I did spend some time, but nothing is perfect. (especially not me)

One image is a scan with a HP5p scanner. Old Old scanner. Another is a Sony Mavica 7, 1 MP (640 x 480), but the camera has macro. The other is a Kodak EasyShare 2 mp camera, close-up, no macro.

Which one do you like best?

Answer:
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Crummy old scanner on left. Camera (lower than most you can buy now) but Macro autofocus, in center. Highest quality of the three, 2 MP camera. On right.

But the web can't use all that quality, the image had to be reduced in size or it would have been two screens wide and three high. Resizing reduces the quality.

My pic goes with the old SCSI scanner. Second with the camera that has Macro Focusing. Last with the one best for pictures, up to 5 x 7 prints, but not the best for chips.

you mileage may vary

Lighting does make a big difference in camera pictures. If you decide you MUST use a camera, I'd be happy to post some tips, with images and how to make better chip images with cameras. And I am talking, budget methods, not special and expensive equipment.

It would be fun, if anyone cares. If not, I won't take the hours to prepare some examples.