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Filters

Sometimes, the camera requires certain enhancements to make the image look more realistic or just to add artistic effects.

What is a filter?

Photo filters are circular objects made of glass that come screwed on top of the lens, at the end of the barrel. Depending on the width, they can be normal or slim.

Advantages

The advantages of owning such filters are, first and foremost, that your camera is protected form both UV and scratches (note that a filter is much cheaper to replace than a camera lens). Furthermore, the image is enhanced, resulting in a better quality (circular polarization filters, warm and cool filters). Last but not least, some filter-based effects are unique and cannot be achieved with professional image editing software (circular polarization).

Disadvantages

There are disadvantages to using filters. If, for instance, there is dust on the surface, the image will be affected. What is more, when taking filter-based photos, there is a decrease in light as a result of the filter's application. Thus, exposure correction is required. Last but not least, there are extremely rare cases when the filter is shattered and the shards manage to penetrate the lens, in this way destroying the camera.

Types of filters

Filters come in many categories. The most common used ones are the circular polarisation filters, the warm/cold filters, the neutral density filters and the UV filters. Other, less common categories, are the gradual color filters, special effect filters and the infrared filter.

The Circular Polarization Filter
This filter is mainly used to reflect incoming radiation. The most notable effects are that of the darkening of the sky and the elimination of reflexes on surfaces such as polished wood, metal and glass.

The Warm Filter
The main advantage of this filter is that it warms up the picture, which is especially useful when taking photos of people, their skin tone becoming more natural.

The Cold Filter
The cold filter does exactly the opposite of the warm one: it cools the picture.

The Neutral Density Filter
Especially useful during strong sunlight, this filter increases the exposure time without altering the quality of the image.

The UV Filter
UV filters protect the optical sensor from harmful UV radiation. Use this when traveling to high altitude regions and when photographing the sun.

The Infrared Filter

Doing exactly what its name states, the Infrared Filter allows the camera to see in the Infrared spectrum.

Buying a filter

When buying a filter, the first thing to look for is the diameter of the barrel: the Φ symbol on the rim. The number written on the camera must correspond to the number written on the rim of the filter. If it doesn't, then adaptor rings must be used. Secondly, you should look for the type of fixture that these devices employ.

Sample Images


The Circular Polarization Filter	The Warm Filter	The UV Filter

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