Circular or Linear Polarizers

KevinPeeples

KevinPeeples

Well-known member
I've been searching around here for what type of polarizer to buy. I cant seem to find any good answers. Some people say definitely circular, and some say either linear or circular.

While doing research on the internet, Ive learned that Circular polarizers are needed for autofocusing SLR cameras because of their beam splitting metering. But Im not using an SLR. Im using my DVX.

And from people talking about an XL1, its been said that a circular polarizer is recommended because the prism block and CCD block contain dichroic filters and a beam splitter and a linear polarizer could affect the performance of the camera.

So another question is, some people like me never shoot in autofocus, and some dvx shooters shoot autofocus. So does this mean that someone shooting with a dvx in auto might need a circular polarizer? And someone like me who does not shoot in auto, only needs a linear polarizer? Or am I off on this? Does the DVX have dichroic filters and a beam spliter like the XL1, and do I need a circular polarizer?

Anyone with info on this would be great. Ive searched numerously on this forum and I still cant seem to find a solid answer on someone who has a polarizer with the DVX.

I need to order one on Monday....
 
Circular polarizers work on the DVX by default, you can screw them on.

Square ones need a Matte box to be used.

But I too, am looking for more info polarizers.
 
I know we Pm'ed about this, but just to repeat it in the thread, Linear doesnt mean Square. Both Linear and Circular polarizers can fit onto a DVX, as they are both Circular in shape, but the difference between a linear and a circular is the lines in the actual filter, and how it polarizes the light.
 
KevinPeeples said:
I know we Pm'ed about this, but just to repeat it in the thread, Linear doesnt mean Square. Both Linear and Circular polarizers can fit onto a DVX, as they are both Circular in shape, but the difference between a linear and a circular is the lines in the actual filter, and how it polarizes the light.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I gotcha now. :-)
 
I think the real question is, is there a downside to a circular polarizer? Do circular and linear have any performance differences other than the autofocus issue?
 
ullanta said:
I think the real question is, is there a downside to a circular polarizer? Do circular and linear have any performance differences other than the autofocus issue?
Click to expand...

Yes, exactly.
 
Sounds like Circular is the way to go for DVX.

The B&H website says:

"Linear polarizers are used with most manual focus cameras and are not recommended for auto-focus cameras. Circular polarizers are specifically designed for use with auto-focus SLR cameras (They will also work on manual systems without problems)."
 
Nope. SLRs and DVs are two different animals.

Now, if you have an SLR that takes a 72mm filter, it would be cost-effective to get a circular that you could use wiht both. Other than that, you're paying more than you need to.
 
Yeah, I decided to buy a linear. If Im not using autofocus, and I can use both, then linear's are cheaper than circular. Ive had people tell me both will work, so I just took a leap and bought a linear. I will post stills of before and after once I get it in the mail and shoot some stuff. Thanks for all who've given advice.
 
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