The center spot filter is great for portrait shots because it creates a sharp center image surrounded by a soft, fuzzy border. It's perfect for romantic wedding images.

The fog-effect filter creates "mist" where none previously existed. These filters will also enhance the appearance of existing fog. Like many filters, fog filters are available in different grades, or "strengths," that alter the intensity of the effect.

A soft-focus filter gives a soft look to an entire image. They're perfect for facial close-ups because the filter actually blends away tiny lines in the skin. A warm color is sometimes added to soft focus filters to enhance skin tones. This combination can actually make people look better than they do in real life.

Graduated filters are transparent on the bottom and very gradually change to an opaque color on top. A classic application for a graduated filter is enhancing, or outright faking, a sunset. With camcorder mounted on a tripod and a graduated amber filter attached, carefully frame the image so that the colored portion of the filter overlaps the sky. Since the bottom portion of the filter is clear, the lower portion of the scene is unaffected, while the sunset glows beautifully. If you're using a matte box filter system, it's easy to adjust the filter's effect by simply sliding it up and down within the housing.

A star filter transforms points of light within an image into brilliant star shapes. These filters add glamour and excitement to any scene. Be careful not to overuse this filter; the effect will lose its punch once you've seen it a few times.

After placing an accidental fingerprint on one of Buzz's filters, I decided to ask about cleaning. "Don't use window cleaner!" he quickly said. According to our expert, the chemicals in a typical glass cleaning solution can actually dissolve the coating on a lens or filter. Ouch!

"Also, be sure not to use facial tissue," he added. "Blow off the dust before you begin. You wouldn't want to 'sand' your lens, would you? That's precisely what happens when you use a rough facial tissue on a dusty lens." Special lens tissues and cleaning solutions are available at video and photography stores.

To remove dust from a lens, either use a special brush designed for that purpose, or a blast of air from an aerosol lens cleaner. Buzz makes a final lens cleaning admonition: "Avoid using eyeglass cleaning products because they might be too abrasive--eyeglass lenses are usually tougher than camcorder optics."

Unfortunately, life sometimes throws us challenges--like when your niece graces your lens with a chocolate-coated thumb print. Of course, you don't have any lens cleaning supplies handy. What to do?

Hopefully, you have a skylight filter protecting your lens. If so, simply remove it and continue shooting- -this time, out of reach of your niece.

But what if you don't have a skylight filter? In a pinch, Buzz says it's OK to run tap water over a filter to clean it. Use a soft cotton-fiber cloth to dry. Another option is the time-tested technique of breathing on the glass, then wiping with a soft cloth. But limit these emergency procedures to lens filters--not expensive camcorder lenses. You can always buy another lens filter, but replacing the lens on most camcorders is an expensive and complicated proposition.

If you're reading this and simultaneously kicking yourself because you've broken Buzz's cleaning rules for years, hold on before you pitch your expensive optics in the trash heap. Scratched optical coatings are salvageable--it's possible to remove the coating and spray on a new one. This service is available through good video or photography retail outlets and repair facilities.

Most filters come packaged in round plastic cases. These cases are great for protecting filters when they're not on a camcorder. But don't expect a filter to last if you're in the habit of slipping them in your pants pocket or throwing them into a camera bag. They'll become scratched and useless in quick order.

Buzz offers a space-saving alternative for lens filter storage: screw all filters together and put a lens cap on both ends. This protects each filter, and reduces the amount of space they would occupy if each filter was in its own case.

What can you do if you can't unscrew a filter because it's too tight? Use a lens filter wrench. These devices are similar to a jaw-type jar opener, and they have the same purpose--to help loosen stuck threads. Is there a better solution? "Yes. Don't over-tighten the threads, and keep them clean from grime," says Buzz.

Buzz recalls a harrowing experience he had while on a back-country shoot. A couple of filter cases fell out if his shirt pocket, rolled down the hill and vanished into a fast-moving stream. He never saw the cases- -or their contents--again. The moral of this story? Always stow your gear safely and securely.