Filter for Canon S3IS

[Amiriqbal]

I have recently purchased Canon S3IS. Just wanted to know is it worth buying UV andpolarising filter, or anyother for that matter

 

[ukcatfan]

If you can deal with the extra size, it is a good idea b/c the adapter tube will protect the lens. Those extending lenses are one of the easiest things to fail on this type camera. You should not really have to worry about the degraded IQ that the UV causes b/c a p&s does not have the resolving power up to that level anyway. That is more of a DSLR debate. I used a tube on my S1 with a UV with no IQ loss. I was worried that it would and did a bunch of tests. The S3 has more MPs, but the same size sensor as the S1, so I doubt very seriously that you would lose any IQ.

A CP is another story. I think that anyone that can use one should carry one. Just be sure that you use it correctly and do not use it in situations where it is not needed.

You might also want to consider a lens hood for non-flash shots.

Kevin

P.S. I usually buy stuff like this from http://www.camerafilters.com/

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I skipped the poll. An S3 is far from the best tool for landscape photography (a field in which people can easily spend tens of the thousands of dollars on equipment) and it is far from the worst (pinhole camera?). I think it does a good job given it's size, weight, ease-of-use, and cost. Whether it's the right choice for you is only something you can determine.

A polarizing filter is a no-brainer for landscape work. Get one, you won't regret it.

The UV filter is a completely different subject. One isn't needed on the S3 because the S3 isn't really sensitive to UV light. Some people still put UV filters on their cameras, but they usually do so to protect their lens from scratches and impacts.

A good UV filter will not impact image quality in most cases. The one situation where they are most likely to cause problems is in scenes with bright light directly hitting them. In those cases, they provide another reflecting surface for that bright light and can cause or worsen problems with flare and reflections. Here is an article showing the problem: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/columns/sm-feb-05.shtml

It's up to you to decide whether the small chance that the UV filter will ever be of use protecting your lens is worth the relatively low cost and the small chance that it will give you flare problems. I used to use one back in my film days and almost never do so now. I have never scratched a filter or a lens in any significant way and can only think of one time I had flare problems associated with a UV filter (sunset photo with the sun in the frame). I'm still tempted to use one at the beach (sand hates glass), but I rarely do.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I should add that the "should I use a UV filter" is one of those quasi-religious debates in which many people feel that there is one universally correct answer and that everyone must be made to accept the truth.

 

[Amy]

If you can deal with the extra size, it is a good idea b/c the adapter tube will protect the lens. Those extending lenses are one of the easiest things to fail on this type camera. You should not really have to worry about the degraded IQ that the UV causes b/c a p&s does not have the resolving power up to that level anyway. That is more of a DSLR debate. I used a tube on my S1 with a UV with no IQ loss. I was worried that it would and did a bunch of tests. The S3 has more MPs, but the same size sensor as the S1, so I doubt very seriously that you would lose any IQ.

A CP is another story. I think that anyone that can use one should carry one. Just be sure that you use it correctly and do not use it in situations where it is not needed.

You might also want to consider a lens hood for non-flash shots.

Kevin

P.S. I usually buy stuff like this from http://www.camerafilters.com/

Hey Kevin - can you translate please? What's "IQ" and "CP"?

 

[ukcatfan]

Hey Kevin - can you translate please? What's "IQ" and "CP"?

IQ - Image Quality
CP - Circular Polarizer

 

[Amy]

Thanks Kevin!

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

The Canon S3 is, IMO, and excellent "all around" camera. It will take very nice landscape pics. It suffers, like nearly all P&S cameras, in the low-light/no flash category; but daytime pics are superb.

Here's a review at Luminous Landscape ... they were impressed.

I use a Lensmate 52mm adapter and either a UV filter or a CPL filter. The UV is just for lens protection because I don't want any sort of grit getting into the lens extension mechanism. The CPL makes a big difference in bright sunlight and when there's a lot of glare (like shooting automobiles or water). I went with a CPL because I didnt want to have to throw it away if I ever upgrade to a DSLR.

 

[LMarge]

I have an S2IS and would like to pick up a filter to protect the lens and maybe a few to just play with - how do you know which one to get? Is it based on the width of the barrel? I was also looking at the extension tube - what purpose exactly does that serve?! Sorry - I should really get my manual out and do some homework!! With 3 kids running around like maniacs, it just never seems to happen!!

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

I have an S2IS and would like to pick up a filter to protect the lens and maybe a few to just play with - how do you know which one to get? Is it based on the width of the barrel? I was also looking at the extension tube - what purpose exactly does that serve?! Sorry - I should really get my manual out and do some homework!! With 3 kids running around like maniacs, it just never seems to happen!!

Because the S3's lens has no threads for attaching other lenses or filters, you need an adapter tube. The adapter tube fits onto the camera and the filters get screwed into the end of the tube in front of the lens. The tube is just long enough to completely enclose the lens when it extends.

What size filters you get is based on the lens adapter you have. The Canon one is 58mm (to fit several of their lenses) and you can buy from Lensmate a 52mm or 58mm adapter. If you get a 58mm tube, you should get 58mm filters....

 

[Amiriqbal]

Thank you everyone for the valuable advice on the filters. I will buy CP filter and keep the forum regarding the results.
I agree that S3 is not the greatest camera for outdoor. But in day light it gives very good results. I will share with you some of my photograpic experiments.