Question On Camera Use.

I'll try that. Thank you. The other problem is that when it does focus, it is always out of focus. It seems that I have to focus, then move the camera back. Any solution to that one?

I have taken care of that minor problem.

The "up close" setting is Macro. You can access this on your camera either on the dial or through the use of the center of the three top buttons - I recommend you use the button for the reasons I will discuss next.

Here is a link to the manual for your camera, in case you don't have it:

http://resources.kodak.com/support/...0_GLB_en.pdf

First, I must say that it is very unlikely that your camera can shoot closely enough to help you evaluate the mint mark on a dime. You'll probably be at the vest your camera can do if you can get the coin to fill half of the viewfinder.

OK. For our experiment, you'll want to work in Aperture Mode - "A" on the dial. Set the Aperture to 4.0 or 5.6.

I have to leave it to you to determine the exact order in which you create these settings, but:

ISO 200
Exposure Metering Center-spot
Focus Zone Center-zone
Use Exposure Bracketing to begin with, in steps of +/-1.0

Camera setup: pointed straight down at a coin laying on a horizontal surface. It is hugely important that the lens and coin are as parallel as you can get them; otherwise, focus of the whole coin will not be possible. Camera about 10" from the coin (to start). Zoomed all the way out. Use the Self Timer.

Take your first pics (Exposure Bracketing will take 3 pictures every time you press the shutter). Look at these first 3 pics - hopefully, one of them will show a correctly-lit coin. If not, you will need to adjust how much light you have shining on the coin. If so, remove the Exposure Bracketing setting and use the Exposure Compensation setting to match whichever of the three pictures is best - +1, 0 or -1.

Then, little steps every time, zoom the lens in gradually taking pictures to see the point at which it can no longer focus. Chances are, this will determine how large a picture you're capable of taking.

Then report back here and we'll discuss how to fix any problems you encounter.

I know, this is complicated. It is sometimes very difficult to get a point-and-shoot camera to take usable coin pictures, and the more you know about the settings on your camera, the more likely you are to be successful.

Well, I'm leaving for work, too, so take your time.

This is only a stab in the dark on my part. It might not work, but I hope it will shed a little light on how we can get the best from your camera. It has a very full range of controls, for a Kodak model, and I think we can make something of it.

After tonight I am done with work until after the new year. I promise I'll get back on this issue.

I've been messing around with the camera some more and so far this is the best I could get. I think now it is a lighting issue. Still not sure what the exposure bracketing is.

Got it to where the "s" is visible. I have the exposure bracketing set at +/- 0.3 I also messed around with the white light setting and found that it had a better result with it in auto.

Ok. The first picture is with exposure bracketing all the way up. The second is with it about half way or a little more.