Cokin Modular Filter System
The Cokin Modular Filter system allows using one set of filters with different cameras and camcorders using a single filter holder. Since cameras and camcorders differ from very small to very large, the Cokin system is available in several sizes: Series A, Series P, Series Z-PRO and Series X-PRO. The Cokin A system is the best fit for compact Elura camcorders, it is also the least expensive.
The Elura camcorders are outfitted with a filter thread sized from 27mm to 34mm depending on model. The smallest adaptor for Cokin A System has 37mm thread, so you will need a step-up ring. Using a step-up ring may be benefitial for your other filters too, because there is a broader choice of filters and lens converters for 37mm thread size than for 34mm or 27mm thread.
The Components Of Cokin System
To use Cokin system you will need Cokin A filter holder, Cokin A 37mm adapter, a step-up ring (34mm-37mm for Elura 60/70/80/90, 27mm-37mm for Elura 100), modular filter hood (optional, but helps to reduce glare and looks cool), and of course Cokin filters themselves.
You can order filter holder separately or paired together with the adapter ring from several online stores like Adorama, J&R or B&H. Filters themselves may seem a little expensive for a budget camera owner, they are priced at about $20 each, you will likely need several of them.
I suggest searching on eBay, you may find a good deal on slightly used or even new filters. I bought a set of 7 filters for $30 and another set of 4 filters for $8. I did not need all and every filter that came in these sets, but even considering the only filters that I wanted, the price turned up better than buying each filter separately.
Camcorders Without Lens Thread
Many point-and-shoot camcorders like Canon ZR models do not have lens thread, therefore attaching a lens converter, a hood or a threaded filter is not possible. For filters, the situation can be remedied. Filters do not require exact positioning like lens converters, therefore any contraption that is able to hold a filter in front of the lens will do. Cokin offers such a product, called Shoe Holder.
The Cokin Shoe Holder (Ref. A300) is a universal adjustable holder that attaches to the tripod socket in the base of a camcorder. The screw slides along the grooves of the base plate to allow correct positioning underneath the camcorder. You can align the area where the filter slots in front of your lens, regardless of where the camcorder's tripod mount is. You will have to find a suitable groove that works best for your camcorder, this takes time. The resulting construction will look clunky, but at least it will work.
The shoe holder can be purchased separately or as a part of a Filterfast kit. Make sure that you buy a G350 or G400 kit, because G300 kit does not contain the shoe holder.
Cokin also offers a magnetic holder for cameras with no lens thread. This holder works better for still cameras because of their flat shape, and will likely not work for a camcorder.
Filters that you may need
For me, the main reason of utilizing Cokin modular system was a broad range of graduated filters available, and the flexibility that comes with rectangular filters. The filters can slide in the holder higher or lower and the holder can rotate, so it is possible to frame the shot exactly the way you want.
I use two graduated filters: graduated blue, which accentuates blue sky, and graduated gray, which I use almost every time when I shoot outdoors. Occasionally I use a net filter for portraits, it softens an image a little bit and hides small details like skin pores. I don't use simple color filters because their effect can be easily applied at postproduction by changing white balance.