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FOV Formula:
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Field Of View (FOV) is the extent of the observable world that is seen at any given moment through a camera lens or optical instrument. It's typically measured in degrees and depends on both the focal length of the lens and the size of the camera sensor.
The calculator uses the FOV formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the angular field of view based on the physical dimensions of the camera system, converting the result from radians to degrees for easier interpretation.
Details: Calculating FOV is essential for photographers, videographers, and optical engineers to understand what will be captured in an image, plan shots effectively, and select appropriate equipment for specific applications.
Tips: Enter the sensor size and focal length in millimeters. Both values must be positive numbers. Common sensor sizes include 36mm (full-frame), 22.2mm (APS-C), and 17.3mm (Micro Four Thirds).
Q1: Why is FOV important in photography?
A: FOV determines how much of a scene will be captured, affecting composition and the perceived relationship between subjects in the frame.
Q2: How does sensor size affect FOV?
A: Larger sensors with the same focal length will have a wider field of view, while smaller sensors will have a narrower field of view (crop factor).
Q3: What's the difference between horizontal and diagonal FOV?
A: This calculator provides the diagonal FOV, which is the most common measurement. Horizontal and vertical FOV can be calculated using the sensor's aspect ratio.
Q4: Does FOV affect depth of field?
A: While FOV itself doesn't directly affect depth of field, the focal length changes that affect FOV do influence depth of field characteristics.
Q5: Can I use this calculator for telescope or microscope FOV?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to any optical system, though you may need to account for eyepiece magnification in telescopic systems.