posted on July 15, 2010 11:48:33 AM new
I lost my assistant who used to take all my photos for Ebay. So now, I need a new camera. Something simple. I photograph mainly coins and jewelry. Years ago I used a Sony DSC P-30 with just 1.2 MP. That worked good enough. The only accessory I needed was a device to stick the memory card in to then upload to my computer and photo-imaging software(I use Irfan which also suits my meager needs).
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Any suggestions on a camera would be appreciated. I'm looking at a Sony W-310. Is this a decent choice. Also, I have what's probably a dumb question. With the cameras nowadays do I stll need some extra device to make the transfer to computer, or is there a USB cord that comes with these cameras to make the connection...AND let me use the Irfan software that I'm used to.
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Thank you in advance
posted on July 15, 2010 01:29:36 PM new
Hi watchguy - I had a fuji fine pix that I recently broke - I actually had it too tight on the tripod and sort of tore the plastic bottom apart.
started using an hp and it was awful, couldn't get a good closeup of anything.
Bought another fuji fine pix - different model,of course, than my old one, but it wasn't very expensive (Less than $200) and I can get my good closeups again. There was a usb cord in the box. That's all I need to get the pictures from the camera to the computer. I use Irfanview also. No problems.
posted on July 15, 2010 02:47:56 PM new
coins and jewelry!
I would like to know too what camera is best for jewelry and what lighting ?
I bought some Brazilian emerald on Ebay years ago on Ebay when Brazilian emerald aint worth much and now some larger pieces could bring you a good penny!
*
There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
posted on July 15, 2010 02:55:24 PM new
Still using my old Sony Mavica, even with the new computer with Windows 7. Had to invest in an external floppy drive and some learning curve time.
Nothing is easier, and with a great macro focus it's all I need.
My Panasonic with all the bells and whistles sits in it's case.
posted on July 15, 2010 05:10:22 PM new
Leica makes digital camera now,you need a good camera which has the best closeup feature.
Some sellers use scanner for fine details and camera for showing the whole.
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There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
posted on July 15, 2010 05:57:50 PM new
I like my Canon Power Shot A590 IS. Does a nice job in Macro and is easy to use. I have always used Canons after my Apple camera died so I don't have to change software,etc when I get the newer version. Had this one for a few years, so I am sure there is a newer version now.
posted on July 16, 2010 07:45:43 AM new
can we hear from some jewelry and coin seller?
*
There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
posted on July 16, 2010 08:19:58 AM new
Here is an auction I listed that has good close ups. The figure is less than 5" tall, but you can see the detail in the close ups on the foot that were about 3/4 of an inch diameter.
190410683283
I am using a Canon G11. It takes fantastic pictures. It isn't cheap, but my philosophy is that you get what you pay for. I would look at either a Canon G11 or S90.
They produce great images, crystal clear photos, have a great close up feature, and give very accurate color representation when using the Auto White Balance feature (this helps with various types of lighting). They both feature glass lenses, which you should always choose. Plastic lenses tend to warp the image, and easily scratch giving you little clouded rings in your image.
The S90 is very small, and easy to take on trips too. The G11 if bulkier, but feels better in your hand.
I want to upgrade my lighting... but here is what I used for these photos. I have 4 12" aluminum utility lamps. These are the dome shaped metal ones you see at hardware stores for $10 a piece. I use 4 150W equivalent fluorescent bulbs in them. For me, I generally photograph much larger items and need stronger lighting than this set up gives and I have no diffusion on the lights, which I wish I had.
If you want a professional lighting set up, you can accomplish that for $100. For coins and jewelry, I would look at getting a micro lighting kit. They usually comprise of two lights and a flexible small backdrop. These run less than $100 and will give you the professional look you are wanting. You can find them on eBay. Item # 160454284483
You aim the lights into the white box and it gives you quality diffused lighting that you need for coins, jewelry and anything else in the micro world.
My camera was about $425, it is likely less now. The S90 is less than that. I would say, plan on investing $500-550 and you'll love what you end up with.
posted on July 16, 2010 08:41:35 AM new
Here are some coins and jewelry shots I took for you to see from my G11. I don't generally do these items, so you may set up the angles differently. I didn't really set up my lighting well, but you get the idea of clarity and quality of close ups.
posted on July 16, 2010 11:10:25 AM new
Sony Mavica here, too. LOVE it. Bought it back in 1999, still going strong. It's especially good for closeups--jewelry, coins, etc. People are amazed at the quality of closeups I can get.
posted on July 16, 2010 12:44:27 PM new
Those older Sonys, Olympus' have stellar optics. I had a Sony that was fantastic. Came out back in 2002-03.
