scanning 3D objects

tiny posted this at 02:08 — 2nd February 2001.

Joined: Jul 1999

I sell knives ~ pocket knives, Swiss Army, hunting knives... you get the picture.
I normally get my images from the manufacturers (Case, SOG, Gerber, Remington, etc.)

But there are times when I get the knife before the manufacturer can provide me with an image. Or I get an item that has been discontinued so there are no longer images readily available.

Also, my husband sells collectible knives on his site. ALL of these knives require scanning to get the image on his site.

Now... what I'm having trouble with is finding the right combination of lighting, background, resolution, software, etc. to get a good image of a knife (blade open).

Here is one of the best I've been able to turn out, but I'm still not happy with it.
http://home.swbell.net/accaw/case/_5254-leather.jpg

I believe the blades should be lighter.

I've bought a new scanner, but before I open it, I'd like someone else's opinion as to whether or not this will even help.
I mean maybe I just need that little "trick" someone else has mastered that won't seem to come to me.

I do have a digital camera, but I believe it's not my best solution (it's old and cheap).

Help me if you can ~ I will gladly give you a discount off anything on my site if you can help me get this resolved.
I have a good 50 knives (at least) that need to be scanned and added to my husband's site.
http://home.swbell.net/accaw/wknives.html

thanks!!
Carole

Military & Combat Knives. Hunting & Fishing Knives. Pocket Knives.
Kitchen Cutlery. Sharpeners.
Enter our Monthly Drawing!!

NSS posted this at 03:44 — 2nd February 2001.

They have: 488 posts

Joined: Feb 2000

Hi Carole,

If I am looking for knives, this is what would attract my attention:

1) Durability and quality.
2) Special features and example of it's uses.
3) Sample snapshots at different angles of a particular model.
4) Some written article about how it was manufactured and material used, workmanship, etc.

Just my views,

Regards,
NSS

Adam Oberdorfer posted this at 03:45 — 2nd February 2001.

They have: 383 posts

Joined: Sep 2000

Your scanner quality is probably not to blame. As long as your scanner is capable of 300 DPI or higher resolution you should not have a problem (most scanners can go up to around 700-1200 DPI without a problem). I would not suggest a digital camera unless you're willing to spend some money. A standard camera and a color scanner generally will perform better then most cheap digital cameras.

- Try taking your photographs on a lighter background with indirect light so that there are fewer shadows. Outdoors is usually best with a standard camera.

- If your scans don't turn out great try purchasing your photographs on a CD. Most drug store photo processors have the option to include your photographs on a CD-ROM or floppy disk.

- When scanning select a high resolution and use the auto contrast features (if available). Your scan looks like it's using a fairly low resolution and the contrast is fairly dark.

- What software program are you using to compress for the web? Most scanners come with a fairly decent basic graphics program (Adobe PhotoDelux, Corel PhotoHouse, etc are common) however they usually do not have great web ready compression features. You may want to look into Ulead SmartSaver Pro (unless you have PhotoShop).