On Tue, 21 Aug 2001 14:57:12 -0500, "John Keyser" wrote:

> I've read several mentions of the importance of a UV filter to
>"protect" the camcorder. As I'm about to buy a camcorder, I'm
>trying to figure out what exactly this is for - is it just a barrier that
>keeps the lens from being scratched, or does the "UV" protection
>have something to do with it (i.e. can UV light damage a CCD or
>something)? Does it matter what UV filter I get (assuming it fits the
>lens), or will any one do?

The UV filter (assuming at least single-coating - all
that is really needed, actually...) does nothing for
or against image quality - it protects the lens front
glass surface only. Since dust and scratches on the
front of the lens can be imaged under some circumstances,
protecting it from damage is useful - but only if the
filter is kept clean. Any name brand (other than perhaps
Tiffen - these tend to "self-fog", and are often uncoated)
should do (though I prefer single-coated, metal-rimmed
Hoya...).