Some scanners work great too and they are fast for non-aspiring coin photographers
A scanner has the resolution to be very useful for, essentially, documenting a coin. It is fast, too. A very long time ago, I used a scanner to inventory my collection.
The scanner's lighting, though, is not flattering to some coins' appearance and may not capture all its details — especially modern Chinese coins with reflective surfaces and/or low relief. It's kind of like the difference between a portrait and a mug shot; each has its place. It is my belief, based on looking at a whole lot of coin auctions every month, that better quality photos are often associated with higher prices. That is just one incentive for putting in the effort needed to learn how to photograph coins well.
Best wishes,
Peter Anthony
NGC Consultant
China Pricepedia — Chinese Coin Prices and More
The Gold & Silver Panda Coin Buyer’s Guide 3
www.pandacollector.com