Aloha Ricky -
I think that a light tent - even the rudimentary one that I have on my kitchen counter - can make a big difference.

Recently, I've been taking a lot of pictures with my iPhone 4S. An inexpensive tripod can make a big difference.

I use a Sony NEX point and shoot camera that allows manual settings too.

I used the Sony camera and a 60mm Leica Macro-Elmarit lens and polarizing filter for the picture of the BP 5004-02. I'm sure that the picture would have looked about the same if I used the stock Sony lens but I like to experiment with old 35mm lenses (Nikon, Leica, Canon, Minolta, and Zeiss from the second-hand store) just for fun.
Hope that helps!
-Tracy

Taken with iPhone 4S