Video:Camera: Lens Filter Overview

Transcript:Camera: Lens Filter Overview

Hi I'm Chris Davis for About.com.  Although many of the effects that are achieved by a camera lens filter can be created in programs such as Photoshop they still have many uses in digital photography.

What is a Lens Filter?

Using a camera lens filter is essentially the process of adding an additional piece of glass between your subject and the camera lens.  There are two types of filters, screw on and mounted.  Screw on filters usually range in size from about 46 to 82 mm for digital SLR cameras and can be screwed onto the end of your lens. You should be able to determine the size you need by looking at the front of your camera lens, at the top. The diameter will be printed in millimeters.     

Types of Lens Filters

There are a variety of filter types available, however, some common filters for digital photography are:

• UV
• circular polarizer
• neutral density
• warming/cooling

These filters help to reduce glare, improve saturation, or provide additional protection for your lens.

UV Lens Filters

At the very least you should use a UV filters.  They are great for protecting the end of your camera lens.  With film cameras UV filters reduced haze, however, DSLR's aren't as sensitive to UV Light.  They are clear and do not directly affect the image.  which makes them useful for protecting your investment.

Circular Polorizing Filters

Circular Polarizer filters are often used for landscape photography. Much like a pair sunglasses, They reduce the amount of reflected light that passes to your camera's sensor.  Polarizers will make skies appear more blue, will help with glare and reflection on water and other surfaces, as well as reduce the contrast between the sky and land.

Neutral Density Lens Filters

A Neutral Density filters also reduces the amount of light reaching the camera's sensor.  However, it does it equally throughout the image.  This allows you to create longer exposure times beyond the apertures capabilities.  ND filters are useful for smoothing water movement as well as creating blur to show motion with moving subjects

Cooling and Warming Lens Filters

Cooling or warming filters change the white balance of light.  These filters are often used for effect.  You can change an unrealistic color tone, or add one, such as
adding warmth to a cloudy day to give the feel of sun.

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