The distance range at which the subject acceptably sharp is defined as DOF. Depth-of-Field can be changed by changing the size of the aperture. A larger aperture (smaller f-number) causes narrow DOF range. A smaller aperture (larger f-number) creates a wide DOF range. Comments & Discussion
The depth-of-field (DOF) is defined as the distance through which satisfactory definition can be maintained when a lens is in focus at a particular distance. In other words, this value lets the user know the range over which there will be a significant difference in line thickness. There is a general agreement that "satisfactory definition" is maintained as long as the image size remains smaller than 1.4 times its smallest size. This distance is also called the Rayleigh range. The DOF is therefore equal to twice the Rayleigh range of the focusing system. Sideview of laser beam. Beyond the Depth-of-Field, a laser pattern will appear out-of-focus.
The zone where all elements in a picture are in focus.
is an area extending in front of and behind the point of sharpest focus in which the subject is acceptably sharp. For a landscape you generally want a large (or deep) depth of field (everything in focus), but for a portrait you may prefer a short depth-of-field (all but the subject's face is slightly out of focus). To maximize the depth of field set the camera at its smallest aperture (f/22 or greater) and focus about one-third of the way up from the bottom of your picture.
The difference between the nearest point and farthest point of an object in an image that is within acceptable focus.
Refers to how much of the photo is sharp behind and in front of the main subject you are focusing on. It is mainly determined by the size of your aperture as well as the focal length of the lens. The more or deeper the DOF the more in focus everything in the picture will be. Landscape photography tends are high depth-of-field shots. Smaller apertured and shorter focal lengths give you deeper DOF. Similarly less or more shallow depth-of-field means that your main subject is in focus, but the foreground and background tend to be out of focus. You usually want less DOF when taking portraits, close-ups or macro shots. The wider the aperture (lower the f-stop) and the longer the focal length, the more shallow the depth of field.
Refers to how much of a photo is in focus when the camera is focused on the main subject. Depth-of-field is controlled by a camera's aperture, in conjunction with the focal length of the lens. Deep (more) depth-of-field means that all or most of the picture is in focus from front to back. Shallow (less) depth-of-field means that a subject is in focus but objects in front and behind it appear out of focus.
The area between the nearest and the farthest points of a imaging device that are acceptably sharp. Not to be confused with true focus. Sometimes this is referred to as Z resolution.
The zone of in-focus elements, from front to back. Another way to put this is the range of distance that is acceptably sharp within a photograph. Depth-of field varies inversely with the aperture opening. In other words, a wide-open lens with an aperture of f/1.8 has little depth of field; if stopped down to f/16, almost everything from front to back will be sharply in focus.
A lens with a large depth-of-field, allows even odd-shaped objects to be brought into focus.
The range of distance within which a sensor has a response. Used to define the response pattern of proximity-mode sensors, especially ultrasonic and photoelectric convergent, fixed-field and adjustable-field sensors.
(Vision Sensing) The in-focus range of an imaging system. Measured from the distance behind an object to the distance in front of the object with all objects appearing in focus.
(Machine Safety) The distance, length, or the size of the sensing surface or field from the outer edge toward the hazard. Also known as "depth of detection."