Can I use a linear polarizer on an OM-D E-M1 mirrorless camera?
Asked 8/22/2017
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I’ve read that linear polarizers are generally fine on mirrorless cameras because they don’t use the same beam-splitting metering system as DSLRs. However, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 has phase-detect autofocus on the sensor. Will a linear polarizer cause any problems with autofocus or exposure on this camera?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
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Yes, you can use linear polarizer with mirrorless cameras, including OM-D E-M1.
No, phase detect autofocus in mirrorless cameras is not affected by linear polarizers.
Phase detect autofocus sounds like something that belongs to DSLR, hence the confusion. Indeed, AF might be affected in DSLR cameras (usually it is not), where the light is reflected to a separate AF sensor. Mirrorless cameras use the same main sensor for phase detect AF, without reflections and without polarization issues.
Originally by user32811. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user32811
8y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. A linear polarizer should work fine on the OM-D E-M1.
The usual concern with linear polarizers comes from some SLR/DSLR designs, where mirrors or beam splitters send light to separate metering or autofocus sensors. Polarization can interfere with those systems. On the E-M1, phase-detect AF is performed on the main imaging sensor, so that mirror/beam-splitter issue does not apply.
In practice, that means a linear polarizer should not cause a special autofocus problem on this mirrorless body.
That said, if you’re buying a new filter, many photographers still choose a circular polarizer. Modern photographic circular polarizers are far more common, and it’s often easier to find good ones with better coatings, neutral color, and overall optical quality. So: linear is okay on the E-M1, but circular may still be the more practical purchase.
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