Recommendations for Camera Filters

[Jon Person]

I have to do a ton of post-processing on photos with the current camera I have. Some stuff like removing digital camera noise can't be avoided, sure. But other problems such as backlightning and washed-out color are in every picture I take. What are some good filters, or perhaps even equipment models, that can make outdoor photography more vivid?

 

[Laura Hedien]

Not sure of your question. With the link you provided, it doesn't look as if you can add filters to your current camera model.
Are you asking opinions on a different camera to buy or filters for your software program?
Be sure to mention how much you can spend on a camera body/lenses if that's the way you are looking to go.
I don't know much about software. I might add brightness but I hate processing in what Mother Nature didn't provide. Doesn't seem natural.
Laura

 

[Jon Person]

...it doesn't look as if you can add filters to your current camera model...

Hi Laura, yes it could be I don't even have the right kind of camera yet. It seems to me that the kind of filter that preserves vividness of color is what I need to learn about.

 

[Jason Foster]

Goes for everybody

Regardless of your camera, every chaser should have at least these two filters:

UV filter
Polarizer.

Both help to eliminate glare, and the polarizer is great for taking shots that face the sun, or there are high levels of reflection.

If you do any Black and White, there are a ton of other filters to use.

If your not sure, I recommend stopping by the book store and buying a basic level how-to photography book. I know there are a few for landscape and nature photography.

And yes, replacing your camera with something that you can control shutter and aperture settings is a must. Point and shots are good for logs and quick point of reference photos only. I prefer the SLR route.

 

[Laura Hedien]

There are so many cameras made today for all the different photography uses. Many of the point and shoot cameras for good for "day to day" type photographs. Pictures of the kids, etc.
Weather photography stretches the bounds of the wide angle and zoom worlds. It is really hard (not impossible) to get the photos some chasers get without spending some $ for the right equipment.
Does that make sense?
There are many prior posts about the topics of cameras and budgets.
Good luck and hope that sort of helps.
Laura

 

[Brett Roberts]

From all I've read, it's best to avoid filters where possible, as they can easily degrade image quality if not made to the highest standards; many professional photographers seem to agree on this. The only filter whose effect cannot be fairly easily replicated in post-processing is a polarizer, so it's nice to have one of those - but it's best to go with a high-quality brand like Hoya, Heliopan or B+W. In my opinion, UV filters are overrated and should only be used as a last resort in situations where you really need to protect the front element of your lens from harsh conditions (i.e., in a dust storm, seaspray, or even in torrential rain). Otherwise, they only serve to slightly reduce contrast in your images... I've never seen evidence that they're effective at "seeing through" haze and the like.

 

[Gene Moore]

I have to do a ton of post-processing on photos with the current camera I have. Some stuff like removing digital camera noise can't be avoided, sure. But other problems such as backlightning and washed-out color are in every picture I take. What are some good filters, or perhaps even equipment models, that can make outdoor photography more vivid?

I'll agree with other posters that it doesn't look like your camera is designed for filters, but it's difficult to see if there are threads on the lens. If not, there is nothing you can do.

What's scary about your statement is "washed-out colors," that's a bad thing and may reflect on the quality of your camera. Generally Olympus makes good quality equipment through, I used a friend's small 5 MPix Olympus for holiday shots and was impressed with both color and sharpness.

You mention back lighting , that alone can be responsible for washing out a shot. So it might be your technique with this particular piece of equipment. Some cameras just don't like being pointed at a bright light source, much less the sun. For chasing most people tend to go to the SLR type digital camera with interchangeable lenses.

 

[Ryan McGinnis]

Personally, I find UV filters to be worse than useless. They don't change image quality and they add a pane of glass between you and your image. What they're good for is keeping your fron element from getting all smashed up if you drop it or have some kid throw a rock at you or something. I stopped using UV filters about a year ago to see if it would make a difference -- so far, no scratches or nicks on the front element, so I think it'll be okay. They're insured anyway.

 

[Jon Person]

I'll agree with other posters that it doesn't look like your camera is designed for filters... what's scary about your statement is "washed-out colors," that's a bad thing

The Stylus 710 does a great job with indoor photos, so I agree Olympus makes a good camera. It seems that outdoor vivid pictures take a lot more work to achieve, and point-and-shoot might be out of the question. Since I'll probably be scrambling enough just to set up a tripod, any less settings I have to fiddle with is precious.

...It is really hard (not impossible) to get the photos some chasers get without spending some $ for the right equipment...make sense?

Good point, Laura. It sounds like I'll need to make a much deeper investment in camera equipment to capture storm images. I'll have a search on the forum and see what people recommend.

...In my opinion, UV filters are overrated and should only be used as a last resort in situations where you really need to protect the front element of your lens from harsh conditions...

My old video camera didn't seem to do much with UV filters, either, that's interesting. If I remember right a polarizing filter did help reduce some glare. I should probably get a filter with a big spring on the front for the next time the tripod gets blown over