Guide / Tutorial Choosing a camera for coin photography

[Charliemouse]

Looking to up your coin photography game by moving from a mobile phone to a 'real' camera?

Taking high quality pictures of coins means macro photography.  What makes a good camera for macro photography?

This is the companion article to Choosing a camera lens for coin photography.  You should definitely read that as well.  The lens is more important than the camera.

For this article, I am not going to recommend specific models of camera.  There are just too many and, spoiler alert, most cameras will be fine.  At the end, I do give a list of current models that will fit the bill for most people.

What is macro photography?

Macro, or ‘close up’ photography, is the technique of photographing ‘small’ things.  The subject of a macro photograph is generally smaller than the sensor (or film frame) in the camera, i.e. about 24 mm or 1 inch high.

As an example, a modern sensor has about 6,000 by 4,000 pixels.  So each pixel is ‘seeing’ a spot of detail that is just 6x6 micrometres.

Do I need a special camera for macro photography?

No.

Any modern interchangeable-lens camera will work.  They are often called "Digital SLR", "DSLR" or "Mirrorless".

You then need a macro lens to put on the front of it.

What is an interchangeable-lens camera?

The camera (sometimes just referred to as ‘body’) often comes without a lens by default.  You can usually buy a "kit" with a very basic lens included.  But if you are only intending to use it for macro photography, save your money and buy the body-only option and the lens separately.

Remember to factor the price of a lens into your budget.  You can’t use the camera without one.

Of course, this does mean that later you can buy more lenses for the same camera body, and build up a very flexible set of kit.

What about fixed-lens cameras (“bridge” and "compact" cameras)?

This is my opinion, but these days I wouldn’t buy a fixed-lens camera.  If you are looking to save money by not buying an interchangeable-lens camera, use a recent model mobile phone instead.  No shame, they can produce great results.  The market for fixed-lens cameras has all but vanished now, so I don’t think I am alone in this opinion.

If you already have a fixed-lens camera, look at the specifications to see if it is capable of taking close-up photographs, i.e. with a reproduction ratio of 1:1 or close.  If so, you should be good to go.

What factors should I consider when choosing a camera?

There are a lot of cameras out there.  Here are some things to consider.

Age

Camera models tend to cycle about every 3 to 5 years.  You can save money by buying the previous generation.  For the purposes of taking coin photos, it won’t make any real difference to the quality.  What you gain with each generation is some more convenience features and maybe a little resolution (matters less than you might think).  Most advances, year on year, will affect other types of photography much more than macro, e.g. video, frame rate, auto focus.

I wouldn’t recommend going too old though.  More than about 12 years, and you start to find cameras without some of the basic usability features we now take for granted, like live view (the ability to use the rear display to aim your shot).

Brand

I would recommend sticking with Nikon, Canon or Sony.  Not just because they have excellent reputations, but because there is a huge ecosystem of lenses, accessories and support, especially for the first two.  Sony is slightly newer to the game, but practically they are up there and have some excellent cameras.

DSLR or mirrorless

(If you don’t understand the difference, don’t worry about it too much.)

These days, I’d say there isn’t much reason for sticking with Digital SLR.  Again, it’s not an image quality thing, both will generate superb pictures.  But Mirrorless cameras are generally slightly less bulky and are lighter than SLRs.  The only real drawback is that Mirrorless cameras usually have worse battery life, but that’s probably not a big deal.

Practically all the development for the last decade has gone into Mirrorless cameras.

Full frame or crop sensor

This refers to the size of the image sensor.  Those a little older may remember 35mm film and APS film.  Well, this is exactly equivalent in the digital world.  A ‘full frame’ sensor is 35x24mm, and a ‘crop’ sensor is 25x17mm.  Crop sensors are often called APS sensors.

If you want ultimate image quality and most flexibility, go full frame.

If you want to save money and have a smaller, lighter camera, go crop.  Not only will the camera be cheaper, but there will be cheaper lenses available.

