Filters

[Cardiiiii]

I apologise in advance if something along these lines have been posted before.

Does anyone have a link of some sort to pictures to illustrate what each filter does to a shot? For example, a shot taken with a UV filter and the same shot without. Just to see what effect each filter gives to a shot. I've read up and it's easer if I see for myself rather than trying to picture it in my head. It would be great to have a list of the different types of filters available, and shots taken with & without filter.

Thank you.

[OsmosisStudios]

A UV filter should not have any visible difference: thats the point. On film they were used to block UV light but on digital theyre not necessary (the sensor has a UV filter) and are used solely for protection, and it's a hotly debated topic at that.

Most filters are designed not to be seen. A neutral density filter, for insance, is designed to block light to allow for a larger aperture or slower shutter speed. You wont notice it.

[Cardiiiii]

I understand where you're coming from. But what I meant was some filters enhance the blue in the sky, while some make the trees look white (IR filter?). So it would be nice to have some sort of guide as to what each filter might do to your image, and if that is the look you're going for you'll know exactly what filter to use.

[OsmosisStudios]

A circular polarizer will deepen blues and saturate colours. It also reduces/removes glare from non-metallic objects (car paint, windows, etc).

An IR filter doesnt actually make trees look white: it blocks out all light except for IR, which we cant actually see. The camera then records IR light and, since the leaves on trees reflect alot of it, they appear white. IR is a completely different animal and may be VERY difficult on your 550D (the IR filter blocker on the sensor is very strong).

[mseigafuse]

Try this - COKIN Creative System - Filters A/P/Z/X - Graduated Filters

That link is for the Cokin P series filters, but it has the with and without and should give you the idea...

Mike

[AlQ]

Any experience with Crystal Optics filters?...I'm familiar with B&W and Hoya but haven't heard of this brand and recently purchased a 77mm UV filter (retail $60).

thanks!