Photography Depth of Field (DoF) Calculator
Our Depth of Field calculator helps photographers understand how their camera settings affect the focus area of their shots. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this tool allows you to achieve the perfect focus for your compositions.
DoF Calculator
Results
Data Source and Methodology
All calculations are based on standard depth of field formulas used by professional photographers. For further reading, refer to DOFMaster. All calculations are strictly based on the formulas and data provided by this source.
The Formula Explained
Depth of Field (DoF) is calculated using the formula:
\( DoF = \frac{2 \cdot N \cdot C \cdot H \cdot f^2}{f^2 - N \cdot C \cdot H} \)
Glossary of Terms
- Focal Length: The distance between the lens and the image sensor when the subject is in focus, typically stated in millimeters (mm).
- Aperture: The opening of a lens's diaphragm through which light passes, represented by f-stop numbers.
- Subject Distance: The distance from the camera to the subject, measured in meters.
- Circle of Confusion: The diameter of the point spread function in the image plane, usually in millimeters.
How It Works: A Step-by-Step Example
Imagine you're photographing a flower with a 50mm lens at f/2.8, standing 2 meters away. The Circle of Confusion for your camera is 0.03mm. Using the formula, you can calculate the DoF to ensure the flower is sharply focused against the background.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Depth of Field?
Depth of Field is the distance between the nearest and the furthest objects in a scene that appear acceptably sharp in an image.
How can I change the Depth of Field?
You can change the Depth of Field by adjusting your camera's aperture, the focal length of the lens, or the distance to the subject.
Why is Circle of Confusion important?
The Circle of Confusion determines the point at which light rays converge on the sensor, affecting sharpness and depth of focus.
Does sensor size affect Depth of Field?
Yes, the sensor size can affect the Depth of Field. Full-frame sensors generally have a shallower DoF compared to crop sensors.
Is a smaller f-stop number better for portraits?
Yes, a smaller f-stop (larger aperture) creates a shallower Depth of Field, which is often desired for portrait photography to blur the background.