How to Use Filters with Your DSLR Camera

DSLR cameras have a single lens that frames, focuses and captures the picture. The reflex part of the name describes the action of a rotating internal mirror that reflects the image to an optical viewfinder. Then, the mirror flips when you snap the picture, allowing light to hit the imaging sensor.

Like all digital cameras, DSLR cameras have a sensor loaded with miniature photosites (little silicone receptors) which convert light into an electronic signal. These sensors can create still photos and video from the image (the light) that enters your camera’s aperture. DSLR cameras store the images on a memory card. Many cameras also feature connectivity that allows a quick transfer of your photos to a computer or tablet. 

Mirrorless digital camera technology has grown, but DSLR cameras have the head start on accessories like lenses and filters. The superior battery life of DSLRs makes them particularly attractive for photographing outdoors, where filters can help produce striking visuals.

Made from high-quality plastic or a thin sheet of glass, these handy camera accessories attach to a camera’s lens. By blocking, or filtering, different elements of ambient light, the often round lens filters produce both subtle and dramatic effects on the images you capture. Mount the filters into place and start snapping incredible pictures.

Square and rectangular ― even some round ― filters require an attachment affixed to the camera lens. Drop-in filters use a special holder placed between the camera and a larger lens, like a telephoto lens. More important than their composition and configuration, a filter’s capabilities make it a must-have tool in your imaging toolkit.

By modulating the light captured by your camera, filters transform the resulting picture. The effects of your filter will be seen more clearly when you make a hard copy on your photo printer.

The best DSLR camera filters include:

• Protective filters, including ultraviolet (UV) and skylight filters
• Polarizing filters, including circular polarizer/linear (CPL) filters
• Neutral density (ND) filters
• Color correcting filters
• Effects filters

You can arrive at unique results by using each type. Details of the different filters include:

Do you need a polarizing filter for a DSLR camera? Again, no. But these filters block polarized light, eliminating the glare from reflections. Even the best photo editing software can’t duplicate the effect of polarizing filters. These filters also saturate colors ― especially the blue of a clear sky.

What is a CPL filter for a DSLR camera? A circular polarizing lens (CPL) filter affects two kinds of reflected light, linear and circular. These filters cut down on glare from multiple surfaces, including bodies of water. Your photographs of lakes, rivers and pools can capture what’s beneath the water as opposed to glaring surface ripples.

These affect light for a portion of the filter. The color correction or neutral density effect gradually ― and sometimes quickly ― disappears from one side of the filter to the other. These unique filters allow for striking images, particularly when there is a horizon in the composition. You’ll be able to beautifully depict sunrises and sunsets by toning down the light intensity above the horizon.

Furthermore, the addition of a filter complements photography involving outdoor living. Whether it's the blue cast from a bright summer day or the awe-inspiring visuals of a setting sun, the natural world takes on greater depth and dimension when captured through a DSLR camera's filter.

Professional photographers use filters while shooting in the studio, and so can you. Fortunately, you don’t need to build or rent a studio to benefit from filters for your DSLR camera. Polarizing, color correcting and neutral density filters can sharpen and enhance indoor photography.

While you could try and create an optimal ambiance for dazzling visuals with smart lighting, those adjustments don’t always translate to your pictures. Filters, particularly color-correction filters, can help the ambient smart lighting look as good in your pics as it does in your home. Neutral density filters can cut down on harsh indoor lighting without sacrificing color or clarity.

Now that you know more about the various camera lens filters and what each type does, you can be better prepared for a shopping trip. Enjoy browsing the filter options that match your needs. Be sure to check out camera bags and lens cases that have enough room to store and protect your accessories. Then set time aside for photo sessions and start taking stunning pictures with your new camera gear.