Semi O/T: What's a good digital camera for taking pictures of cards?

[Doug]

I've seen threads about the best scanners to use for scanning your cards, but I use a laptop and I don't really have the space for a scanner. I've seen some really good pictures of cards that have been taken with digital cameras and I was wondering if anybody could recommend one that's not too expensive. I don't really need anything professional quality, just something good enough to take pictures of cards for ebay, photobucket, etc. Thanks!

[familytoad]

Doug, this is just my opinion...but I would not use a digital camera for the purposes you mention ( ebay, photobucket, websites etc)

There are just too many issues that tend to make the picture subpar.
(Lighting, Flash, Glare, Propping the cards up, etc.)

I've got a pretty good digital camera but I have never been happy with the results.

I know you mentioned that you don't have a lot of room for a scanner...but since these are all USB connections, just hook it up when you are going to use it...and hide it in your sock drawer otherwise

I have a Canon 4400F that was only about $100 and it takes great scans (even graded cards with no glare). I probably only use it once a week...and would have no problem storing it the rest of the week. (although I do have room in my case)

So, just my opinion...enjoy either way!

[D. Bergin]

Any digital camera that takes pictures very good pictures of cards is probably going to be expensive because you'll have to find the right filter.

I just went scanner shopping last week and actually settled on one that's a behemoth because I wanted something that could scan oversized film negatives.

I did however run across a flatbed scanner from Canon, maybe it's the one that Doug is talking about, and it's really tiny and compact. I think it was like 100 bucks.

I've always been happy with Canon products to.

[D. Broughman]

Doug I agree with Brian I have a great camera but have a lot more luck with my cheap scanner. D.

[ibuysportsephemera]

I do very well with my Sony A300 Digital SLR. I haven't used a scanner in ages, so I am not really making a comparison.

Jeff

[prestigecollectibles]

The Ricoh CX1 has the best macro feature (1 cm) I could find.
http://www.ricoh.com/r_dc/cx/cx1/

[Doug]

Thanks for the help so far. I don't really need anything too high end since I don't sell often. I'm just looking for an alternative to the ancient scanner I have access to at work.

[Griffins]

I'll chime in with the Canon 4400f. It does amazing scans.

As far as shooting copy shots with cameras, there is no need to use filters with digital files- they can easily be corrected with photoshop or similar programs.
Any camera that will focus close enough to come close to filling the frame should work, just make sure that there is a high enough light level that you're not getting camera shake, and zoom out to the longest focal length (telephoto) your camera has, to avoid reflections if the cards are slabbed.
I recently got a Canon G10 (there is a new model, the G11). It's a compact point and shoot and is absolutely amazing. It's simple if you want it to be, but has a lot of sophisticated features if you want to use them. It's a bit pricey for what it is (about $450) but worth every penny. And for an extra $200 you can get a water housing that will go to 150'

[jcmtiger]

Yes I agree, purchase a scanner, I only use a digital camera for larger items, has never worked very well for me with cards.

Joe

[sox1903wschamp]

Originally Posted by jcmtiger

Yes I agree, purchase a scanner, I only use a digital camera for larger items, has never worked very well for me with cards.

Joe

Ditto. I tried to use a camera for cards and then wised up and have a Canon 8800F and have never looked back although for pennants and larger items, I use the camera.

[carrigansghost]

A nice scanner .............. 620B. Cheap too.

Rawn

[Doug]

Originally Posted by familytoad

I know you mentioned that you don't have a lot of room for a scanner...but since these are all USB connections, just hook it up when you are going to use it...and hide it in your sock drawer otherwise.

I didn't know they all connected and were powered by USB now. It's been so long since I had a scanner that my old one had a parallel port and a AC Adapter and was quite clunky. I ended up ordering a Canon for around $100 and it is actually helpful that I can slide it under the dresser or something when I don't need it. Thanks to everyone that chimed in!