Linear or circular polarizer for non-SLR?

[Throckmorton]

I want to get a polarizing filter for my Sony HX1. Do I need a circular polarizer or will a linear one work? As I understand, focusing and exposure are controlled electronically based on what the CMOS sensor sees, so there should be no need for a circular polarizer, right? Can I spend half as much and just get a linear?

I found an article that talks about "antialiasing filters" built into some digtial cameras, and how you need a circular polarizer if you have one, but it's from 2003. I've never heard of such a thing. http://www.photokb.com/Uwe/Forum.as...ular-polarizer-and-non-SLR-digicams-revisited

I can't find any article that gives a definitive answer. They all say "use a circular polarizer because you obviously must have an SLR if you're using filters"

 

[Scooby Doo]

If the front lens doesn't rotate, it can use linear filter correct?

 

[Throckmorton]

Circular means that there is a second filter built in to the glass behind the polarizer, that basically scrambles the polarized light again, so autofocus and auto exposure mechanisms can work.

 

[Scooby Doo]

Oh ok.. all I do know is you can't use linear polarizers on front focus lenses due to the fact they rotate.

 

[GoSharks]

Oh ok.. all I do know is you can't use linear polarizers on front focus lenses due to the fact they rotate.

That isn't why you use a circular polarizer - a linear one messes with the autofocus of a SLR. Pretty much no modern lenses rotate the front element anymore??

 

[Throckmorton]

How can I determine if my HX1 has an antialiasing filter? Do all cameras have them?

This is all I can turn up by googling, people removing AA filters from DSLRs

http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00KStu

http://www.maxmax.com/hot_rod_visible.htm

 

[Throckmorton]

A post here says the effect would be minimal. Hmmmm http://photo.net/digital-camera-forum/00T14j

 

[Throckmorton]

I gave up on trying to figure it out and bought a Hoya purple label circular.

I'm working on modding my HX1 to take the 58mm filter. Tried to use a macro reversing ring (female-female) + 52-58mm stepup adapter. But the ring was too thick to fit in the barrel with the lens retracted. So I ordered one of these premade ones. http://hx1-adapter.tk/

Can't wait to use my polarizer

 

[twistedlogic]

Do I need a circular polarizer or will a linear one work?

From BobAtkins.com:

A "circular polarizer" actually consists of two elements. The first is a linear polarizer, exactly the same thing as the linear polarizer we have just discussed. The second. element is called a quarter wave plate and it is cemented to the back of the linear polarizer with a specific orientation such that the light emerging from the quarter wave plate is circularly polarized (hence the "circular" polarizer name). How it does this is beyond the scope of this article, but take it from me, it does!

 

[Scooby Doo]

That isn't why you use a circular polarizer - a linear one messes with the autofocus of a SLR. Pretty much no modern lenses rotate the front element anymore??

Ahh ok, must have misread it somewheres. Also the kit lenses (18-55 non-IS, and the 55-250 have front rotating element, the 50 1.8 doesn't)

 

[Throckmorton]

I got my adapter. It took 2 weeks because it shipped from Poland. The precision it must have taken to machine this is incredible. It snaps onto the barrel perfectly, and when closed is flush with the housing. Exactly the same diameter too, so it looks like it's a part of the camera.

Can't wait to use my Hoya polarizer.

I got a lens cap too, since the OEM one snaps into the housing and isn't 58mm