Any Recommendations For A Video Camera For Stamps??

I am tired of going through the scanning process. I am wondering if there is some kind of USB-driven 'video camera' that I could use (maybe on a stand) to give a real-time image of my stamps. I would love to have something that could do some extreme close-up zooms, so I can do my fly-specking, and move the stamp (or stand, I suppose) to look at other parts of the stamp. It would be nice to take pics, too, of views that I want to keep/store. Or, perhaps something like a low-power (probably 100x would be plenty for my purposes - anyone have any input on adequate magnification for what we do in our hobby?) video-microscope??

There MUST be such a thing out there. Do any of my fellow stamp collectors use such a device instead of, or in addition to, a scanner?? What is your experience with it?

I would be using it for looking at detail. Generally, NOT for scanning and storing stamp images. Also, NOT for color correctness. I think it would be a quicker tool than a scanner for plating my 3c 1851's.

Any input from people that have gone this route??? Something I may not have considered???

Have you tried the 'search' function? We had a very good post here some time back that covered all sorts of equipment, one of which was a document camera.


Peter

Search for Celestron. Mine works great. Not 100x, but close enough

Check out this thread for ideas.
http://goscf.com/t/45998

Thank you, guys! No, I did not do a search. I am on here all the time, and I have never seen anyone ask about such a camera/microscope/thing. Obviously, I am only on here a lot, and not ALL the time.

I will do the search here. Thanks.

Another hobby of mine is astronomy, so 'Celestron' is a very well known company to me --- I will look and see what they have along the lines of what I am looking for. Thank you for the tip!

Mootermutt: Thanks for making this post. Having seen a couple of auction houses post videos of a page-by-page flip-through of an album on offer, I've thought about doing that myself, in order to "record" an album before beginning to break it down. I'm fortunate to have a pretty good smartphone that does a better job on pics and videos than the cameras I was using previously, so I'm mostly thinking about trying to select the right kind of holder or tripod to record the flip-through.

But I'm interested in following the responses along here to your post, along with following the link(s) posted herein.

Thanks again!

There are many small USB cameras for sale and a search here will find a lot of discussions. I have a Celestron unit and my primary complaint is that camera has automatic light gain that complicates setting the lighting where you want it without the camera trying to compensate. This is one type of device you need to try before you buy unless you also collect usb microscopes.

Just a small update on my history with USB scopes.
I had purchased one many years ago, and was very happy with the use and functions.

As with things, over time (recently), it stopped working.

So I went looking on Amazon for a replacement. After looking at many available; budget being a factor, ordered one then another. Both were sub-standard in functions and usability to the one I had.

Sent both back. I will say this about Amazon, sending things back is quick and painless.

So I dug the old one out of the bin. The dimmer switch and LED's had stopped working; and other things.
So I took apart and rewired.
It's back working except for the LED's, but external light source works just fine. What's more important to me is focus, focal length and field of view.

Anyway, will continue to use until it totally dies and I can find a suitable compatible.
pat

If it's not too much trouble, which ones didn't work for you?

Cjd - No trouble.

My fault for not doing more research. Looked like my old one, so I thought they would operate the same.

Unfortunately budget was limited.

I use it for real time viewing and close ups. Much easier on my eyes than a magnifying glass.

These may have their uses for other, but not for stamp viewing.
pat

1.) Wireless Digital Microscope, Skybasic 50X-1000X Magnification WiFi Portable Handheld Microscopes with Adjustable Stand HD USB Microscope Camera ($34)


2.) Jiusion 40 to 1000x Magnification Endoscope, 8 LED USB 2.0 Digital Microscope, Mini Camera with OTG Adapter and Metal Stand ($24)

Thanks.