Of the 2 types of digital camera's the smaller lens type on the left are much easier to use than the larger ones.
Rule #1 - Use normal auto focus.
Never use macro focus.
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Ideal-light method
This is the easiest using an Ideal-light; sit the diamond in the hole and simply put the camera on top and take the photo. If you have a pink background, then adjust the white balance in your camera menu. The ideal-scope sits nicely atop the lens of most compacts because they have a smaller lens.
Zoom in about 3X or 4X. Do not use macro – use the ordinary focus setting.
For professional results, use this system
White Balance Control
Change the White Balance to “Tungsten” (consult your camera manual for more details) and take the pictures.
Upside down method
If you do not have an ideal-light you can place a small piece of clear plastic, glass or cling wrap over the top of the ideal-scope and place the stone in the centre. Use ambient light, or hold a sheet of copy paper over the top to diffuse the light. The disadvantage is you cant see what is happening.
The simplest method is to use an Ideal-light and simply rest the camera on top of the ideal-scope.
If you do not have an ideal-light then you can use the ‘upside down' method described above. But because the lens is usually larger the scope might not sit in place – so you may have to gently stick it on with some re-usable adhesive (3M Sticky Tac or Blu Tack, see photo below). Place a small piece of clear plastic, glass or cling wrap over the top of the ideal-scope and put the stone in the centre. Use ambient light, or hold a sheet of copy paper over the top to diffuse the light. If you have a flip out LCD screen use it, and you may choose to use manual focus.
You can hold a ring or ear rings with tweezers and balance them on the Ideal-light, pendants and brooches can just sit on it. Be sure the camera's white balance is set to “Tungsten”. Stick the scope to the camera's lens with re-usable adhesive, or hold the lens and camera together. Try to get plenty of light coming from behind the diamonds.
Note: the beginner works well, but the expert model has more magnification and sharper features.
You get better definition, depth of field and picture quality with strong batteries in the Ideal Light.
In upside down non Ideal Light usage unwanted light from windows or other sources can cause blown out highlights. Closing the blinds or turning off the unwanted light source such as table lamps can solve the problem. But you still some diffused lighting to take the pictures. You can hold a sheet of copy paper above the stone and block direct light sources. A complete high speed professional photographic system, including auto cropping software and realistic diamond photo's, go to http://www.ideal-scope.com/3.manuf_rapid_photo_system.asp
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