Epson PhotoPC 600 and Polarizing Filters

visitors since May 18, 1998

This page has some sample pictures taken with the Epson PhotoPC 600 using a polarizing filter (Quantaray C-PL available at Ritz Camera) . I find that the polarizing filter helps the camera produce better pictures in bright light by reducing glare and causing the camera to use a larger aperture and/or a slower shutter speed. Without the filter I've found the camera sometimes underexposes, producing dark images.

Using a polarizing filter on the Epson PhotoPC 600 can be challenging. The polarizing filter rotates in order to produce the desired effect -- a quarter turn changes the view from "polarized" to "unpolarized". But, because of the design of the camera, the filter obscures the optical viewfinder, forcing you to use the LCD screen as a viewfinder. This can be difficult in bright light because the sunlight causes the screen to "wash out". And, because the screen self-adjusts its contrast/brightness as you rotate the filter, it is difficult to tell when the filter is "polarized" or "unpolarized" -- the screen appears to counteract the polarization.

Nonetheless, it can be done. The easiest way of using the filter is is to rotate it to its polarized position while it is not attached to the camera, note which way it is oriented, and then attach it to the camera. This is cumbersome, but effective. Another solution is to rotate the filter quickly while it is attached to the camera, carefully watching the LCD screen. Because the screen takes a few tenths of a second to adjust itself after the filter has been rotated, you can still use it to guage the degree of polarization...but only if you are quick! With a little practice, this can be quite effective.

16th Street, unpolarized Shutter 1/164, F11	16th Street, polarized Shutter 1/130, F5.6

Tree, unpolarized Shutter 1/160, F11	Tree, polarized Shutter 1/112, F5.6

Potomac River, unpolarized Shutter 1/189, F11	Potomac River, polarized Shutter 1/152, F5.6

Farragut North Park, unpolarized Shutter 1/91, F11	Farragut North Park, polarized Shutter 1/94, F5.6

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