What difference do filters make on SLR cameras?

Question

I have a canon EOS 350D which i am still learning how to use properly. I just want to know the importance of different filters (macro, UV etc) and what difference do they make?

Answer 1

Macro filter? You must be talking about +1, +2, +3 diopter closeup filters, which are garbage. Use a macro lens or extension tubes for macros, the quality is much much better.

UV filters are good for landscape and scenic photos if you want the haze to be reduced. Without one the photo will usually show more haze than you see with your eye due to the different sensitivity of the sensor vs your eye.

Colored filters such as the orange ones you see on lots of sunsets shot with digital cameras, graduated neutral density filters, cross screen filters, soft focus filters, etc. are creative accessories which can help you get a photo like you visualize it rather than like the scene is. Play with them and use the ones you like. Just don't get dependent on any one filter or even on filters as a routine.

When using any colored filter it is best to shoot in RAW mode if your camera has it so that the camera settings such as white balance aren't actually written into the photo pixlels.

Answer 2

Using filters on digital cameras are the same if using them with film because it is still light entering the lens.

UV filters do not really help to much but are good for protecting the front glass on your lens. It is better to toss a $25 UV filter out than to throw out a $500 lens because it got scratched.

One of the best filters for digital is a ND (Neutral Density) and the soft graduated ones are the best for landscape work. I use the square resin types and I hand hold them in front of my lens and adjust them to where I need it.

You can find them here if you are looking for filters.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com

As for more information about filters here are a few links.

http://dpfwiw.com/filters.htm
http://www.thedigitalstory.com/roundups/photography-tips/

Hope this helps,
Kevin

Answer 3

Your book should help with this, but a UV filter filters out UV rays, an orange filter filters out the orange colors, etc. What happens when certain parts of the light spectrum are filtered out is the opposite color of the spectrum are intensified. You will understand this a lot better when you have shot a few rolls of film and see the results.

Answer 4

It depends on his photography level. DSLR are more advanced. The lenses can be changed, you can focus manually, and a few other things. It's really great for the amatuer photographer or the professional photographer (more wedding photographers are going digital). It's a great investment if he is really into photography. regular digital cameras are great for those not so camera savvy. Most are point and shoot but offer a few advanced options (but very simplified). There are usually limited buttons and functions. Again, it's a better choice if he's not camera savvy.

Answer 5

You are talking about using filters on DIGITAL camera. Digital cameras have AUTO white balance that will often UNDO any color filters you attach. You have to switch out of auto white balance and switch into manual white balance so it doesn't "adjust" for color cast.