Filters vs. Post Processing in Photoshop (Elements)

[leek]

I'm still coming to grips with moving from 35mm SLR --> Digital SLR, so excuse me if this post should have been in the beginners' section...

Regardless, I thought it might promote some good discussion... I'd love to hear other member's comments...

I've just been reviewing the collection of Cokin filters that I used to use with my trusty Canon A1, trying to figure out if they are of any use in the digital D70 world...

The Double Exposure/Mask filters (342/346) seem to be pretty redundant because :
- the D70 doesn't have a multiple exposure facility
- this sort of thing is probably better done in PS

Simple masks such as keyhole, heart etc. may be of use, but could probably be replaced by masks in PS.

Fog filters (e.g. 151) probably could be duplicated in PS...

Polarised filter (164) is probably still of use...

Graduated Blue(123), Tobacco(125), Yellow(133) & Green(121) and fluor Orange (663) and Fluor Red (665) filters might produce some interesting effects, but again, could probably be duplicated in PS.

Star filter (055) - probably still of use...

Softening filter with sharp spot in middle - probably still of use...

Sepia colour filter could probably be duplicated in PS

Any comments / advice VERY gratefully received...

[christiand]

I hardly have any experience with filters other than a circular polariser.
I assume you are the proud owner of all those filters you are enquiring about.
If that is the case may I ask you to do us all a big favour and try and tell us your experiences.

Cheers
CD

[Matt. K]

I think most of your comments are pretty well on the ball. Apart from the CPL and starburst then everything else can be better done in PS. But seriously....who uses a starburst filter? That's what the pro's use when they run out of creativity.

[sirhc55]

Hi Leek

I think you have answered most of the questions yourself. The polariser must be circular and not linear.

The graduated filters would be fine, star and softening but they can all be replicated in Photoshop.

If you get hold of iNova’s ebook on the D70 it contains a lot of actions that are very handy. They are mainly for PS7 or PSCS.

Cheers

Chris

[Greg B]

leek, I agree with Matt, you have pretty much picked it as far as I can see, except maybe the Double exposure/Mask filters - although the d70 doesn't have multiple exposure capability, you can just take successive shots and stick 'em together. Not sure about application here, just floating the idea.

[phillipb]

The other thing to remember is that in our competitions if you use a filter it's legit if you do it in photoshop you're breaking the rules.

[Mj]

Think the only other filters worth considering would be Neutral Density ones to allow slow shutter in bright light. Most, including a number you have mentioned can be replicated in PS. I intend to only bother with CPL and straight ND filters, perhaps graduated ND for convenience... but that's about it.

Michael.

[Matt. K]

Greg B
I think PS is outstanding for stacking up mulitle images...moving them around in relation to one another, rubbing through layers, playing with the opacity of layers...damn! Who needs a camera?

[dooda]

Greg B
I think PS is outstanding for stacking up mulitle images...moving them around in relation to one another, rubbing through layers, playing with the opacity of layers...damn! Who needs a camera?

damn...who needs a woman?

That's the kind of PP that I'm talking about Matt! Sounds like PP at your house is far from boring!

[Manta]

Hi Leek.

Have to agree with most of the comments here. I've got a big selection of Cokin and Hoya filters gathering dust from my film days. I don't expect my shots are ever going to be in the running for any competitions so I'm quite happy to replicate the filter effects in PS for my own entertainment. I will however be purchasing a CPL and some NDs for the D70. The rest...they will probably end up in the back of the cupboard with all my other obsolete gadgets.

[Matt. K]

When I was a child PP meant something entirely different!

[sirhc55]

When I was a child PP meant something entirely different!

Pre Parenting?

Chris

[sheepie]

When I was a child PP meant something entirely different!

Have you started on the Red a little early?

[Hlop]

Hi

I agree with above comments about PS abilities but ....

With post-processing we're loosing precious bits of information, so, IMHO, if you know how to use particular filter better use it and keep PP to minimal

Another thing - graduated filters. IMHO, they're usefull no matter digital or film we're using

[sirhc55]

Welcome Hlop

If you shoot raw and keep the original there is always a way back if you stuff up. One fact about digital cams is that they are always a little soft due to sensor construction so a little USM certainly helps a picture without destroying data.

Hope to see some of your pics posted soon and as I said welcome to the friendly forum

Chris

[W00DY]

Becouse I am lazy when it comes to PP I would prefer the effects be done in camera (if possible).

I actually like using filters on my camera, I figure since I own them I should use them. I am also still in the 35mm "mind frame" I often go out and turn the image review function off so I don't know what I have captured until I get home. BTW MJ - How is the Cokin system going? Have you purchased anymore filters for it yet? (sorry to sub-hijak the thread).

W00DY

[Hlop]

Welcome Hlop

If you shoot raw and keep the original there is always a way back if you stuff up. One fact about digital cams is that they are always a little soft due to sensor construction so a little USM certainly helps a picture without destroying data.

Thanks Chris!

Yeah, I agree and I don't mind to do some PP in PS myself but trying to keep it as low as possible. That's why I'd prefer to use filters then to apply effect in PS