Polarization filters |
| Polarization filters are handy tools, when used right. They reduce or eliminate
certain reflections on non-metallic surfaces and so enhance the colors of the objects: |
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| Without filter |
With polarization filter |
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| But sometimes reflections are somewhat essential. When they're removed completely,
the image simply looks boring: |
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| Without filter |
With polarization filter |
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| This works in big scale too: |
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| Without filter |
With polarization filter |
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| Both images were taken immediately in a row near sunset. The differences are
clearly visible. Basically the filter reduces reflexions from water-molecules
in the air, in this situation we got a decent increase in contrast. |
| There are two kinds of polarization filters, linear and circular. The difference
is how the light leaves the filter in the camera's direction. Especially SLR cameras
contain a semireflective mirror to separate some light for the metering system. These
mirrors are sensitive to lineary polarized light and may produce badly exposed
images in combination with a linear polarization filter. You should read your
camera's manual to verify, if you need a circular polarization filter. |