Is there any inherent difference between add_filter() and add_shortcode() for modifying [caption]?

Question

The context is the [caption] shortcode found in media.php which contains img_caption_shortcode

img_caption_shortcode also includes these lines:

 $output = apply_filters('img_caption_shortcode', '', $attr, $content);
 if ( $output != '' )
 return $output;

I'm trying to manipulate the output the caption shortcode and it struck me that I could filter the function or I could add_shortcode to replace it - is there any difference? and if so what would are the tradeoffs?

Many thanks in advance.

Answer 1

add_shortcode() may be overwritten, dependent upon at what point it is hooked, whereas you would have to remove_filter() to prevent the filter from executing. I think the way to go is to use apply_filters(), as that functionality is clearly put in place to do exactly what you're trying to do.