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ultranitwit2 · Mar 12, 2007, 6:59 AM

Hello ,whats the difference between a polarized circular or linearfilter ,also is there any difference between a film camera and a digital camera when using a filter since some are now marketed as digital filters,Im confused on what to buy for my sony H2 I was thinking of getting a hoya polarized circular filter? Help!

JimC · Mar 12, 2007, 1:33 PM

Circular is a better bet if you're going to use one on more than one camera type. Some AF Sensors in DSLR models (or film SLR models) won't work as well if you use a Linear polarizer. A Circular Polarizer shouldn't have any issues on either camera type. With your Sony, it shouldn't make any difference (it uses a different type of AF system compared to an SLR and shouldn't be impacted if you use a Linear Polarizer).

The Hoya Circular Polarizer should work fine on your Sony (or on a film camera) provided filter thread size you need for your model is correct.

Bob Nichol · Mar 12, 2007, 1:43 PM

I won't get into how a circular polarizer works differently from a linear as I don't understand it myself so here is an executive summary.

Most DSLRs and SLRs with autofocus require circular polarizers otherwise the autofocus won't work properly.

Most non-DSLR/SLR cameras can use either circular or linear polarizers because they have a different autofocus mechanism, check your owners manual.

Circular polarizers are more expensive than linear ones for the same size, do the math!

Some people will advise you get the circular polarizer in the event you ever buy a DSLR but the lens will probably be too large anyway, Murphy's Law!

A filter is a filter and "digital filter" in this context is strictly a meaningless marketing term.

ultranitwit2 · Mar 12, 2007, 2:00 PM

Thank you guys ,I knew this was the place to ask .Your help is greatly appreciated. I'm now going to order the hoya 58mm polarizing filter for my H2 Thanks Again!

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Mar 12, 2007, 6:59 AM	#1
ultranitwit2 Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 51	Hello ,whats the difference between a polarized circular or linearfilter ,also is there any difference between a film camera and a digital camera when using a filter since some are now marketed as digital filters,Im confused on what to buy for my sony H2 I was thinking of getting a hoya polarized circular filter? Help!

Mar 12, 2007, 1:33 PM	#2
JimC Administrator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Savannah, GA (USA) Posts: 22,378	Circular is a better bet if you're going to use one on more than one camera type. Some AF Sensors in DSLR models (or film SLR models) won't work as well if you use a Linear polarizer. A Circular Polarizer shouldn't have any issues on either camera type. With your Sony, it shouldn't make any difference (it uses a different type of AF system compared to an SLR and shouldn't be impacted if you use a Linear Polarizer). The Hoya Circular Polarizer should work fine on your Sony (or on a film camera) provided filter thread size you need for your model is correct.

Mar 12, 2007, 1:43 PM	#3
Bob Nichol Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Eastern Ontario Canada Posts: 823	I won't get into how a circular polarizer works differently from a linear as I don't understand it myself so here is an executive summary. Most DSLRs and SLRs with autofocus require circular polarizers otherwise the autofocus won't work properly. Most non-DSLR/SLR cameras can use either circular or linear polarizers because they have a different autofocus mechanism, check your owners manual. Circular polarizers are more expensive than linear ones for the same size, do the math! Some people will advise you get the circular polarizer in the event you ever buy a DSLR but the lens will probably be too large anyway, Murphy's Law! A filter is a filter and "digital filter" in this context is strictly a meaningless marketing term.

Mar 12, 2007, 2:00 PM	#4
ultranitwit2 Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 51	Thank you guys ,I knew this was the place to ask .Your help is greatly appreciated. I'm now going to order the hoya 58mm polarizing filter for my H2 Thanks Again!