A filter is a camera accessory consisting of an optical filter that can be inserted in the optical path. Filters allow the photographer to have more control of the images being produced. Sometimes they are used to make only subtle changes to images; other times the image would simply not be possible without them.
Ultraviolet (UV) Filter
UV filters are used to reduce the level of ultraviolet light that strikes the camera. A typical UV filter in photography is transparent to visible light while filtering out higher ultraviolet wavelengths. UV filter helps protect your cameras from dust, moisture and scratches, common measure due to their low cost and lack of effect on the exposure of the shot.
Circular Polarizing Filter
A polarizing filter is used to filter out light polarized perpendicularly to the axis of the filter. It will dramatically deepens blue skies, reduces unwanted reflections on nonmetallic surfaces and saturates colors, especially outdoors. Circular polarizers are specifically designed for use with auto-focus cameras, but they will also work on manual systems without problems. The filter can be rotated to achieve the desired effect.
Neutral Density Filter
A Neutral Density Filter is one designed to block out a substantial amount of light. This enables the photographer to slow down his shutter speed and/or shoot at a faster F-stop. ND filters appear gray and reduce the amount of light reaching the film or sensor. They have no effect on color balance. Most photographers will use what is called an N2, N4, or N8 filter to smooth out waterfalls, rivers, oceans:
- ND2 has an F-Stop Reduction of 1 or 50% of the light gets through
- ND4 has an F-Stop Reduction of 2 or 25% of the light gets through
- ND8 has an F-Stop Reduction of 3 or 12.5% of the light gets through
One example suitable for use on the S90 and S95 is the 37mm digital filter by Hoya. Others include UV filter and circular polarizer by Kenko.
It’s important to remember that filters are designed to fit your lens diameter. For the S95, this is equivalent to 37mm and I've came across an adapter kit introduced by Lensmate, which is essential when adding filters to your S95 without a bulky tripod mounted adapter.
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