Over the last several years I have seen the quality of camera features decline. They increase the pixels and a few features, but those cameras from the early decade were much better at low light/close ups/clarity than they are now.
I bought two other Sony's later on and neither could produce consistent color representation. I gave up on Sony and went back to Canon, which I have used for film photography since the 80's.
I've never used a Mavica, but I always like the design of them and the size. Not great for heading out on vacation, but good for studio work. If you cruise eBay, you'll see many cameras of this era holding good value.
posted on July 17, 2010 07:19:28 AM new
Thanks all for the thoughts. So, it looks like we have a majority going for an old Sony Mavica instead of a new low-end Sony or other brand. So, now I'll look on Ebay for a Mavica.
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What do I need to look for? They still sell memory cards that fit these? Do they come with that USB cable to make that connection to PC that will allow me to just use the Irfan software. Anything else to look for?
posted on July 17, 2010 07:53:16 AM new
"What do I need to look for? They still sell memory cards that fit these? Do they come with that USB cable to make that connection to PC that will allow me to just use the Irfan software. Anything else to look for?"
They made at least 7 different models of the Mavica. For eBay purposes they are all good.
They use floppy discs for storage, and some later ones use the Sony memory stick too.
The floppys are all over the place. I keep reusing the same ones over and over to upload, then format the disc. I haven't seen one with a usb connection, but that doesn't mean they didn't make one. An external floppy drive is cheap enough if you don't have a built-in. As far as what to look for, I'd look for one with a charger that plugs into the camera. Some of the early ones required you to remove the battery and use an external charger.
I'm using a MVC FD90 and I love it.
posted on July 17, 2010 08:40:56 AM new
Still using my Fuji FinePix. Still works great.
As far as lighting for jewelry goes, I have the camera stand under a skylight, then fill in with three natural-light CFL spots.
You really want natural light or the colors get whacked out. Whites turn into urine-yellow. Not attractive. You don't want your jewelry looking like it had a few too many brewskis last night.
posted on July 17, 2010 11:51:05 AM new
Count still another voice for the original Sony Mavica. I'm still using my first one but have purchased a second one in case the first one bites the dust. I'm using the floppy discs and format them as needed. I also bought the external drive thingy which works just fine. I can take GREAT photos of jewelry and coins and, in fact, one buyer commented that my photos looked like museum-quality photos. I have a VERY basic set-up...white sheet on the back of my couch...sometimes use a black piece of material depending on the subject. Use regular living room lights and natural light from windows. Super easy, no extra materials needed and terrific photos! Good luck...
posted on July 17, 2010 05:46:29 PM new
I switch from a Sony Mavica to a Nikon Coolpix,I can tell the Nikon is better for fine details.
That was years ago.
If you are happy with your old photos,why dont you ask your ex photographer what camera he used ?
Dont retrofit your PC with dinosaur parts,even Salvation Amry knows better.
I am in Asia right now disposing my parents possession,the junkman came and paid me 3 us dollars for an old Sony Trinitron Tv set and urged me to trash everything else-old video games,Sony transister radio/cassette players,
repro antiques,torn leather sofas,wooden bookcase etc.
My brother must have followed his advice and trashed one of my mother's mink jackets.
*
There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
posted on July 17, 2010 07:41:17 PM new
i personally wouldn't step backwards to Mavica days. Though the older cameras are good, they also are old, which means you may have trouble integrating them into newer operating systems. You're talking about stepping back to the days of pre Windows 95.
Everyone keeps saying they are using "floppy discs". We are well beyond those days. That is even before USB, and we are using USB2 now. I haven't had a computer that used floppys for 8 years now. That is a very very long time in the computer world.
Obviously, do what you think is best, but remember newer cameras are meant to be used on newer computers and operating systems. This makes them very fast and efficient. You pay for what you get and I would rather have something work smoothly than get frustrated with an old camera that you can't return because it doesn't work with your system.
posted on July 18, 2010 06:53:54 AM new
shagmidmod
You obviously have never used a Mavica.
They are a good sized camera that you can actually hold without covering some important sensor. They feel like a real camera. Remember what a 35mm slr felt like to hold?
Their native resolution (640x480) is a ideal size for eBay photos.
They have a good sized digital display, something that newer cameras are just recently offering.
Floppys eject at the push of a button, and hold 20 some pictures. Floppy drives, whether built in or usb connected are simple to use.
My only use for the Mavica is for eBay. I certainly wouldn't lug it along on a vacation, but it's idealy suited for what I use it for. PLUS, it can be had at rummages, eBay, flea markets for less than $40.00.