The practical difference for macro photography is that you won’t be able to get as much in the image at minimum distance.  For example, a sovereign is 22mm in diameter, which fits a full frame sensor perfectly, but doesn’t fit a crop sensor.  All this means is that you will need to back away from the coin a few inches, to fit it in shot.

Warning: If you choose a full frame sensor, you must choose a lens made for full frame cameras.  Not crop lenses.  This is not always obvious in the marketing, so do research. If you choose the wrong one, the lens will only produce a crop-sized image on the sensor, and all those lovely extra pixels at the edges of your sensor will be black or blurred.  For example, with Nikon, FX on a lens means full frame, DX means crop only.

Conversely, you can use a lens made for full frame cameras on a crop sensor camera.

Headline camera features that matter less for macro

There are some great recent advances in camera features.  If you plan to use the camera for other things than taking macro shots of coins, some of these might be very useful.  But for macro, not so much.

• Sensor resolution (megapixels).  Unless you are planning on printing posters of your coins and hanging them on the wall, even the most modest digital camera will have plenty of pixels.
• Autofocus.  You will be focusing manually, and your subject is stationary.
• Frame rate.  Your subject is stationary.  If you need a high frame rate to track your coin around the room, either something has gone very wrong or you are doing something well beyond the scope of this article.
• Low-light sensitivity.  You should be using a tripod, so the exposure time can be long.  That means the sensor will get plenty of light, enough to avoid image noise / grain.
• Viewfinder resolution.  For mirrorless cameras, because they don’t have a mirror (like a SLR), the viewfinder is actually a small monitor.  For macro photography, you will almost certainly be using the larger display on the back of the camera, so the viewfinder doesn't matter much.
• Faster and bigger memory cards.  Again, you aren’t taking shots at a high frame rate, and you are in the vicinity of the PC, so capacity is unlikely to be an issue.

Other features that might matter

Tethering might be a good option for you.  This is when you have the camera connected (usually by cable, sometimes wirelessly) to your computer or other device.  This gives you excellent control of camera settings, plus a better view of what the camera is seeing. And when you take a photo, it is on your PC or device immediately.  No need to transfer it later.  Older cameras may have limited functionality for tethering, or not support it at all.

Resolution of the rear display.  On older cameras (>12 years) the screens are pretty poor.  For this task you don’t need to worry about brightness and viewing angle much, as you will probably be inside and directly behind the camera.  But having a larger higher resolution screen would certainly be useful for framing and focusing.

Focus peaking.  This is a feature that uses the rear display to highlight the area of the image that is in focus.  It is very useful when doing focus stacking manually, or just to confirm that what you want to be in focus, is in focus.

Focus stacking.  Taking multiple shots at different focus points, and merging them into one.  Some cameras will do it automatically: you tell the camera how many shots, how much to change the focus between shots, and where to start.  Press the button, and away it goes.

What else am I going to need?

Once you have the camera (body) and lens, you will need a memory card, a tripod and possibly some lights.  Take a look at the Review of my gear to give you an idea of what is and isn’t important.

In summary, choosing a camera

If you are starting from scratch, my recommendation would be a cropped sensor mirrorless camera from Nikon, Canon or Sony.

Examples that fit this description are below.  These are not meant as specific recommendations, and are in no particular order.  Do your own research, as everyone has different priorities.  I have no personal experience of any of these models.

• Sony: A6100, A6400, A6600
• Nikon: Z50
• Canon: EOS R50, EOS R7, EOS R10

Edited December 20, 2023 by Charliemouse

[ZRPMs]

Many thanks for the topic. Will defiantly be looking up some of the suggested cameras. Just need a good general all round use camera.

[Silverlocks]

On 08/12/2023 at 14:07, ZRPMs said:

Many thanks for the topic. Will defiantly be looking up some of the suggested cameras. Just need a good general all round use camera.

I'm sure any of them would be fine as a general purpose camera as well.

[Charliemouse]

On 08/12/2023 at 14:07, ZRPMs said:

Many thanks for the topic. Will defiantly be looking up some of the suggested cameras. Just need a good general all round use camera.

Yep.  The above recommendation goes for general purpose use too.  These days, a cropped sensor (APS, Micro 4/3rds) mirrorless camera is a great choice.  They are very capable.

