FILTERS
Following are some of the more popular filters used for digital photography and/or video:
UV Filters
Removes ultraviolet light that the naked eye cannot see and protects
the front element of the lens from dirt, scratches and sticky fingers.
If something hits your lens, it's much cheaper to replace the filter
than to repair the lens so it acts as a protective year between your
lens and the world at large.
Circular Polarizer
Light rays which are reflected by any surface become polarized and Polarizing filters are used to select which light rays enter your camera lens. They allow you to remove unwanted reflections from non-metallic surfaces such as water, glass etc. They also enable colors to become more saturated and appear clearer, with better contrast. This effect is often used to increase the contrast and saturation in blue skies and white clouds. Polarizers do not affect the overall color balance of a shot.
ND Filters
ND filters appear grey and reduce the amount of light reaching the film, they have no affect on color balance but enable slow shutter speeds to be used, especially with fast films, to record movement in subjects such as waterfalls, clouds, cars, seas etc. They decrease depth of field by allowing wider apertures to be used, which helps separate subjects from their background. They decrease the effective ISO of high speed film (ie: above ISO400) and allow it to be used outdoors in bright situations. They allow cine and video cameras (which have fixed shutter speeds) to film subjects such as snow, sand or other bright scenes which would normally cause over-exposure. ND 8 reduces the light by almost 3 stops. ISO Film Speed Decrease - 1/8 ISO100.
Grad ND.6
Part clear, part neutral density, with a smoothly graded transition between
for balancing sky to foreground.
ND 9
Neutral Density filter that restricts
light entering the lens by 3 stops without
effecting the colour. Eliminates overly bright, washed out images
and provides balanced exposures and depth-of-field control.
Pro Mist
Black Pro Mist 1/2
Highlight flares are controlled. Contrast is lowered,
but with less lightening of shadows for a more delicate effect. Creates
a soft light "pastel" effect. Delicate effect with contained highlight
flare.
Pro-Mist 1/2
Creates a special "atmosphere" by softening excess sharpness and
contrast. It generates a pearlescent halo around highlights. Lighter
grades are useful in toning down the excessive sharpness and contrast of contemporary
film and lens combinations. Great for portraits and scenics. Maintains
focus. Often used to mute colors for exquisite pastel tones.
COLORS
Sunset Grad 2
This filter will provide a multi layered sunset effect with a red sky blending
down into orange and then yellow, with the bottom of the filter clear. Dramatic
sunset effects can be created even using the lightest version of the filter.
812 Warming Filter
Color warming filter that improves color of all skintones; absorbs blue cast
often caused by electronic flash or outdoor shade. Adds warmth to pale, washed-out
flesh tones.