Graduated filters and as an aside circular ND filters.

[Colinfuroner]

I have a Fuji Finepix HS25EXR which is a fixed lens 24 to 720 mm lens 'bridge' camera, 58 mm diameter. After many years of dissatisfaction, albeit with some good shots, I have now researched into using Manual using the on-board light meter and also reading up on long exposures. Two separate issues of course. Manual has relivened my interest as I am now in control of over and under exposure and providing the subject is stationary I can get a decent result. Bird photography? Forget it ! However, my question - without spending more than I have to, how do I get into filters? I need, I think, a rectangular filter holder to accommodate hard (my preference) horizontal separation filters of varying strengths for landscapes involving the sun, and I believe a polarizer plus a variable circular disc. It seems prices range from cheap and suspect plastic to several ££££'s per disc. Help me decide .... or give me some tips ? Ta very so muchly !

 

[woof woof]

I'm not a big filter user so take this with a pinch.

I have a Cokin square filter system which is or rather was as it's years old towards the cheaper end of the market. I have both the standard and thin holders. The standard one has more slots and the thin one can be used if the standard one causes vignetting. Standard and thin holders may well be available for other systems and a thin one may be worth thinking about if you only need a couple of slots.

When going for a filter system it's probably usual to go for one that'll at least accomodate your widest diameter lens but as you have a bridge camera this wont be an issue but if you think you may buy an interchangeable lens camera at some point this may be something to think about.

And a PS.
I wouldn't get too hung up on manual exposure. I use Aperture until the light level drops too low causing the camera to select too slow a shutter speed and usually only then switch to manual. In any case I think switching to manual should be a deliberate decision to overcome a specific issue as using it generally may lead to you spending more time fiddling with setting than you need.

Just thought of another time I use manual, when doing panoramas.