For the purpose of coin photography and nothing else (most of us use our cameras for other things, too), I see no difference between any model Canon DSLR. I own the original model Digital Rebel and a slight upgrade model 30D. The difference in image
quality between the two requires a print over 8x12. I generally shoot coins with the old Digital Rebel (300D) and reduce the combined
obverse and
reverse to 1140x760 pixels which is less than one megapixel but makes acceptable 4x6" prints and projects well. It also makes as large an image on my monitor as I require. What you see here is only 800x533 and was automatically
reduced by
Forvm software. The only slightly larger version is available:
http://www.pbase.com/dougsmit/image/116392215
Coins only have a certain amount of detail. My low end technique
still results in being able to see things magnified like the
reverse scratches on my sample below. I suppose if you have nicer coins than I do or plan on making 20x30 prints, you might want an upgrade but for most of us, any DSLR will do.
The lens is a slightly different matter. I prefer using a longer focal length so you can get some distance between the lens and the coin to allow freedom in arranging lighting. The above sample is the Canon 100mm macro lens. It is a
bit overkill for the purpose but it is definitely a
sharp lens. Any lens over 100mm that can be used with extension tubes to fill the frame with a coin should do well enough. Canon makes a 55-250 zoom that is not expensive and should do nicely but I do not have it. I have used several older lenses including some from the pre digital era. The
Probus shot below was made with a $500+ Canon 'L' series lens while the Septimius used an old Yashica lens I happened to have (probably worth ~$50 used today?). Both are crops from shots that included the whole coin so the sharpness you get here is what you might see on a 16x20 image (or so). Both required extension tubes to focus close enough. Can you see the difference? I can. Is it worth the difference? Your call.
You asked for suggestions: Any DSLR with a 100mm or longer lens capable of close focus (a macro or using accessory extension tubes). Spend
money on a decent tripod and put thought into lighting. These make more difference than the camera model. Jeremy's XSi is a
fine choice! It is better than what made these photos but you will not see the difference for 99.9% of common uses.
I have many more suggestions on the page below and the several older pages that link to it.
http://dougsmith.ancients.info/ph2008.html
