Polarizing Filter - Linear or Circular

[Scottish Exile]

Hi. I have a Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ18 (Not a Digital SLR)

I need to photograph a lot of artwork, which is glass framed so I'm looking for a 46mm polarizing filter to use. Serching the web is giving me conflicting advice.

Some say use Linear, as it's cheaper/better, while others say it wont work with the auto-focusing etc.

Circular filters seem more readily available, but I am not sure if this would work on a non DSLR camera.

Would you be able to 'see' the effect in the viewing screen, to know when you have the filter in the correct position ?

Can anyone help with what is best to go for?.

[SamHH]

You are correct that a linear polariser could impair the autofocus and metering, so get a circular one. The price difference shouldn't be too great for a 46mm filter. And yes, you will be able to see the effect of the filter through the viewfinder.

[Simpo Two]

Or if possible, just arrange the subject so there are no reflections.

[Hub]

I had the same camera and bought a cheap one on ebay that turned out to be linear - it did nothing. So I bought a proper circular polariser and didn't look back (though I used it more to deepen skies and reduce water reflections). Circular it has to be.

[g3org3y]

Circular

[Scottish Exile]

Thanks all. I've just bought a Circular filter on eBay. Cheap, but that's all I need. It's not for pro work or anything special.

[percymk4]

I have recently bought a circular one, however im unsure as to how much i rotate it, what rotating it does etc. Could anyone help me out? There are no markings on it either really.
Cheers

[LongQ]

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-...

[SamHH]

percymk4 said:

I have recently bought a circular one, however im unsure as to how much i rotate it, what rotating it does etc. Could anyone help me out? There are no markings on it either really.
Cheers

Rotating it alters the strength of the polarisation. Rotate it until the image looks how you want it to look.

[bonsai]

percymk4 said:

I have recently bought a circular one, however im unsure as to how much i rotate it, what rotating it does etc. Could anyone help me out? There are no markings on it either really.
Cheers

The best way to see how the polarizer is affecting the shot is to point it at the horizon at right angle to the sun and rotate it. Do this when there's a nice blue sky (so now is the perfect time to have got one). As you rotate it you should see the blue of the sky become deeper and more saturated, and as a result look a lot nicer (in my opinion).

You can do a similar test by looking at a lake/stream, you should see the reflection on the water become reduced massively and you'll have a much clearer view into the water. Same for reflections in windows and various other surfaces.

You'll need to play around with the angles as the position you are with respect to the sun affects the level of polarization you get.

Edited by bonsai on Wednesday 30th June 22:19

[percymk4]

Nice one, thanks for the info