Photography results on the computer

[lucky2]

I do not like the results I am getting. What I want is a photo as clear and sharp as the ones seen on Coppercoins. What I want is the same thing only full screen. Is it my Camera,Sony-mvc FD 71 with 10 power zoom? Is it the Two 5600 Kelvin lights on the camera stand? Is it my computer monitor or video card or the whole old darn computer? This computer seems to run best for me at 16 bit 800x600 resolution. depth of field and contrast seem to be the biggest problems. Accurate color is running second. Yes I could fix all of this with $10,000.00 but you see what I have to work with. Can I get where I want to go with what I currently have?
Thanks
lucky2

[coppercoins]

First thing, don't use the zoom, get a microscope. The zoom will never give you the results you could get by using a separate magnification apparatus. The lights need to be very soft light, something that floods the coin - not spot lights. If you have trouble with this, try using a cut from a plastic milk jug between the light and the coin for diffusion.

As for the camera and the computer, I see no real problems other than that your camera will not give you the pixel resolution you need for really good photos. You need something that's at least 2 megapixel, and I think the 71 is a signle megapixel maximum....but that being said, the single megapixel will give at least decent results if your lighting is any good at all....that's the most important key in all of this, the lighting.