But remember, the lens is the more important choice.  Most macro lenses are good for portraits and medium distance photos like houses and trees.  But they won't have the flexibility that a real general purpose lens has.  For that, you want something like a 24-70mm zoom or similar (that would be around 18-50 for cropped sensors).

[ZRPMs]

Well I have my new camera. A Canon EOS 2000D. Got 3 lenses a Canon EF 75 - 300, a Canon EFS 18 -55 and a Sigma 28 - 200 (just found out this is most likely faulty). Not having any experience with anything to do with photography other than my phone, I'm finding it quite daunting navigating all the buttons and menu's. @Charliemouse many thanks for your help. Of all your suggestions, believe it or not. The tripod has been the most useful bit of kit I've bought for the camera. Far more than I first thought it would be.

 

Here's a few of the pics taken today. Not great by a long shot but they do show up all the wear and issues with these old guineas. With the naked eye they look ok but close up like this they certainly show their age. However, if at 351 I looked as good as the Charles II guinea I won't be doing so bad.

Struggling for time a bit at the moment but hope to show some more pictures of some of the collection as I get to grips with the camera.

 

[James32]

3 minutes ago, ZRPMs said:

Well I have my new camera. A Canon EOS 2000D. Got 3 lenses a Canon EF 75 - 300, a Canon EFS 18 -55 and a Sigma 28 - 200 (just found out this is most likely faulty). Not having any experience with anything to do with photography other than my phone, I'm finding it quite daunting navigating all the buttons and menu's. @Charliemouse many thanks for your help. Of all your suggestions, believe it or not. The tripod has been the most useful bit of kit I've bought for the camera. Far more than I first thought it would be.

 

Here's a few of the pics taken today. Not great by a long shot but they do show up all the wear and issues with these old guineas. With the naked eye they look ok but close up like this they certainly show their age. However, if at 351 I looked as good as the Charles II guinea I won't be doing so bad.

Struggling for time a bit at the moment but hope to show some more pictures of some of the collection as I get to grips with the camera.

 

Nice pics of things dude. What are they again 🤔 

[ZRPMs]

7 minutes ago, James32 said:

Nice pics of things dude. What are they again 🤔 

Just some old tokens I got off Ali Express. What do you think of my camera setup?

 This is mine here. The black one is the daughters.

[Charliemouse]

On 16/01/2024 at 16:39, ZRPMs said:

Just some old tokens I got off Ali Express. What do you think of my camera setup?

 This is mine here. The black one is the daughters.

Wipe clean.  Very practical.

[Charliemouse]

On 16/01/2024 at 16:25, ZRPMs said:

Well I have my new camera. A Canon EOS 2000D. Got 3 lenses a Canon EF 75 - 300, a Canon EFS 18 -55 and a Sigma 28 - 200 (just found out this is most likely faulty). Not having any experience with anything to do with photography other than my phone, I'm finding it quite daunting navigating all the buttons and menu's. @Charliemouse many thanks for your help. Of all your suggestions, believe it or not. The tripod has been the most useful bit of kit I've bought for the camera. Far more than I first thought it would be.

 

Here's a few of the pics taken today. Not great by a long shot but they do show up all the wear and issues with these old guineas. With the naked eye they look ok but close up like this they certainly show their age. However, if at 351 I looked as good as the Charles II guinea I won't be doing so bad.

Struggling for time a bit at the moment but hope to show some more pictures of some of the collection as I get to grips with the camera.

 

Great pics.  Better than 95% of what I see online.  Sharp.  Fills the frame.  Good colour.

Tripod is so important!  Sounds like the most boring thing in the world (probably is), but getting the right pod just makes everything else work.

[Darr3nG]

On 15/05/2023 at 21:15, Charliemouse said:

If you want ultimate image quality and most flexibility, go full frame.

Is it worth it for me to "upgrade" from my EOS 800D to a 6D MKII ?

I reckon £100-200 in the difference, buying/selling on EBay.

