Camera ppl: Filter vs. Polarizing Filter?

[imported_Mike]

Want to get a filter for my digi cam, A regular filter costs me $30(retail) while the polarizing costs $70(retail). Is the polarizing worth the $40 difference?

 

[Beau]

Depends on what type of shoots you use for it.

What kind of filter is $30? UV? Softening? Tinting? etc...

Get the polarizing if you do a lot of outside shots in bright conditions with many reflective surfaces (ie, water or metal). It helps control what directions light get's picked up on and eliminates lens flares.

 

[Viper GTS]

What do you mean by a "filter" it should have some purpose, you don't add additional glass for sh!ts & giggles.

I have a polarizing filter that I use on my S414, I like what it does for outdoor shots (like wearing polarizing glasses).

Is one a UV filter?

Viper GTS

 

[imported_Mike]

Yes, the "reg" filter is the UV filter. Can I assume the polarizing filter filters UV & helps against reflective surfaces?

 

[Beau]

Originally posted by: CheapArse
Yes, the "reg" filter is the UV filter. Can I assume the polarizing filter filters UV & helps against reflective surfaces?

I don't think a polarizing filter does anything for UV, though I could be wrong. Also, if you're using a digital camera, it's been my experience that the UV does nothing since UV only effect film (again I could be wrong.. .just my experience).

 

[FeathersMcGraw]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
What do you mean by a "filter" it should have some purpose, you don't add additional glass for sh!ts & giggles.

Most of the amateur photographers I know use a UV filter as a simple lens protector. Optically, it's pretty unintrusive.

 

[imported_Mike]

ok, the $30 filter is a "neutral density filter", and the polarizing filter talks about reflective surfaces which has been brought up already. But it turns out its only 37mm & I would have to get the 52mm adapter just to fit it on. ~$100 total....1/4 of the cost of the camera.

 

[Beau]

Originally posted by: CheapArse
ok, the $30 filter is a "neutral density filter", and the polarizing filter talks about reflective surfaces which has been brought up already. But it turns out its only 37mm & I would have to get the 52mm adapter just to fit it on. ~$100 total....1/4 of the cost of the camera.

Neutral density filters help to regulate the spot metering of your camera for shots with great varience in lighting (like bright skys and shadows).

Example : http://www.aaacamera.com/neutral_density_filter.html

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: FeathersMcGraw

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
What do you mean by a "filter" it should have some purpose, you don't add additional glass for sh!ts & giggles.

Most of the amateur photographers I know use a UV filter as a simple lens protector. Optically, it's pretty unintrusive.

I have a UV filter on my S414 for that very reason, but it's a UV filter... Not just a "filter."

Minor, but to answer the question we needed to know what the alternative was.

Viper GTS

 

[imported_Mike]

Originally posted by: Beau

Originally posted by: CheapArse
ok, the $30 filter is a "neutral density filter", and the polarizing filter talks about reflective surfaces which has been brought up already. But it turns out its only 37mm & I would have to get the 52mm adapter just to fit it on. ~$100 total....1/4 of the cost of the camera.

Neutral density filters help to regulate the spot metering of your camera for shots with great varience in lighting (like bright skys and shadows).

Example : http://www.aaacamera.com/neutral_density_filter.html

ah, ok....I need an AIW filter 😛 So bust out the neutral density for bright/dark outdoors. Polarize for reflective surfaces.

 

[Beau]

Originally posted by: CheapArse

Originally posted by: Beau

Originally posted by: CheapArse
ok, the $30 filter is a "neutral density filter", and the polarizing filter talks about reflective surfaces which has been brought up already. But it turns out its only 37mm & I would have to get the 52mm adapter just to fit it on. ~$100 total....1/4 of the cost of the camera.

Neutral density filters help to regulate the spot metering of your camera for shots with great varience in lighting (like bright skys and shadows).

Example : http://www.aaacamera.com/neutral_density_filter.html

ah, ok....I need an AIW filter 😛 So bust out the neutral density for bright/dark outdoors. Polarize for reflective surfaces.

Yup.

Another cool filter is a enhancing filter. Basically enhances the contrast in colors to provide a more dramatic picture.

http://www.aaacamera.com/enhancing_filter.html


Also, have you ever used a polarizing filter before?

 

[imported_Mike]

Originally posted by: Beau

Originally posted by: CheapArse

Originally posted by: Beau

Originally posted by: CheapArse
ok, the $30 filter is a "neutral density filter", and the polarizing filter talks about reflective surfaces which has been brought up already. But it turns out its only 37mm & I would have to get the 52mm adapter just to fit it on. ~$100 total....1/4 of the cost of the camera.

Neutral density filters help to regulate the spot metering of your camera for shots with great varience in lighting (like bright skys and shadows).

Example : http://www.aaacamera.com/neutral_density_filter.html

ah, ok....I need an AIW filter 😛 So bust out the neutral density for bright/dark outdoors. Polarize for reflective surfaces.

Yup.

Another cool filter is a enhancing filter. Basically enhances the contrast in colors to provide a more dramatic picture.

http://www.aaacamera.com/enhancing_filter.html


Also, have you ever used a polarizing filter before?

Ive never used any filters before. The 2 that I mention are the only 2 sony makes for my camera. Is there a good quality off-brand that has more filters to choose from?

 

[przero]

Tiffen on the lower end.

B+W and Heliopan on the upper end.

ND filter simply cut the amonut of light reaching the film/CCD.
A polarizing filter also cuts the light (about 2 stops) but it affects the way the light is refracted in order to cut glare.

I find it harder to use a polarizer on a Digi-cam unless you have a TTL viewfinder. (you rotate a Polarizing filter to adjust its use.)

 

[przero]

Oh, and be careful of viginetting when using adapter rings on a digi-cam.