140.

Macro icon should look like this >>