You don’t need to become a professional photographer with years of photography training and sophisticated camera equipment to produce high quality pictures and some special effects.

A glance through almost any magazine will display a flood of picture ads. For the most part, the special effects you see in these ads are created either through photo editing software or cameras fitted with special types of filters.

Many types of filters are available, each having a unique and specific function. For example, there are different filters for black and white, others for color photos, and some that are used for both. Additionally, there are also filters that enhance contrast while others improve the picture sharpness.

Below are brief descriptions of various filters and the effects they produce on pictures.

Cross and Star Effect Filters

Star effect flares are available in different points like star-eight and star-six. These flares are used for increasing image brightness and enhancing more difficult photos of theme parks, sun reflecting from glass surfaces, and street lights.

Like star filters, a cross filter is best for situations in which the person in the picture is wearing jewelry. It generates more dramatic effects to anything bright worn by the person.

Spectral cross filters are normally used in portraits and outdoor shots. They produce cross effects and soft-focus effects. These filters consist of two transparent optical glasses which are arranged in a rotating frame. A gauze-like black fiber is positioned between the two transparent glasses.

Made up of two glasses, Vario cross filters generate a special effect of four light rays emerging from a single point source of light. You can easily rotate each glass individually to change the angle of emerging rays of light.

Close-up Filters

This filter is better than a zoom lens. It is used for close-up photography and available in different diopters ranging from +1 to +10. The higher the number the, closer the capture.

Macro close-up filters with a +10 diopters rating with a two-element, two-group construction lens are used for capturing tiny objects such as flowers and insects.

With it, you can easily take a close up of only half the subject, retaining the other half in its normal size. This is helpful when you want to focus on both near and distant objects simultaneously.

Multivision Filters

Multivision filters find their niche when a single subject needs to be displayed in an individual photo repeatedly. These filters are available in ranges of 3F, 3PF, 6F, 6PF, and 5F.

Each number represents the number of times an object will be duplicated in the picture. Moreover, different colors can be added to an image using color multivision filters.

Misty Spot Filters

Misty spot filters are used for emphasizing the primary focal point of the picture. For this purpose the background of the image is set to a blur with the image in its normal state to accentuate the subject in the foreground.

There are four different types of misty spot filters: breezing filters, gradual filters, windmill filters, and halo filters.

Diffusion Filters

Due to uneven or irregular surface, diffusion filters produce a soft focus effect. These are normally used for portrait shots.

Center Spot Filters

The center spot filter gives the center a sharp and clear image. The background, on the other hand, ends up with a romantic, foggy effect.

These filters enhance specific details of photos without the use of computer photo editing software.

At last, you’re ready to buy that digital camera. At this point, many consumers think the hard part is over; but wouldn’t you like to REALLY FIND THE BEST OVERALL PRICE before getting it?

To do so involves two key things: determining the true TOTAL cost, and not falling victim to “Package Deal” gouging.

How to Determine the Real Cost

Let’s say that the retail price on the digital camera of your dreams is $700. Begin by searching the internet for the best price (just “Google” the phrase “price-comparison site” to find hundreds). After 10 minutes, you determine the best price for your specific camera is between $570 – $590.

At this point, many consumers get it from the place selling it for the lowest price ($570, in this example). However, that could be a big mistake - unless you know these buying tips.

To determine why, you need to familiarize yourself with some ON-LINE BUYING FACTS…

1. Shipping prices vary significantly for the same item (due to geography and merchant policies)
2. When determining price, ONLY CONSIDER the TOTAL cost of your purchase (digital camera + tax + shipping & handling)
3. Tax may or may not be charged (buying from a merchant in your state will likely result in sales tax)

By using this approach, you realize the REAL TOTAL COST of your digital camera is between $587 – $629, as opposed to the original $570 – $590. Do you run out and order from the $587 merchant? If you do, you will be using “retail store” mentality to purchase on the internet.

If you want the best digital camera prices on the internet, consider these important points:

1. Is the digital camera in stock? There is often a correlation between the cheapest price and the product being out of stock.

2. If ordering from the USA, make sure your camera comes with a USA warranty and is not considered “gray goods.” You don’t want to send it out of the country for service, do you?

3. What is the “Reputation” or customer service level of the seller? There are several sites you can “Google” to check the experience other buyers have had with different merchants.

4. The last “test” to use before purchasing is “your gut.” After communicating with the sales person, you might get a bad feeling about them. If you do, forget this merchant and contact the next seller on your list.

OK. You’ve done it! You’re about to congratulate yourself on finding the best digital camera price, from the best on-line merchant, with great delivery, etc. There’s just one more potential land mine to watch out for… THE INSIDIOUS “PACKAGE DEAL.” Find out how to avoid this trap.

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