Angle of view

Angle of view (AOV) refers to the angular extent of the scene captured by the camera lens, measured diagonally. It is a crucial concept in photography, cinematography, and optics, determining how much of the scene will be captured and how it will be represented. The angle of view is dependent on two main factors: the focal length of the lens and the size of the image sensor or film format used in the camera.

Overview

The angle of view can be calculated using the equation:

\[ \text{AOV} = 2 \times \arctan \left( \frac{d}{2f} \right) \]

where:

• \(d\) is the diagonal size of the film or sensor
• \(f\) is the focal length of the lens

This formula provides the diagonal angle of view. However, the horizontal and vertical angles of view can also be important, especially in formats that are not square. They can be calculated by substituting \(d\) with the horizontal or vertical size of the sensor or film.

Factors Affecting Angle of View

1. 1. 1. Focal Length

The focal length of a lens is directly related to its angle of view; shorter focal lengths provide a wider angle of view, while longer focal lengths offer a narrower angle of view. This is why wide-angle lenses (with short focal lengths) are preferred for capturing expansive landscapes, and telephoto lenses (with long focal lengths) are ideal for focusing on distant subjects.

1. 1. 1. Sensor Size

The size of the camera's sensor also influences the angle of view. A larger sensor can capture more of the scene than a smaller one, given the same focal length. This is the principle behind the concept of crop factor, where the angle of view of a lens changes when used on cameras with different sensor sizes.

Applications

1. 1. 1. Photography

In photography, the angle of view helps photographers select the right lens for the desired composition. Understanding how focal length and sensor size affect the angle of view is essential for achieving the intended framing and perspective.

1. 1. 1. Cinematography

In cinematography, the angle of view is critical in selecting lenses that match the director's vision. It affects the narrative by controlling how much of the scene is visible and influences the audience's perception of space and action within the frame.

1. 1. 1. Optics

In optics, the concept of angle of view is used beyond cameras and lenses. It applies to any system that involves the projection of images, including microscopes and telescopes, where it influences how much of the subject or the sky can be seen through the eyepiece.

See Also

• Focal length
• Crop factor
• Photography
• Cinematography
• Optics

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