Camera filters

Camera filters are transparent optical elements normally made from glass that alter the properties of light entering the camera lens for the purpose of improving the image being recorded.  Filters can affect contrast, sharpness, colour, and light intensity.

I sometimes use different filters on my camera, the 3 filters that I use the most are the UV, Polarizer and the  Neutral Density. See below for a description of all 3

Ultra Violet

UV filters are intended to reduce Uv rays entering the camera lens and remove the blue cast in photographs taken at high altitudes. Also used to cut out haze and give better clarity.This UV  filter can also be used to protect a camera's lens from physical damage.

Neutral Density

Neutral Density (ND) filters are sunglasses for your camera. They reduce the amount of light coming in without changing the colour in your phtos. ND filters are used when shooting in bright light to allow for a larger aperture and a smaller depth of field. With a smaller DOF, you can make the background less distracting by letting it blur.

ND filters come in many strengths each letting in more light as the filter size increases

Polarizers   (error with blog cannot change to lower case)

Polarizers are used to deepen blue skies in outdoor photographs. They also do a great job of reducing reflections when shooting through glass or water at an angle.

There are two kind of Polarizers, Linear and Circular. Circular polarizers are needed with cameras that have phase-based autofocus systems (many 35mm SLRs do). All other cameras will work fine with a Linear Polarizer. The effect is the same with each type of filter.