Digital Cameras and Metal Detecting

Digital Cameras and Metal Detecting

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View Digital Coin Photos

Using a Digital Camera to ID Finds

Digital Coin Photo Edits

Links to my Image Galleries

Get your own Photo Gallery and Sell your Photos:

Battle of Bushy Run Pennsylvania Photo Paintings

Roaring Run Apollo Photos

As you know from my writings, I love to find ways to incorporate the latest technology (or as some say, toys) into my metal detecting and treasure hunting. In my mind this justifies buying that new item if I am going to use it for more than one thing. From that GPS (so I don't forget where a hot site is and finding my way back) to my new mountain bike (if I can get to and from a site faster, that equals more time to hunt), I am always looking for new gadgets.

Which is just what happened this winter when I just had to get a digital camera. My mind was racing with ways that this camera would help me and make things easier. When I started looking I first went to the Internet and looked up information on buying a digital camera. Needless to say I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information. Makes, models, mega pixels,Oh my! If you think buying a metal detector is bad, wait until you walk blindly into BestBuy or Wal-Mart and ask them to show you their digital cameras.

This article is not to help you make a decision on what brand and model digital camera to buy, I want you to experience that for yourself.I do not know your needs or your budget.Also, it is not a "How to Use" you digital camera. Because I am still learning myself. I guess cameras are like everything else, including metal detectors, it takes practice and patience. What I
intend is to show you ways to use it with your favorite hobby. Plus if you get some great pictures of the kids, all the better.

In the short time I have had my camera (January 2002) I have come up with these uses for my digital camera and metal detecting. This list is by no means inclusive, there are many, many more. Since that time, I am now on my third digital camera, a Canon 20d.

And now my top reasons for buying a digital camera (as told to my wife):

Photographing site layout and features.

If you do not have a GPS, this may be the difference between locating a site again or not. Plus you need photos for that book you want to write.

Future hunt site photo, no idea what or why this is here.

Photographing and documenting a great find right at the site.

I have always loved those photos in magazines that show that ten dollar gold piece on top of the coil. When I make that kind of find, I will post the photo.

Photographing finds and other items for insurance purposes.

This also could include your detector, tools, truck, car, bike etc. A picture is worth a 1000 words and pictures do not lie. Photograph all items of value and place the photos in a safety box. Mark the date and and other information such as serial numbers on the back of the photo.

Photographing finds you want to sell on Ebay.

Auctions with photos sell, and it's not that hard to get decent photos. Plus now that you have the camera, you have to pay for it by selling some of your finds.

These mining tags were photographed for an Ebay auction.

Photographing books, photos and maps for research at the library.

I have done this and it works. I have photographed maps and books and was impressed (surprised) by the results. Plus it's cheaper than 20 cents a copy.

Photo taken of an old topo map.

Photo of a old time group picture taken from a family history.

Coin photos taken with my Canon A20 and G3

You can also photograph you coin collection and other items of value for insurance claims. What better way to prove of ownership than a photo. You also can take photos of the kids and family vacations. Click here for macro coin photos.

Other Benefits of a digital camera include:

No film or film processing fees. See the shot instantly, and know if you have to reshoot. No scanning a shot, the photos are ready to use on your computer.Small size, just the right size to fit into my vest. The digital camera has replaced my disposable camera.

I do not claim to be a photographer or want to be one. I just want decent photos without a lot of hassle..

I have found that I love taking photos. I take pictures of anything. If it does not work out, no problem, just delete it. If your on the fence about buying one, just do it, they are great fun.

One final note: the photos that accompany this article were all taken with my digital camera. Some of the photos have been cropped and compressed so they download quicker. In other words, I sacrificed some image quality for speed. In all cases, the original photo was MUCH better.

I also have been playing around with photo editing.

Click the Morgan Dollar to see some examples:

Thanks for reading.

Home		View Digital Coin Photos
Using a Digital Camera to ID Finds	Digital Coin Photo Edits	Links to my Image Galleries
Get your own Photo Gallery and Sell your Photos:	Battle of Bushy Run Pennsylvania Photo Paintings	Roaring Run Apollo Photos


As you know from my writings, I love to find ways to incorporate the latest technology (or as some say, toys) into my metal detecting and treasure hunting. In my mind this justifies buying that new item if I am going to use it for more than one thing. From that GPS (so I don't forget where a hot site is and finding my way back) to my new mountain bike (if I can get to and from a site faster, that equals more time to hunt), I am always looking for new gadgets.

Which is just what happened this winter when I just had to get a digital camera. My mind was racing with ways that this camera would help me and make things easier. When I started looking I first went to the Internet and looked up information on buying a digital camera. Needless to say I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information. Makes, models, mega pixels,Oh my! If you think buying a metal detector is bad, wait until you walk blindly into BestBuy or Wal-Mart and ask them to show you their digital cameras.

This article is not to help you make a decision on what brand and model digital camera to buy, I want you to experience that for yourself.I do not know your needs or your budget.Also, it is not a "How to Use" you digital camera. Because I am still learning myself. I guess cameras are like everything else, including metal detectors, it takes practice and patience. What I intend is to show you ways to use it with your favorite hobby. Plus if you get some great pictures of the kids, all the better.

In the short time I have had my camera (January 2002) I have come up with these uses for my digital camera and metal detecting. This list is by no means inclusive, there are many, many more. Since that time, I am now on my third digital camera, a Canon 20d.

And now my top reasons for buying a digital camera (as told to my wife):

Photographing site layout and features.
If you do not have a GPS, this may be the difference between locating a site again or not. Plus you need photos for that book you want to write.

Future hunt site photo, no idea what or why this is here.

Photographing and documenting a great find right at the site.
I have always loved those photos in magazines that show that ten dollar gold piece on top of the coil. When I make that kind of find, I will post the photo.

Photographing finds and other items for insurance purposes.
This also could include your detector, tools, truck, car, bike etc. A picture is worth a 1000 words and pictures do not lie. Photograph all items of value and place the photos in a safety box. Mark the date and and other information such as serial numbers on the back of the photo.

Photographing finds you want to sell on Ebay.
Auctions with photos sell, and it's not that hard to get decent photos. Plus now that you have the camera, you have to pay for it by selling some of your finds.

These mining tags were photographed for an Ebay auction.

Photographing books, photos and maps for research at the library.
I have done this and it works. I have photographed maps and books and was impressed (surprised) by the results. Plus it's cheaper than 20 cents a copy.

Photo taken of an old topo map.

Photo of a old time group picture taken from a family history.


Coin photos taken with my Canon A20 and G3

You can also photograph you coin collection and other items of value for insurance claims. What better way to prove of ownership than a photo. You also can take photos of the kids and family vacations. Click here for macro coin photos.

Other Benefits of a digital camera include:
No film or film processing fees. See the shot instantly, and know if you have to reshoot. No scanning a shot, the photos are ready to use on your computer.Small size, just the right size to fit into my vest. The digital camera has replaced my disposable camera.

I do not claim to be a photographer or want to be one. I just want decent photos without a lot of hassle..

I have found that I love taking photos. I take pictures of anything. If it does not work out, no problem, just delete it. If your on the fence about buying one, just do it, they are great fun.

One final note: the photos that accompany this article were all taken with my digital camera. Some of the photos have been cropped and compressed so they download quicker. In other words, I sacrificed some image quality for speed. In all cases, the original photo was MUCH better.
I also have been playing around with photo editing. Click the Morgan Dollar to see some examples:

Thanks for reading.