Depth of field (DOF) is a term which refers to the areas of the photograph both in front and behind the main focus point which remain "sharp" (in focus). Depth of field is affected by the aperture, subject distance, focal length, and film or sensor format.
A larger aperture (smaller f-number, e.g. f/2) has a shallow depth of field. Anything behind or in front of the main focus point will appear blurred. A smaller aperture (larger f-number, e.g. f/11) has a greater depth of field. Objects within a certain range behind or in front of the main focus point will also appear sharp.
I was always looking for some logical & concrete ways to gauge DOF ~ Depth of Field & also applications to correctly measure it. While photographing (specially Landscapes) I guess many Photographers face this challenge. As what should be their Best Shot in capturing the most (therotically) correct picture.
Now NO GUESS WOK REQUIRED. You can know scientifically & precisely and use the Tools from this site: http://www.dofmaster.com/ for correct DOF. The site has DOF calculators of 3 types: For Windows, For Palm OS & the Printable Charts. A real techie stuff indeed…!
For further study on DOF, please refer:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_of_field
http://www.dpreview.com/learn/key=depth+of+field
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/depth-of-field.htm
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/fototech/htmls/depth.html
http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam/User-Guide/950/depth-of-field.html
http://toothwalker.org/optics/dof.html
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/dof.shtml
- So now, Have A Deep-Focused photography…!
- PRABHAT.
