LParis Loc: Victoria, BC Canada

hoping this is an easy question to answer. Does my Canon Powershot SX50HS have a built in UV filter? I was reading through an article and it mentioned that most newer cameras have UV filters built in. It also said that using a UV filter could interfere with photo quality in an SLR camera (but this camera is a DSLR, right?) I hadn't noticed a difference in photo quality since putting the filter on - and like the added layer of protection for my lens.

Also does anyone recommend the use of Polarizing filters - is this something I can just leave on all the time? Again, looking through my viewfinder (well the lcd panel), I don't see much difference in what I'm looking at.

and yes, I'm pretty much a novice with this camera. I have it set on P mode with settings suggested by a forum member and have been satisfied with most of my photos (but not my sunsets). I was given a set of filters that fit my camera but don't know if I should use them.

thanks for any POVs.

mwalsh Loc: Houston

Do some basic google work. Lots of answers.

LParis Loc: Victoria, BC Canada

unfortunately too much info and no answers specific to my questions so far - that's why I put the questions on this forum.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

You need to be shooting at 90 degrees to the sun for a polariser to be apparent less at 45 degree. Not advised to use all the time as it reduces the light by about 1 fstop. use to enhance colour in bright sunshine,reduce glare on water and to bring out contrast in clouds. Graduated filters and n grad filters (one has a gradient of grey and the other is usually all grey) are used to block uneven sunlight or to slow shutter speed for silky water,star trails, etc some recommend a red filter to enhance shots that you want to pp as black and white and yellow to enhance sunsets. On P your camera will adjust shutter speed when you add a fiter so you will have to use A or S or M if you want to slow water by using a filter. Remember that your camera has presets for things like fireworks (scene selection) and using a filter with those may add or detract to the effects.
Hope this gives you some hope.....But yes as a new photographer you have lots to read....Try limiting your search to 'The one thing' that you need at any one time or else it will become info overload.
Have fun

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

You are talking about two different things... A UV filter that you screw onto the front of the lens can cause issues, and on most digital cameras today the UV filters are NOT NEEDED because the light is filtered digitally, actually, digital is just not susceptible to UV light like film was.

Protection? That is debatable. There is much discussion on both sides about the use of filters for protection. In my opinion, I go with NO filters unless used for effects. For protection I use a LENS HOOD at all times.

I believe that every piece of glass or plastic that goes between the subject and the sensor degrades the light entering the camera, thus it effects the image, and possibly the quality/sharpness.

IF you are going to buy into the lens protection camp - at least spend a good amount on the filters - cheap filters do more harm then good. Stick with a name brand like B+W.

POLARIZING filters - should only be used when the situation calls for them.

To see the effect of a polarizing filter, aim at a TV screen or your computer monitor, then turn the filter - a polarizer consists of two pieces of glass, one will rotate - you should be able to make an all white monitor screen look black with a polarizer filter.

mwalsh Loc: Houston

The UV filter is basically there to protect your lens. Half the folks here say don't need it, half swear by them. I can't see image degredation yet, and I just figure, scratch or break front lens, 1-2K, scratch or break top quality UV, $100.

Polarizer gets useful shooting skys and water. It cuts reflections out.

Pretty simple difference.

I swear by both, but I don't ever use both.

Sorry for my earlier smart ass comment. Google is cool!

LParis Loc: Victoria, BC Canada

thanks you very much for your informative reply -- I think I'm going to go without a filter for a while and see if my photos improve -- I do have a lens hood which I was using for a while - it seemed to get in the way when I was shooting at some distances....but I think I'll go back to it.
the filters I was given are Vivitar but definitely not expensive. thanks again for your informative answer.
Lynne

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

Good luck Lynne. Keep practicing!

LParis Loc: Victoria, BC Canada

thanks for your 2nd reply - and I did go back to google but never did find the answer to my questions....mostly people wanting to sell those filters.

I think I'll go back to using no filters - Just nervous about scratching the lens - though I never worried about it on my previous cameras.
cheers

LParis Loc: Victoria, BC Canada

Thank you for that information - I think I'll stick to no filters at this time.
btw, you did explain why the fireworks setting did not work on this Canon. I went back to using my Nikon p510 and got excellent photos. The ones I took on the Canon were crap.

the movies I took with my iPhone 6 were vastly superior to the canon's as well.

cheers

BebuLamar

It's not bad to have a permanent UV filter but it's bad to have a permanent polarizer because if you don't need it, it robs significant amount of light.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

I seldom use any filters. I do use a polarizer sometimes to reduce reflections on water or shiny leaves or to make a rainbow pop but if you aren't careful it can create problems it's hard to get rid of. Never used a UV filter at all after week 1 of owning a camera. Use graduated and regular neutral density for their purpose. Grads are helpful sunrise/sunset to level out the brightness and shadow. Regular nd filters just lower overall light. I only use them to shoot waterfalls with silky water effect.

LParis Loc: Victoria, BC Canada

Thanks for that info
Lynne

LParis Loc: Victoria, BC Canada

thanks for your info.
Lynne

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

There's a lot of Canadian members on the forum and I'm betting there's few not to far away from you. Maybe they could reccomend a local club or somewhere you could try out one for yourself.
For info about polorisers see http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/polarizing-filters.htm This is a site worth bookmarking for future reference.