Polarizing filters for Canon S5IS

[sunwrites]

Hi,

I am looking to buy stuff for my Canon S5-IS that'll markedly enhance my picture quality. I explored the TC-DC58B and WC-DC58A add-on lenses offered by Canon but they're way too expensive at least here in India.

I understand polarizing filters help improve picture quality significantly as against plain UV filters. As they'd be much cheaper than the lenses, I'm thinking of buying one for my Canon S5-IS. That way while my camera's zoom and wide-angle capabilities will remain the same, I can at least get richer pictures.

Can someone tell me if I'm thinking correctly?

Also, does a polarizing filter too need a lens adapter to fit on the S5-IS or can it be fitted directly on the original fixed lens? What make/model filters will go on my S5-IS without trouble?

If someone has already done this or knows this stuff, I'd be grateful for some advice.

[OsmosisStudios]

A circular polarizer doesn't magically improve image quality. It helps saturate colours and control glare from non-metallic reflections.

That being said, I dont know of any that will fit on the S5is without issue. You cant just screw one onto the lens (it doesnt have the threads for it).

[sunwrites]

OsmosisStudios,

Thanks. Yes, you're right about the effect of polarizing filters. I've been doing some reading up elsewhere too and learnt the same thing. Of course my whole idea is to become a better photographer by understanding these sort of subtleties and making informed choices. The S5-IS will probably need the LAH lens adapter to be able to screw the filter onto it. I might go for the whole kit if I get it at a reasonable price here. Else will wait till I'm ready to upgrade to a serious DSLR.

Thanks a lot for regularly sharing your insights with me.

[inkista]

The S5IS can take filters. You just need an adapter tube. I'd recommend a lensmate, since they're tooled from aluminum, vs. the plastic ones that Canon sells for roughly the same price. (You might have to look for one used, as I think they may have discontinued it). The other nice bit of the lensmate is that it'll protect your lens, and you can finally start gripping the camera like an SLR.

Basically, you can use standard 52mm and 58mm filters with them. I got a similar adapter tube for my G9, and used 58mm circular polarizers, NDs, and an infrared filter with it, since I already had them for my dSLR. It's actually a pretty good tool.