About to purchase camera, need advice on some things (like filters, etc.)

Hey I'm about to purchase a Panasonic AG-DVC30 (unless someone feels really strongly that I should really consider something else for $1400).

Anyway, I'm confused about filters. I know I want the 3 pack (UV, Polarized, & FL) and all my options are made by Crystal Optics. However, one set is 43mm (fits the DVC30)& are $50, while next set is 46mm and $150 (so I'd need a step up adapter), and the last set doesn't say which size (though it lists it as an accessory for the DVC30) it is and is $230. What's going on? and is there a big difference in quality? Links are provided below, but I'm just confused and don't know what to think. My initial reaction is just get the first set, cause it fits the camera and is cheapest. However, if there really is a big difference in quality, I'll pay more.

http://www.beachcamera.com

http://www.abesofmaine.com

http://www.us1camera.com

Thanks for any tips/advice.

 

why would you post those links?

 

What's wrong with them? Those are sites I'm looking at that are selling the filters I'm looking at. I guess I just don't know enough about filters to give you the right info or something?

 

Okay, my advice...skip the filters. You don't need them. Really...pretty much at all (unless there is something specific that you know you are going to do that you'll need them for). They're necessary when you get high end-ish, in terms of equipment quality and production (especially with film) but for the love of everything good....save your money. Buy some lights, those will do more than filters.

 

Not always.

 

A UV filter is quite a good idea - you can leave it on all the time, to physically protect the camera. If the filter gets scratched, you can just buy another filter. You don't need to spend a lot on a UV filter - "Sunpak" is a nice, cheap brand.

If you decide to buy a polarizer, you'll certainly find it useful on occasion. Whether it's indispensible or not is up to you to decide.

Personally, I'd pass on the fluorescent filter. You can use the camera's white balance instead. Some people argue that correcting the colour temperature with a filter gives a better quality image, but, if it's true at all, it's definitely a marginal thing.

I'd get at least one ND filter. Even if your camera has one built in, you'll still find that you won't be able to fully open the aperture outside without overexposing, unless you increase the shutter speed. An interesting alternative that somebody mentioned to me a while ago is to use two linear polarizers - effectively, they work as a continuously variable ND filter. Hoya sell a "Pola Fader" filter which uses this idea. I'm going to buy a linear polarizer and see if it works with one linear and one circular polarizer. Two circulars definitely don't.