Photo, Uploading, Camera, Scanning, Etc

Hello to all,

So I'm curious what everyone uses if they scan or take photos of their stamps. Like, what is the best and most inexpensive device/product to use?
Im asking so I can take photos of my stamps and covers that will be sharp and clear. I plan on selling what I have, and once I have my photos then I can email to several stamp dealers for them to give me an idea of what I have or advice with them.
I didn't know if everyone usually uses just their phone camera or something else. If it is something else, remember, Im going to sell my stamps, so I don't really want to spend a lot of money on something I just need temporarily.
I greatly appreciate all suggestions.
Thanks, Stephanie Wintters

My preference would be:
1.desktop scanner
2. photo editing software (Adobe Photoshop, or something similar)

I agree with Bob on scanner. Dont bother with your phone if you want clear easy usable images of the items. Whether it is standalone or on your copier it is best. This site also limits image size (pixels) as well.

Insofar as stamps are concerned, condition is critical, and I do not believe a phone camera will suffice to show what you really have in terms of condition (centering, the condition of the verso, etc). For that, a flat-bed is best.

A consideration to think on:
Scanning (or photographing stamps) can be a time-consuming operation.

You might want to consider getting an inexpensive flatbed scanner or multifunction device for this sort of operation and then coupling it with the freeware PMGS Stampfix offered by one of the forum participants. It would let you place a bunch of stamps onto the flatbed, scan once, then break the individual images out into separate savable files (this is a crude and hasty summary of functionality).... This could save you an enormous amount of time.

Search the forum for stampfix or just go to http://goscf.com/t/47957&whichpage=11 for a link to the latest version

On the other hand, if you are talking about imaging just a sampling (say a couple dozen) items to send to dealers, then this solution might be overkill.

Hope this helps.

I agree with everyone that a scanner is the best solution. However, if the stamps that you have previously uploaded are representative of your collection (they are damaged and worth little) I think you may struggle to recoup the cost of a scanner. Bare that in mind if you make a purchase.

I assume you already own a computer. In which case, a multi-purpose printer/copier/scanner can be obtained without breaking the bank. We are talking less than $200. In fact, if you have a printer tied to your computer, you may already have a scanner. I think most modern computer printers include a scanning function.

Thank you everyone for your input. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of y'all's time and effort you put forth, whenever there's a question at hand.
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