3. Selection of a camera is probably the least important of the three factors. I use a digital Single Lens Reflex (several brands are available) but decent coin images can be made with more simple point and shoot cameras. Camera supports are at least as important and available in a wide variety of styles to fit various cameras. Copy stands and tripods are sold commercially for the purpose but it is quite possible to fashion something out of scrap lumber that is every bit as secure and costs next to nothing. What is important is that whatever you chose holds the camera securely in place so there is no vibration that will ruin the sharpness of the photos. What you chose will depend on your camera and whether you want to spend time or money on the project. This image shows a number of different rigs I have fashioned mostly to prove that it is not the equipment that makes the photograph but how that equipment is used. In most of these you will see I prefer to hold the coin above the background so the texture and dirt on that surface will be out of focus and more easily removed in postprocessing. This obviously is not necessary if you do not mind the texture of the background showing in the final image.