How Does Everyone Get Such Beautiful Crisp Scans?

There is nothing wrong with the scan, but when it comes to grading coins, photos are better, as scans do not show luster.

Stallzer, scanners also have there place, when it comes to getting good pics. I use photos because I do not have a scanner connected to my computer.



Thank you Spock.

Steve

Just thought I would have a go at that castle stamp, to see what image I could get. I think it shows enough detail and I don't even have a macro lens to add on.

Anyone see any errors I should know about, LOL.


Steve

But due to the flash, that luster might not be the real thing. I did not mean to imply that Camera's were no-no's, I just think that a scanner will give a truer color and detail at high resolution. A good Camera will certainly do an excellent job as today's digital cameras with image stabilization and Macros will produce images at a much higher resolution than most scanners. And for Stamps given their size, I just believe in the right tool for the job....

Yes, there is no doubt, that scanners do a great job on stamps.

Flash is a no-no on coins. It's not required.

I'm off now to take some pics of Presidential $1 coins,
to add to my gallery (see below).

Steve

That is an impressive picture Steve especially without macro. I guess with macro the depth of field is too small.
Your setup definately bears fruit though.
Thanks for the feedback on the coin scans and the only critisism I have of your excellent pic is the colour cast which could be adjusted I would assume.

Anthony

Thanks, Anthony.
I would have been happier taken this pic during the day, under natural light. However it is night time here, so I had to use a light, which has a yellow tinge.

The thing I like most about this set up, it's cheap.

Steve

Some nice posts by everyone. Triggermob, nice closeup! Appears a little soft in the lower right but could be the shading of the actual engraving that is making it seem that way - as for the yellowness, it is an easy correction that most software can do automatically for you or else think of using the custom white balance setting on your camera.

Clearly I have been on the defense of cameras in debate vs scanners but this is only because I was a photo enthusiast before I the stamp collecting (disease? ) caught on. I'd also like to add that most people will likely own a camera before a scanner, so if you have one, you might as well use it!

However, I suppose the fact of the matter is that for most of us a scanner will be more convenient to use even though sacrificing a bit of versatility. Capturing oversized objects as well as textures and finishes will probably always be in the purvue of the camera but scanners, with their consistent light source and perfect focus, are even going to be my first choice when making a quick image of a stamp. Nevertheless! I think learning to use a camera well is a worthy enough cause in-itself to merit consideration - it certainly requires more care and observation to do it right, and when done right, is as good as it gets!

Is this better?



I think the bottom is slightly out of focus, because I had the automatic focus on the top of the tower.

Steve

I have managed to get a few quick, decent stamp pics with a camera. My problem is the very small file size we have to use if uploading direct to the post. I have to up the JPEG-factor to pass the pixel police!