Creative photography

[Deb]

Oops, my fault for not being clearer. That reference pertained to using a polarizer in general (for such things are intensifying color, reducing haze, reducing reflections, etc.). I'll add that the effect will also be greater when the sun is clear and becomes less prominent as the sun becomes clouded over. Does that help?

[rhinorick]

Thanks for your explanations everyone.    A little over my head at this point.  

I knew what you meant Deb.

Bdery ... that is why I am wondering whether mine has phase or contrast.  It is a DMC-FZ50 which is as big as a D-SLR (bigger than some actually).  It has the room and the manual settings, I'm just not sure they went that far with it.  I have submitted an email inquiry to Panasonic to ask them, as I cannot find that info anywhere online.  

But it sounds like a circular will fit the bill (or lens ) either way.

Now I just have to decide if I want one to fit my large, telephoto zoom lens.

[bdery]

The FZ-50 is a P&S, even though it's an advanced one. It uses contrast focusing. Panasonic only offer one DSLR camera, and it's not very common.

[rhinorick]

Ok, cool.  Thanks again bdery.

I have finally converted from using my FZ50 as a p&s camera ... I am using all manual controls now.  It is an awesome experience for me.  And actually so much easier and more fun.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand ... rainbows and polarizer filters.   I can't wait to get a polarizer filter and see how it changes my photos.

Anyone have some cool rainbow shots taken with a polarizer to inspire me, and others, to get some of our own?  

[rhinorick]

I actually got a reply back from Panasonic. :-)

The FZ50 does use a circular polarizer. :-)

Soooo ... now to find one. :-)

[rhinorick]

I got a polarizer filter (circular of course - see conversation above) for Christmas.  

Now to learn how to use it.  

I found your article HERE to be very helpful and enlightening.    Thanks!

Now I can't wait to photograph some rainbows!!  

[ShutterbugGail]

What a great Christmas present (better than a tie, eh?!).

I'm planning to get one too.

[rhinorick]

Amen!  

I also got a wide-angle lens for my FZ50 and an SD card reader.

I took a photo of my laptop with its monitor turned on ... using my new polarizer filter mentioned above.  With the filter turned far enough around, the monitor appears in the photo to be turned off.    That was totally unexpected.  Cool.

[ShutterbugGail]

You didn't spend all your Christmas present money on yourself, did you. LOL! Only kidding.  

[rhinorick]

Presents from my parents.