Top 10 Photo Projects - In-camera filters

Explore your camera’s creative modes to enhance your shots

Compacts and hybrids have amped up the fun factor of late. In addition to the traditional filters of ‘black-and-white’, ‘sepia’, and ‘negative’, now you can make adjustments that would normally demand the use of editing software, or even special lenses. The most popular creative shooting options include Fish-eye, Miniature, and Colour Accent, which can be found on the latest Canon models. Exploring what effects your camera offers is a novel way of transforming your photos, and great news for anyone lacking the know-how or the software. Take a look at what these latest filters have to offer….

Popular filter types

Fish-eye

This in-camera filter mimics the effect of a fish-eye lens, which are very expensive. It gives a distorted, bubble-like view of a scene and it enables you to cram more into the frame. This is a great filter to use in sports, for example. It is also a way of injecting humour.

Miniature

Alter your perspective by replicating the tilt-shift effect, which would normally be created with a tilt-shift lens or by demonstrating Photoshop prowess. This filter saves time and is simple to use. Just select the Miniature mode and take the photo at a 45-degree angle, either from above or below.

Colour Accent

Using a Canon camera, zoom in to the object you want in colour and press the left arrow and the small box will change to that colour. Zoom out, and capture your image. The final image will be monochrome apart from that object – a great way to draw attention.

GEAR GUIDE

The latest filter fun compacts

Olympus Mju-9010  RRP £290

This stylish compact has Magic Filters on board, including Pop Art, Pin Hole, Sketch and Beauty mode.

Canon IXUS 300 HS  RRP £319

Creative shooting with Low Light, Fish-eye, and Miniature effects, along with P, Av and Tv modes.

Samsung ST600 RRP £300

There are the classic filters of Soft, Retro, Vivid and co, alongside the newer Miniature, Vignette and Fish-eye effects.

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