depth of field

[′depth əv ′fēld]

(optics)

The range of distances over which a camera gives satisfactory definition, when its lens is in the best focus for a certain specific distance.

depth of field

The area in an image from front to back that is in focus. The smaller the aperture (the larger the f-stop number), the more objects are in focus both near and distant. The wider the aperture (the smaller the f-stop number), elements in front of and behind the object in focus appear soft or blurry.

Set a Mood
In both moving and still pictures, depth of field (DOF) is widely used to call attention or create feelings. By focusing on one element in the image and leaving the rest blurry, the audience is drawn to that part of the frame. In addition, making surroundings softer or foggy can eliminate unwanted background objects that distract from the subject of the picture. See f-stop and focal length.

Quite a Difference

Changing the f-stop from f/29 (top) to f/4.5 (bottom) turns all the unwanted objects in the background into a blur.

Quite a Difference

Changing the f-stop from f/29 (top) to f/4.5 (bottom) turns all the unwanted objects in the background into a blur.

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References in periodicals archive

Images will be sharper, with better contrast, resolution and depth of field. Having good depth of field--where objects at different distances from the camera are in focus simultaneously--is important in the video monitoring of, for example, a long corridor or parking lot.

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As to the picture, I wish I could claim to be a pro photographer, but the truth is I just followed some very good advice I was given years ago by someone who was definitely a pro--for excellent shots that are in focus and have great depth of field, there's only one rule: "f/16 and be there." And, of course, it helps if you use a really expensive, idiot-proof digital camera.

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The Extended Depth of Field (EDF) upgrade, currently in Beta testing at seven customer sites, has demonstrated up to a 10 fold increase depth of field allowing cellular structures to be imaged in crisp focus at positions well beyond the limitations of conventional imaging techniques.

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But as professional photographers know, the wider the aperture, the less the depth of field. Soldiers using the technology must adjust their goggles by hand, which is not what they want to be doing in the middle of a pitched battle.

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Short read times and a depth of field enable the CLV420, an enhanced version of the company's CLV410, to be used on some of the most demanding production lines where products, tote boxes and other conveyor-borne articles have to be tracked for quality, scheduling and traceability purposes.

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One of the last obstacles to be overcome is depth of field. Digital cameras have the same problems with depth of field as film cameras, but digital cameras can be used in conjunction with computers to find a workaround that is very acceptable.

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His depth of field is also affected, but it doesn't keep him off the greens.

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This microscope provides exceptionally bright illumination and outstanding depth of field for otolaryngology and was designed with particular emphasis on multidisciplinary surgery centers.

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This is a small book, but each page features a striking color photograph that uses light and depth of field to create an intense natural image.

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Operating a lens at a high f/stop restricts light rays to the central area of the lens and improves depth of field although the image may be very dim.

Seeing objects as they are: a better understanding of camera and lens characteristics will help to optimize your AOI application

Telecentric optics provide sufficient depth of field to enable single-focus measurement of cylinder forms and other solids with difficult.

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When dealing with substrates of varying thicknesses, choose a lens that allows the depth of field to increase.

Machine vision challenges: the key to success: flexibility with illumination and lens choice