italynovice

basingstoke2, can you explain what a uv filter/circular polarizer do? Are they expensive and could I have it on the camera in all conditions? I think after reading above messages, I will leave my canon rebel at home (trying to pack light), as I would not bring telephoto, and it sounds like my s95 will meet basic needs and be easy to carry around.

scrb11

Here's a Google search showing images with and without a circular polarizer:

http://www.google.com/images?client=...w=1289&bih=760

They could run about $70. But on a compact, you may need special extension tubes to be able to screw on a polarizer. That was the case with my Panasonic LX-3. DSLR lenses can take circular polarizers and other filters directly.

basingstoke2

Hi italyn- your s90 will require an adapter for filters, but IMO it is a basic tool. Lensmate makes a good one. Your s90 will use a 37mm filter. UV and polarizer filters are not the same. The UV filter, also called a haze filter, does what its name implies - it filters out excess haze causing UV rays, but its most important function is that it protects your lens. In case of an accident, the filter is inexpensive to replace, the lens of course is not. Keep it on all of the time when you are not using other filters. scrb linked to a good site to show you what a good circular polarizer can do when used correctly. It gives better color contrast and can make a dull sky more dramatic by deepening the blue and making the clouds pop. A polarizer also cuts glare. It is called circular because you rotate it to dial in the amount of polarization that you want - you will see changes on your screen so stop where you like it the best. There are several instructional videos on youtube showing how to use one most effectively.

Don't waste your money by going cheap. Although a top line (like B+W) Polarizer or even UV can cost, you don't need one- a mid level filter can work well. I have had good luck with the middle line made by Hoya, I believe I paid about $40 -45 online compared to some of the cheapies that go for about $15. Look for one with that is all metal rather than plastic, because the plastic ones tend to bind and can become difficult to remove.

scrb11

Extension tubes can add bulk to compact cameras, FYI.

May need a different case because the extension tube will protrude over the lens.

Bugler

Go with the Panny. I am an Canon SLR guy with the white lenses, etc. However, as I was doing my research for the travel camera I recently took on my trip, I noticed that Canon point and shoot had some short comings. I actually purchased the Panasonic zs7 go the the built in gps to track the photos and the better LED screen on the back and I believe better options on video (if I recall correctly) but the 5 is supposed to have the same photo quality.

I would highly recommend purchasing a Joby mini tripod which is about six inches high and weighs a few ounces. The one with the magnetic feet can be purchased for $24. This will allow you to get better low light night photography, which you do not want to hand hold.

To see the recent pictures I took using this process during a night shoot in Bruge Belgium see this post:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...e-at-night.cfm

Bugler

By the way, two of the key reasons I went with the panny are its large zoom range and its Lecia lens which those in photography, know kecia makes great lenses.

Bugler

darn typos and no ability to fix them

Bugler

Sorry, if I had read the entire posts before I answered, I would have noticed you purchased your camera already.