1. What is Depth of Field?

Depth of Field (DOF) is the distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a scene that appear acceptably sharp in an image. It's a crucial concept in photography and cinematography.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple DOF equation:

Where:

• Near Focus — The closest distance that appears sharp (m)
• Far Focus — The farthest distance that appears sharp (m)

Explanation: The difference between these two focus points gives the depth of field - the zone of acceptable sharpness.

3. Importance of DOF Calculation

Details: Understanding DOF helps photographers control what parts of an image are in focus, creating artistic effects or ensuring critical elements are sharp.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both near and far focus distances in meters. Both values must be positive numbers, with near focus being larger than far focus.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What affects depth of field?
A: Aperture (f-stop), focal length, distance to subject, and sensor size all affect DOF.

Q2: What's a typical DOF range?
A: It varies widely - from millimeters in macro photography to kilometers in landscape shots.

Q3: How does aperture affect DOF?
A: Larger apertures (smaller f-numbers) create shallower DOF, while smaller apertures increase DOF.

Q4: What's hyperfocal distance?
A: The focus distance that maximizes DOF, making everything from half this distance to infinity appear sharp.

Q5: Can I calculate DOF more precisely?
A: Yes, more complex formulas consider aperture, focal length, and circle of confusion for precise calculations.