Yes, there is a slight learning curve when useing one on a new computer, but windows 7 is able to accept them, and correct any flaws in the photo that I used to have to purchase a separate program to do.
The only thing missing is the snob appeal of a new $300-$400 camera.
posted on July 18, 2010 10:50:05 AM new
actually, i have used a Mavica... just not the memory stick version, which was the last update. as for "new" camera snobbery, it is nothing of the sort. i have nothing but praises for the quality of images produced by the Mavica and the S85, both by Sony, however it is significantly outdated. you reference Windows 7, but no reference to Vista or Mac. I always tell people that if you are selling online or just emailing photos (never printed) you don't need a monster megapixel camera which is exactly what manufacturers and retailers will sell you on now. They don't mention the quality of glass lenses, zoom features, white balance, etc.
My favorite camera was a Sony DSC S85. It was from the same era as the Mavica. One of the best quality compact cameras I used. It felt like a small SLR in your hand. It was superb in low light, took amazing photos. Crystal clear, spot on White Balance. The same can be said for the Olympus Camedia line of the early decade. Some had apertures down to 1.4 which was incredible for a $300-400 camera at the time. What happened to these features??? The camera manufacturers bumped the good features to high end cameras and dropped the features on the low end cameras.
posted on July 18, 2010 03:11:33 PM new
Watchguy did not mention what kind of jewelry and coins is he selling,precious stones versus semi precious or no stone?how finely graded are his coins?
The problem of buying tool of trade in flea market is how long would it last? it may not be so cheap if he has to buy the other gadgets .
If his name is watch guy,he could be selling watches as well.
If he really want to capture fine details cheap,use a scanner.
*
There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
posted on July 19, 2010 09:18:32 AM new
Thank you all again for the responses. I'm still no further along in my hunt for an inexpensive camera that does good close-up work and that allows me to use the existing IRFAN software....and one that I don't need to buy much in accessories for.
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The Mavica I looked into. Quickly saw that I'd need to invest a little in an external floppy drive. Looks like I'd be plunking down close to $100 for a used camera possibly near the end of it's usefulness and/or compatibility. It makes more sense to me to buy something new, but I'd prefer something cheap.
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The Fuji Fun Pix fit the bill, but it's sold out in the stores. I prefer to buy in the store down the block to make returns easier, if necessary. Plus that Fuji was only available online in purple. I don't know that I want a purple camera..lol.
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Hwahwa...I sell all manner of coins and paper money. Not too many watches these days. Scanner I have(not a great one). Works ok for single coins. No good for lots. No good for paper money, as you have to be very careful with the paper to protect the condition. I also sell other jimjicks and what not....silver pieces, etc., that need a camera.
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Still stuck on that Sony W-310, but it's $160. I'd prefer something cheaper if possible.
posted on July 19, 2010 10:16:14 AM new
watchguy- you should reduce it down to this:
1) glass lens (so you don't scratch it or get annoying flares/rings/other flaws in your images)
2) good close up zoom range (keep in mind the closer you need to be the harder it is to get good light into your photo b/c you begin to block light and get shadows-see my pics on the lower right sides)
3) good white balance (to get accurate color)
4) simple USB input
you don't need to worry about megapixels b/c online images use the smallest settings anyways.
i started with a 1.3mpxl fuji finepix. it had a plastic lens. it worked good, but i always had to edit the little flares and rings in the pics. this takes time, and if you leave them, it looks unprofessional.
posted on July 25, 2010 08:06:03 PM new
I use all my Sony Mavica models on Vista with no problems ....They don't seem to care what operating system you have. Plug and go. My favorite Mavica takes a small SD card and I just plug the camera into the computer to down load the pictures and format the SD card all at once.
posted on July 26, 2010 03:42:59 AM new
There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
[ edited by hwahwa on Jul 26, 2010 03:44 AM ]
posted on July 26, 2010 11:11:48 PM new
Hey Max , the ones I use the most is a MVC-FD100 and FD92. Bought the FD100 new in 2003 and picked up the FD92 from a yard sale for 25.00 a couple years later. I must say they last forever. Wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.I've used them on Windows 98,ME,XP and now Vista. When I plug the cable from camera to computer the first time it say down loading software and they all worked . Never tried a MAC .
posted on July 27, 2010 12:30:25 AM new
I got my last Sony Mavica for $5.00 at a garage sale. Now I have 2 and both use memory sticks. I must say I still love them but I don't know if I could go back to the ones that don't have the memory sticks.
