It depends on your needs. Scanners provide great results at an attractive price compared to digital cameras. However, scanners have limitations when used for casino chips. Not all scanners provide good results for some colors commonly used on casino chips, orange for example. Scanners are designed for use on 2 dimensional objects, paper, but casino chips have 3 dimensions also having an edge. The edge creates shadows on the scanned image making cropping more difficult.

I haven't tried it, but I am sure that you can get the best results with a digital camera, but it would be expensive. You need to make sure that the casino chip is center positioned and angled square to the camera lens. You would need a close up macro lens to reduce distortion. You would need even lighting across the casino chip so that it is evenly illuminated and not cast any shadows. You would need a remote shutter release so that the camera does not move when taking the picture. So if you want the best and money is no object, a camera is your choice. Otherwise, go with a good scanner. I use the Epson Photo 4490 which provides great results. I use that scanner for the chips on the Caribbean ChipGuide.