Newbie question about filters

[Philip_38]

I have a consumer panasonic 3CCD and use it only to shoot indoor speeches. Do I have to use any filters? I do 4:3 and use a wide angle adapter, but no filter so far. I am getting my HVX next week, do I need to use filters with it?

 

[J.R. Hudson]

I would say:

doubtful

I see no reason for filters; unless you want some cool star effects on the lights

 

[Jeremy Ordan]

This is a conversation I have had with Barry. Ultimately there are two schools of thought regarding filters... do you prefer to do work in post or in camera. Personally I like my video footage pretty raw so I can work with it in post. Then again, with photography I like my footage pretty close to perfect out of camera so my post work can be minimized... There are certain things that cannot be replicated in post anyway.

That being said...

Polarizers are excellent for reducing reflective glare, adding contrast, and allowing you to shoot the sky. Furthermore, I always have a UV filter on the front. A $12 filter or a $1200 lens, you be the judge.

I have a thread in the still photography section regarding black and white and the drastic effect filter can offer than photoshop or post production techniques cannot.

I like colored filters, especially orange for anything that will become black and white. With a simple gradient filter this has an amazing result.

Play with filters, it will help you understand light and camera to an extent that post production training cannot.