What type of polarizer is needed? at DVinfo.net

Clark Peters · January 1st, 2008, 10:26 AM

A really basic question: Does the EX1 need a circular polarizer, or will it function correctly with a linear polarizer?
Thanks.
Clark

Christopher Witz · January 1st, 2008, 10:56 AM

any pol that covers the lens will do its job, but unless its a circular pl the auto focus of the cam will not function.

Clark Peters · January 1st, 2008, 07:01 PM

That's what I was looking for. Thanks.
Clark

Stu Holmes · January 1st, 2008, 10:41 PM

I am not so sure about the autofocus not functioning with a linear pol.

You *will* need a circular pol with a cam that has a pentaprism like SLRs, but it is a popular misconception that you cannot use linear pol with cams/videocams with autofocus.

Having said that, i cannot say *for sure*, but my guess is a linear pol will work fine, even with autofocus.

Allan Black · January 2nd, 2008, 06:49 AM

I was surprised to see Schneider (B+W) filters on their site recommending a linear polarizor to go with the Canon A1.

Ryan Avery · January 2nd, 2008, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allan Black

I was surprised to see Schneider (B+W) filters on their site recommending a linear polarizor to go with the Canon A1.

A linear polarizer is all that is required for virtually all HDV video cameras on the market today. If your camera has a beam splitter used for video bypass systems for the viewfinder, then you need a circular polarizer. Some 35mm motion picture cams have such systems and require the extra 1/4 wave plate found in circular polarizers to fool the system so that you can see through the viewfinder.

The Canon XH-A1 and pretty much all the other cams do not use this type of view finder and therefore a linear pol is sufficient. If you want to be absolutely sure, buy the circular pol it will have no negative impact and be more versital if you buy that ARRI 435 camera. :)

Ryan Avery
Schneider Optics

Ryan Avery · January 2nd, 2008, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christopher Witzke

any pol that covers the lens will do its job, but unless its a circular pl the auto focus of the cam will not function.

Unfortunately, this is not true. All Autofocus functions work great on the EX1 with a linear pol or circular pol attached.

Ryan Avery
Schneider Optics

Stu Holmes · January 2nd, 2008, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan Avery

A linear polarizer is all that is required for virtually all HDV video cameras on the market today.

Aha ! This is what i thought.

Thanks for the confirmation on that Ryan.

Clark Peters · January 2nd, 2008, 01:33 PM

Thanks Ryan. That will save me some shekels.
Clark

Christopher Witz · January 2nd, 2008, 05:18 PM

hmm... good to know.

I guess things have changed in the last few years.

sorry for my ignorance

January 1st, 2008, 10:26 AM	#1
Clark Peters Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Manhattan, Kansas Posts: 123	What type of polarizer is needed? A really basic question: Does the EX1 need a circular polarizer, or will it function correctly with a linear polarizer? Thanks. Clark

January 1st, 2008, 10:56 AM	#2
Christopher Witz Major Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 591	any pol that covers the lens will do its job, but unless its a circular pl the auto focus of the cam will not function.

January 1st, 2008, 07:01 PM	#3
Clark Peters Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Manhattan, Kansas Posts: 123	That's what I was looking for. Thanks. Clark

January 1st, 2008, 10:41 PM	#4
Stu Holmes Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: Europe Posts: 844	I am not so sure about the autofocus not functioning with a linear pol. You will need a circular pol with a cam that has a pentaprism like SLRs, but it is a popular misconception that you cannot use linear pol with cams/videocams with autofocus. Having said that, i cannot say for sure, but my guess is a linear pol will work fine, even with autofocus.

January 2nd, 2008, 06:49 AM	#5
Allan Black Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 2,887	I was surprised to see Schneider (B+W) filters on their site recommending a linear polarizor to go with the Canon A1.

January 2nd, 2008, 01:33 PM	#9
Clark Peters Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Manhattan, Kansas Posts: 123	Thanks Ryan. That will save me some shekels. Clark

January 2nd, 2008, 05:18 PM	#10
Christopher Witz Major Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 591	hmm... good to know. I guess things have changed in the last few years. sorry for my ignorance