[ZRPMs]

Been playing with my camera a bit more. Still feels like using some thing from NASA but took a few pic's of the sovereign box. Now they are all away again I think it would have been nice to have got all the gold together.

 Would have been impossible without the tripod.

[James32]

38 minutes ago, ZRPMs said:

Been playing with my camera a bit more. Still feels like using some thing from NASA but took a few pic's of the sovereign box. Now they are all away again I think it would have been nice to have got all the gold together.

 Would have been impossible without the tripod.

Sweet baby Jesus on a second hand bicycle. Stunning.

[ZRPMs]

Just now, James32 said:

Sweet baby Jesus on a second hand bicycle. Stunning.

I know right. I'll be doing wedding photos soon.

[Fenlander1]

41 minutes ago, ZRPMs said:

Been playing with my camera a bit more. Still feels like using some thing from NASA but took a few pic's of the sovereign box. Now they are all away again I think it would have been nice to have got all the gold together.

 Would have been impossible without the tripod.

When I grow up I want to be just like you. 😆 

[Coverte]

1 hour ago, ZRPMs said:

Been playing with my camera a bit more. Still feels like using some thing from NASA but took a few pic's of the sovereign box. Now they are all away again I think it would have been nice to have got all the gold together.

 Would have been impossible without the tripod.

 

Lovely to behold, certainly something positive to be said for just keeping a good % of well timed purchases 👍

[James32]

59 minutes ago, ZRPMs said:

I know right. I'll be doing wedding photos soon.

If that's a proposal, you can do our wedding photography 💋 

[Silverlocks]

1 hour ago, ZRPMs said:

Been playing with my camera a bit more. Still feels like using some thing from NASA but took a few pic's of the sovereign box. Now they are all away again I think it would have been nice to have got all the gold together.

 Would have been impossible without the tripod.

That's a lot of sovereigns..

[SovereignBull]

1 hour ago, ZRPMs said:

Been playing with my camera a bit more. Still feels like using some thing from NASA but took a few pic's of the sovereign box. Now they are all away again I think it would have been nice to have got all the gold together.

 Would have been impossible without the tripod.

Good lord! 

[Gruff]

2 hours ago, ZRPMs said:

Been playing with my camera a bit more. Still feels like using some thing from NASA but took a few pic's of the sovereign box. Now they are all away again I think it would have been nice to have got all the gold together.

 Would have been impossible without the tripod.

Is that all sovs? or are there mixed weigh brits in there as well? 

[ZRPMs]

Just now, Gruff said:

Is that all sovs? or are there mixed weigh brits in there as well? 

Mostly the sovereigns but there are a few odd's and sod's weight wise though they would fall short of the quint's that's in the other box. So I didn't feel too bad putting them all together. There's even a PF70 1/50oz Krug there. Its the full stop at the top left of the graded coins.

[bobski]

5 hours ago, ZRPMs said:

Been playing with my camera a bit more. Still feels like using some thing from NASA but took a few pic's of the sovereign box. Now they are all away again I think it would have been nice to have got all the gold together.

 Would have been impossible without the tripod.

Your curtains need taking up by about 4 feet mate

[Darr3nG]

Start your coin photography journey right here:

 

[Charliemouse]

On 28/02/2024 at 18:15, Darr3nG said:

Is it worth it for me to "upgrade" from my EOS 800D to a 6D MKII ?

I reckon £100-200 in the difference, buying/selling on EBay.

I never saw this.   😪

Guess you made the decision, since you are selling the 800.  Did you get a 6D?

[Darr3nG]

5 minutes ago, Charliemouse said:

Did you get a 6D?

Yes I did... and holy sheet it's amazing!  

Taking a bit of getting used to, definitely not as "user friendly" as the 800.

[Charliemouse]

2 minutes ago, Darr3nG said:

Yes I did... and holy sheet it's amazing!  

Taking a bit of getting used to, definitely not as "user friendly" as the 800.

Yeah, for general photography it will be a huge step up.  Much better low light, so you can crank the ISO up to the 1000s and still not get much noise while taking indoor photos.

Of course all the lenses you need just got more expensive...