Dino-Lite digital microscope cameras are an effective and increasingly popular imaging device for use in the inspection and photographing of coins, coin slabs, currency, stamps and other collectibles.
Hobby
For hobby-grade, the AM3111 and AF3113T which offer 640x480 pixel resolution, 10x-220x magnification range, and free imaging software are recommended. Good stands for hobbyist include the MS33W and RK-04.
Popular
For one of the most popular models for coin applications, the Edge Series AF4115ZT offers 1280x1024 pixel resolution, 10x-220x magnification range, new state-of-the-art design lens and sensor for better image quality and color, built-in polarization for controlling glare, interchangeable cap options, wireless-ready connection (WF-20 WiFi adapter sold separately), and free imaging software. Other popular options include the AM4111T and AM4113ZT which are not part of the Edge Series family but do offer similar magnification range as the AF4115ZT. Popular stands include the MS35B and RK-06A which offer precise and sturdy adjustments. The MSA2P extension pole for MS35B and RK-06-PL extension pole for RK-06A can be used for additional working distance if needed for coin slabs and other large objects.
Professional
From our professional line, the AM73115MZT offers USB 3.0 connection for faster frame rate (up to 45fps) and sharper images, 2560x1920 pixel resolution, 10x-220x magnification, Edge Series image quality, polarization, interchangeable caps, and free imaging software. A comparable professional option is the Edge Plus AM4517MZT which offers USB 2.0 connection and 1280x1024 pixel resolution with Edge Plus quality. Professional table-top stands include the RK-06F and RK-10A. The RK-06-PL extension pole can also be used with the RK-06F for additional working distance and the RK-10-VX vertical arm attachment can be used for the RK-10A. Interchangeable caps (included with Edge Series models) and diffusers such as MSAA112D can help soften the LED lights for better imaging results. The MSAK826W PhotoBox can also help eliminate ambient light.
Helpful Tips for Imaging Coins
- ALWAYS turn off the built-in ring lights on the scope for slab shots. This is usually needed for any WHOLE non slabbed coin shot as well. The ring lights can be used for when viewing or inspecting coins under magnification.
- A white background is typically recommended (some people prefer gray or even black; black will help hide shadows created by side lighting).
- If you are viewing a "cameo proof" coin then remember that the mirrored surface area is just that...a mirror. To avoid getting a direct reflection of the actual scope or scope light bulbs, etc. (they will appear as these little green spots in the image)... simply tilt the scope until these spots or other reflected “artifacts” are out of the image (FOV) or "hidden" behind a non-mirrored area.
- The slightly tilted (without any noticeable distortion) scope trick is good for preventing those pesky overhead lights from interfering as well (a dome will help with this too). Simply tilt the scope away from any overheads and preferably towards a dark area.
- Oblique or angled "applied" external lighting used for your imaging (OTT lamp or other regular desktop lamp) helps a great deal. It will also help eliminate any scratches on the surface of the plastic slab AND it will help you attain a nice black "field" appearance on your proof coins. (PS: using purely diffused light will make the cameo look milky, which most people like but some do not. However, it will make things easier overall). Note: many of the professional shots in catalogs, etc. are taken using diffused light which is why so many of the proof coins have this “milky” field.
- The saturation feature in the software tools is good for all colored/toned coins (you can set it and still use for silver coins too). You can do miracles with this on toned coins without having to tilt the coin for effect AND it is not cheating (RGB white balance will actually ADD or SUBTRACT colors… a common trick to make gold more yellow, etc....saturation does not actually do this in the same way. Contrast can help with toned coins too. Of course, you do not want to over do it with these “real time” tools/settings.
- If you happen to have any "articulating" type lamps (like the ones used at the coin shows), then you can easily and cheaply convert these to VERY effective external light sources AND you can set a desired position without having to have a lamp light in your hand and moving it around and holding it while you get that perfect shot. You would need to get rid of that incandescent bulb and go to any hardware department to buy a "compact fluorescent" OR an LED bulb in “daylight white” realm.
- Follow these simple guidelines and with a bit of practice, inspecting and imaging coins will be a breeze.
More information:
Dino-Lite Coin Applications Video: https://youtu.be/4jGEcIUYwfA
Dino-Lite Coin Applications Pages: https://dinolite.us/coins
Related Links:
MSAK826 Photo Light Box Video: https://youtu.be/3OuFSn3XRNo
MSAK843 (multifunctional stage): Video: https://youtu.be/TTPBXSkq-ho
Coin Photography: https://dinolite.us/coin-photography
Stamp & Currency: https://dinolite.us/stamp-currency
Recommended
Hobby-grade:
AM3111 (lower resolution, lower cost): https://www.dinolite.us/am3111
AF3113T (lower resolution, lower cost): https://www.dinolite.us/af3113t
MS33W (flex-arm stand): https://www.dinolite.us/ms33w
RK-04 Stand: https://www.dinolite.us/rk-04
Popular:
AF4115ZT (wireless Edge Series): https://www.dinolite.us/af4115zt
AM4111T (1.3MP resolution, no measurement): https://www.dinolite.us/am4111t
AM4113ZT (1.3MP resolution with measurement feature and polarization): https://www.dinolite.us/am4113zt
MS35B Stand: https://www.dinolite.us/ms35b
MSA2P (extension pole for MS35B): https://www.dinolite.us/msa2p
RK-06A Stand: https://www.dinolite.us/rk-06a
RK-06-PL (extension pole for RK-06A): https://www.dinolite.us/rk-06-pl
Professional:
AM73115MZT (USB 3.0, 5MP resolution): https://www.dinolite.us/am73115mzt
AM4517MZT (Edge Plus quality, metal housing, 1.3MP resolution): https://dinolite.us/am4517mzt
MSAA112D (diffuser for highly reflective objects): https://www.dinolite.us/msaa1112d
RK-06F Stand: https://www.dinolite.us/rk-06f
RK-06-PL (extension pole for RK-06F): https://www.dinolite.us/rk-06-pl
RK-10A Stand: https://www.dinolite.us/rk-10a
RK-10-VX (vertical arm attachment for RK-10A): https://www.dinolite.us/rk-10-vx
MSAK826W (photo light box): https://www.dinolite.us/msak826w |
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