microscope?

[RWBILLER]

Hi gang:
What is the best/cost efficient/image quality microscope to inspect coins and produce computer photos/images.
Your comments please as we are ready to make the investment.
Thanks
Roger

[trails]

The best way to go and I think all will agree is a binocular zoom microscope. I use a 7.5X to 35X zoom and do all my photographs through either one lens or the other. That style of shooting was learned from Billy Crawford who is one of the best.

If you get into this very heavy, a good camera is a must. I use a Canon A720IS which was written up by Susan Headley as one of the more inexpensive ways of taking a good photo of a die anomaly. Any good named camera with at least 8 m pixels, that will fit over the scope lens, will do.

Another must is a good photo program. I use the Adobe Photshop 7.0 and have good results with that program.

The final thing is practice, practice, practice. Develop your own style when shooting, experiment with different lighting sources (since I shoot mostly all trail dies, my lighting is different than most use for other anomalies) and above all do not get discouraged. I have taken well over 10,000 photos and I am still learning.

BJ Neff

[1sgret]

I use a Canon Power Shot Digital, 8.0 Mega Pixels, 12x Optical Zoom with Image Stabilizer on a 12 inch Walmart Tri Pod. I use the Canon Photo Program that comes with the Camera. I use a USB AM 400 Scope on a copy stand for the really close ups of the coins.

I am still learning and I try to see what everyone else says about there equipment.

[closelook]

Im ready to Roger, I want to get something alot better them the QX5 that I have.

[RWBILLER]

Closelook
How does the QX5 technically work - do plug (USB) into your PC and capture the image with no camera?
thanks
Roger

[fugnchill]

Hi Roger,

I see Closelook is not logged in so I hope you two don't mind me answering your question.
Yes you connect the QX5 to your computer through the USB connection. No camera required. It takes pictures and video and you can remove the microscope from the base to view anything within reach of the USB cord (about 5 ft.)

Lestrrr

[jcuve]

Could one ostensibly buy a workable, binocular microscope, that was adequate for shooting coins for lets say $200-250?

I have cameras - several actually - lights, Photoshop CS3 and tripods - I just need a nice, but not necessarily top of the line, microscope.

[OCD]

Could one ostensibly buy a workable, binocular microscope, that was adequate for shooting coins for lets say $200-250?

I have cameras - several actually - lights, Photoshop CS3 and tripods - I just need a nice, but not necessarily top of the line, microscope.

This is the microscope that I use http://store.amscope.com/se305-px.html. I also purchased the USB camera (MD400) it's good for close-ups. For full coin shots I just hold my digital camera up to one of the lenses. I bought them both on EBAY for $240 including shipping.

[CCC]

Closelook
How does the QX5 technically work - do plug (USB) into your PC and capture the image with no camera?
thanks
Roger

I use a AMScope. I don't have the feature to take full coin shot's but I use my camera when I need it . Closeup shot's of varieties are the best with this scope.