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 Replies: 8 / Views: 2,644 |
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Valued Member
Australia
222 Posts |
Hi all,
I've been experimenting with various ways of photographing coins, trying to replicate PCGS' quality images. Unfortunately, it hasn't been easy. Does anyone know the technique PCGS uses?
Rgds,
Eric
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1173 Posts |
Alas, I do not know their specific technique(s) but would have to assume (1) they have the best equipment money can buy (or at least as good as they feel they need, LOL), and (2) they use different set-ups for old copper, new copper, old silver, new silver and proofs. Photographers can be a close-mouthed bunch when it comes to sharing special techniques. This forum has been the best by far that I've ever encountered, where people were willing to tell you exactly how that achieved their results.
I suppose one could simply email PCGS and ask.
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
PCGS True View images were the goal I tried to reach when first starting to experiment with coin photography. You're going to need an 8MP+ dSLR, with a macro lens capable of 1 to 1 magnification (the image is the same size on the camera's sensor as it is in real life). I've managed to duplicate True View size and clarity with everything except lustrous silver, which requires better lighting than I'm capable of putting on the coin as of yet. Here's an example, done with a Canon Digital Rebel XT and a Canon 100mm Macro lens (warning - VERY LARGE IMAGE): http://www.compucoin.com/gallery/ma...2_itemId=145I started from Ground Zero as far as knowledge, and you can too. Enough information already exists on this forum to get you started down this road - it will take a lot of experimentation, a lot of learning and some pretty good equipment to duplicate True View in both size and quality. If you're willing to settle for smaller images, you can achieve the quality with lesser equipment. See my thread here titled "Project A720". |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5318 Posts |
That's a great shot of that 1839 LC!  I would add that total megapixels are less critical than macro lens quality for capturing good detail rendition. Here's a coin that I shot with a 6 megapixel Nikon D70S (below). I would also agree that distinct lighting setups are needed for circ and BU copper/silver coins. And, some dSLR CCDs are less than optimal with BU silver, adding a color cast that isn't present on the coin. Silver has been the biggest challenge for me so far, but I know I can solve it.  Edited by KurtS
05/03/2008 3:51 pm
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
655 Posts |
That's an awesome pic SuperDave and shot through a slab too I presume?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
668 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5318 Posts |
Zachary--nice shots! That proves you don't need to spend much for good coin shots. What was your lighting setup for the BU 58-D? The highlights are nice on that one. My setup often has trouble with BU copper coins.
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
quote:
That's an awesome pic SuperDave and shot through a slab too I presume?
No, sir; it was purchased raw and has remained that way. I'm not sure it'll slab. Check the "Project A720" thread - it's the subject coin for the thread. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
668 Posts |
My lighting is the same for all of the shots. I have two desk lamps, one clips on to my home built copy stand, and the other sits on the desk. The bulbs are just Flourescant (sp.) daylight bulbs.
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Replies: 8 / Views: 2,644 |
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Posted 05/03/2008 10:18 am
