6.1 Understanding Focal Length and Field of View

Focal length and field of view are key concepts in cinematography. They determine how much of a scene is captured and how objects appear in relation to each other. Understanding these elements helps filmmakers create specific visual effects and convey desired emotions.

Lens selection impacts perspective, magnification, and spatial relationships in shots. By choosing the right focal length and field of view, cinematographers can manipulate the viewer's perception of distance, size, and depth in a scene, enhancing storytelling and visual impact.

Focal Length and Lens Types

Understanding Focal Length and Basic Lens Types

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• Focal length measures the distance between the lens and the image sensor when focused on infinity
• Focal length determines the magnification and angle of view of an image
• Wide-angle lens features a short focal length (typically less than 35mm) providing a wider field of view
• Normal lens approximates the human eye's perspective with a focal length around 50mm on a full-frame camera
• Telephoto lens has a long focal length (typically greater than 70mm) magnifying distant subjects

Specialized Lens Types and Their Applications

• Zoom lens offers variable focal lengths allowing photographers to adjust framing without changing lenses
• Prime lens has a fixed focal length providing superior image quality and often wider maximum apertures
• Fisheye lens creates an ultra-wide hemispherical image with strong visual distortion
• Macro lens designed for extreme close-up photography with high magnification ratios
• Tilt-shift lens allows selective focus and perspective control often used in architecture photography

Field of View and Perspective

Concepts of Field of View and Angle of View

• Field of view refers to the extent of the scene captured by the camera sensor
• Angle of view measures the angle of the captured scene from the camera's position
• Wide-angle lenses produce a larger field of view and angle of view
• Telephoto lenses result in a narrower field of view and angle of view
• Field of view changes with focal length shorter focal lengths yield wider fields of view
• Angle of view varies with both focal length and sensor size

Understanding Perspective and Its Effects

• Perspective describes the spatial relationship between objects in an image
• Perspective compression occurs when using telephoto lenses making distant objects appear closer together
• Wide-angle lenses can create perspective distortion exaggerating the size of foreground objects
• Changing camera position alters perspective while changing focal length affects framing
• Perspective affects depth perception in images influencing the viewer's interpretation of space
• Skillful use of perspective creates visual interest and guides the viewer's eye through the composition