Posted by David Graham on October 6, 2011 at 2:30 PM
I've read of the use of the FLW filter in digital photography. My question is of the rationale for using ANY chromatic filter in digital imaging given the ability to render, with great finesse, accuracy, and discrimination, any desired warming or cooling color cast in any image file with Photoshop, whether a JPEG, TIFF, or RAW FILE.
So...why use any chromatic filter in digital photography?
FLW and FLD filters are used to eliminate the color cast caused by fluorescent lights. Photographers who use daylight balanced film often use them. These and other color correction filters are not really needed with today's digital cameras that allow you change the white balance. You can also use the various adjustments in Photo Shop to eliminate color casts, or to warm up or cool down an image.
The only filter you would likely need when out in the field is a good quality polarizing filter, and perhaps a neutral density, or graduated neutral density filter. There is no equivalent in Photo Shop for the polarizer, and there are arguments pro and con for graduated ND's. A dense ND is often used when a very slow shutter speed is required.
Discussion
1 repliesSo...why use any chromatic filter in digital photography?
Dave Graham
East River, SD
FLW and FLD filters are used to eliminate the color cast caused by fluorescent lights. Photographers who use daylight balanced film often use them. These and other color correction filters are not really needed with today's digital cameras that allow you change the white balance. You can also use the various adjustments in Photo Shop to eliminate color casts, or to warm up or cool down an image.
The only filter you would likely need when out in the field is a good quality polarizing filter, and perhaps a neutral density, or graduated neutral density filter. There is no equivalent in Photo Shop for the polarizer, and there are arguments pro and con for graduated ND's. A dense ND is often used when a very slow shutter speed is required.
--P