【Action Camera】Is the "CPL (Polarizing) Filter" effective for fishing photography? We tested it by the water

Recently, to film fishing videos that I've been getting into, I purchased an older model action camera. To capture better footage, I also bought a "CPL filter." This time, I compared the footage with and without the filter attached.

Does a CPL filter attached to an action camera have any effect?

To shoot fishing videos, I purchased an action camera. There were quite a few stress points during filming due to battery life, narrow field of view, and usability issues with my smartphone, so I finally bought one.

Additionally, I wanted to improve the quality of the footage, so I also purchased a CPL filter (polarizing filter). The CPL filter has the function of reducing light reflections and makes it easier to see underwater. I bought the "K&F CONCEPT CPL filter" (2980 yen).

This time, to compare the effects of the CPL filter, I shot images using the included lens cap (normal) at as similar angles as possible and lined them up.

The filter effect may be easier to understand in places where water flows.

When I went to the river and shot in a wide area, I felt that the effect wasn't as pronounced in distant places or areas without flowing water. However, looking at the flowing parts shows a significant difference. The white reflections in the center of the river are reduced, so it seems that the correction effect is easier to feel in areas with flow.

In the still parts of the water, since I can see underwater with the naked eye, it's not a scene where the filter would be used much. However, the colors seem slightly warmer, which I personally prefer in image quality. The CPL filter also has the effect of making leaves and the blue sky more vibrant, which seems to provide positive effects not just for fishing videos.

A scene with flowing elements is even easier to understand

The effect I was most期待していた was observed near the flowing water's surface. When I want to suppress the reflection of light on the water's surface, this is exactly the angle that is most common in fishing photography. This was a discovery worth using a filter for. If I could capture the movements of fish clearly, it would create very appealing footage.

When I tried shooting with a zoom, similarly, the reflection of light was suppressed, making it easier to confirm the grass submerged in the water. Although it seems unlikely that there will be many opportunities to shoot while fishing and zooming, it seems useful for other shooting situations.

The effect is also present with a car-mounted camera, but opinions on it may vary based on personal preference

Many people probably use action cameras as car-mounted cameras.

When I tried this as well, I confirmed that the reflections on the glass at the bottom of the image are corrected. The trees along the roadside are also clearly captured, and it seems that the shadows resembling dark areas have been reduced.

On the flip side, the redness against the blue sky may have increased, which could be counterproductive. To be honest, I felt that there were no significant advantages in the footage from the car-mounted camera, but opinions may vary on this aspect.

If you are dissatisfied with the image quality of your action camera, why not consider introducing a filter?

Interview/Text by Kazuma Tanaka

Search CPL Filter on Amazon