New camera....

[FilthyBroke]

Well, I finally settled on a camera and have been testing it out today.  I'm going to post before pics (old camera) and after pics (new camera). 

So far, I'm noticing slightly sharper details, but not as sharp as I was hoping for.  My lighting setup is holding me back a bit, too, I'll be working on that.

Coin #1 - I've taken a number of shots of this one, but it's been tough to image for some reason.   






I'll try to add pics as I optimize the lighting configuration and camera settings.  (bear in mind that I'm no photography genius, rather i'm learning as I go and posting my progress.)

[coinsarefun]

Give us the scoop on the camera.......model, price, etc.....
I'm looking for a new point and shoot, don't have patience for the set up and all that stuff

[FilthyBroke]

Give us the scoop on the camera.......model, price, etc.....
I'm looking for a new point and shoot, don't have patience for the set up and all that stuff

I actually meant to do that, but forgot when I got busy posting the pix.

My old camera was a Sony H5 (7.2 MP w/macro and 12X zoom), nice little camera which has served me well, but I wanted to see if I could get better macro pix with a newer point and shoot.  The Sony was close to $500 when I bought it about four years ago.

The new camera is a Fujifilm Finepix S4000, with 14MP, macro function, and 30X zoom.  I'm not seeing much difference so far, but the salesman says this is a really good one for macro.  It's priced around $275, which worried me because most other cameras that I looked at were upwards of $600 or more (much more).

I'm gonna be upset if it's not leaps and bounds above the Sony, with technology progressing as it is.  Not looking good so far though.....  Lighting seems to be my main problem right now, I need to look for some decent lights if I can.

[FilthyBroke]

Oh, and I really need to stop listening to salemen.   I initially ordered a Sony Nex-3 because a salesperson at our local BestBuy said it was the best thing out right now, and it would take super cool macro pix....wrong!!!!  I tried it out over the weekend, and returned it already.  It wasn't even a mediocre camera for macro (w/55MM lens), as purchased.  9+ inches of minimum focal range?  Meh....

[coinsarefun]

I don't know if you just aren't familiar with your new one, but the old camera....or first image looks better(clearer).

[FilthyBroke]

I think the new one may be a bit clearer, but the lighting isn't as good  on the second pic.  I'm going to work on the lighting after I figure out the camera focus and settings a little better.

Here's an easy one I messed with this afternoon.
This is the coin for reference (old pic)-

Old camera, correct lighting-

New camera, but the lighting still needs work-


So I'm noticing a difference, the clarity is better on the new camera (under the right settings).  The lighting will be a project in itself, as I think I either want to try to set up a reflective surface and bounce the light, or I may just want to diffuse the existing light.  I can see where I'll probably need to have both options available though.

Any suggestions?

[coinsarefun]

Holy Moly.........the up close pic is dynamite!!!
Maybe it is better and you just have to change lighting and get more aquatinted  with it

[FilthyBroke]

Holy Moly.........the up close pic is dynamite!!!
Maybe it is better and you just have to change lighting and get more aquatinted  with it

I hope that's the case.  How is your lighting set up, Stefanie?  I've got an Ott lamp, a flourescent, and a yellow light, so far I like the Ott best.

[coinsarefun]

Holy Moly.........the up close pic is dynamite!!!
Maybe it is better and you just have to change lighting and get more aquatinted  with it

I hope that's the case.  How is your lighting set up, Stefanie?  I've got an Ott lamp, a flourescent, and a yellow light, so far I like the Ott best.

No fancy set up......one bar halogen light (3 bulbs) in the wall cabinet above my desk.
One regular light to my left and one Ott to my right.
But I don't use a copy stand, I just hold the camera, point and shoot

[FilthyBroke]

I found a neat little stand on Ebay so I thought I'd try it out.  It works great for the extreme closeups, but it's too danged hard to get good light in there. 
Here's the one I'm trying out...I should add that it's very cheap and has already come apart twice for me, but I fixed it and it's holding up so far---
http://cgi.ebay.com/Ball-Head-Copy-Stand-DSLR-Camera-Photography-Product-/230613039609?pt=US_Tripods&hash=item35b19bb9f9

The concept is solid, but it's built like a dollar store gadget.  Many of my shots will be freehand, but this stand may hold up for the few shots I need it for.