I know that glass filters are generally considered the best, but they are also two to three times as expensive as the other altrernatives. So my question is whether in 4x4 or circular which type of filter is best in terms of the quality of the output: Resin, gels, polyester, or some other type? Also if someone knows where I can get good 4x4 glass filters for under $70 please let me know.

Personally I'd rather get a good set of glass. If you can't afford
4x4 (you also need an "expensive" mattebox to hold the 4x4's)
then perhaps just go with a screw-on filter that is cheaper but
real glass? I don't know much about the other filter types so can't
really comment on that.

Go with glass.

Do you deinitely need 4x4? Unless you are using a big camera, or a very wide angle lens, you can usually get away with 3x3. They are about half the price of equal 4x4 filters.

Regards,

Julian

I found some glass filters for under 70 bucks. Some were used but in good shape. Also as for Matte Box at www.ste-man.com the owner (Steve Manios) sells matte boxes for dv cams for under 250, including the french flag. Get the number off the site and give him a call. Speak to Steve or Kevin.

Dwight, I wouldn't be worried about whether the filter is made from glass, Resin, gel, polyester, etc. I would pick the filter which most closely matches what I want in terms of the effect; but having said this, glass would probably last you a lot longest.

I have many Cokin filters, and most of them aren't glass. But I like their effects and they were darn inexpensive.

Yeah, you're right, I think I am going to get a few of the Cokin sets (and maybe Lee) and do a little trial and error run. I am planning a series of shorts with the HD10u, and I want to rent only if I have to.

Thanks

Cokin's adaptors are easy to put on and you can change the filters easily and quickly. Plus they are inexpensive. I think they have a lot of good filters. I would go take a look at them. For more info, go here:

http://www.cokin.fr