Filmmaking
Depth of Field Calculator
Enter your sensor size, focal length, aperture, and subject distance to get near/far focus limits, total DOF, and hyperfocal distance.
Knowledge Base
How to Use the DOF Calculator
The Depth of Field (DOF) Calculator shows how much of your frame will be in focus based on lens, aperture, distance, and sensor size. Essential for choosing the right camera settings before shooting to ensure your subject is sharp while background is blurred.
What Is Depth of Field?
DOF is the zone of sharp focus in front of and behind your subject. Shallow DOF (blurry background) isolates subjects and looks cinematic. Deep DOF (everything sharp) works for wide landscapes and documentary work.
Factors That Affect DOF
- Aperture (f-stop): Lower f-numbers (f/1.4) = shallower DOF. Higher f-numbers (f/16) = deeper DOF.
- Focal Length: Longer lenses (70mm, 200mm) = shallower DOF. Wider lenses (24mm, 35mm) = deeper DOF.
- Distance to Subject: Closer focus distance = shallower DOF. Farther distance = deeper DOF.
- Sensor Size: Full-frame cameras = shallower DOF. APS-C, phones = deeper DOF at the same aperture.
Practical Application
For a talking-head interview, use a 85mm lens at f/2.8 from 6 feet away to blur the background. For an establishing shot where you want everything sharp, use a 24mm at f/8 or higher from 10 feet away.
FAQ
Q: How do I get the blurriest possible background (bokeh)?
A: Use the widest aperture available, longest focal length possible, and get as close to your subject as the lens allows.
Q: Can phone cameras achieve shallow DOF?
A: Phone cameras have small sensors and short focal lengths, making shallow DOF nearly impossible. Computational portrait modes simulate this.