Which filters are essential?

[fuze]

I'm not sure which filter I get for my G2. I would like to enhance the visual on portrait. Should I get the following Hoya filters: 81A, Duto, Cross-screen & intensifier? I know Photoshop can take care most effects. Any thoughts?

[g2Owner_1]

Always on UV filter. Serves as a good protection for the lens and filters unnecessary UV.
Circular polarizer if you are shooting landscapes.
IR filter for infrared photography
Neutral Density (ND) filter for water falls, overly bright condictions etc.

[fuze]

I do have Hoya HMC UV(0) filter. I usually take portrait so I wonder my previous mentioned filters useful at this particular situation? Thanks.

[g2Owner_1]

Sorry, Your subect line confused me.
OK second try

81A, :- Color Balancing filter.
Take a look at this guy's comments. I don't know how good he is, but he has some valid points
http://www.shootsmarter.com/fd0303/filters.htm

Much better to do in Photoshop

Duto :- Same as above. Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro can easily acchieve the soft focus effects.

Cross-screen :- Seems useful if you like the kind of star effect.

intensifier :- Looks like a nice addition.

But with all the filters above, to get the best of results you may have to use the camera in Manual mode. Otherwise the auto color balancing of the camera will nullify the effects.

bhaskar