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