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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Thanks Ryan. That will save me some shekels.
Clark

hmm... good to know.

I guess things have changed in the last few years.

sorry for my ignorance