1. What is Field of View?

Field of View (FOV) is the extent of the observable world seen through a camera lens at any given moment. It determines how much of a scene will be captured in the photograph and is measured in degrees.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the FOV equation:

Where:

• \( FOV \) — Field of view in degrees
• \( d \) — Sensor size (mm)
• \( f \) — Focal length (mm)

Explanation: The equation calculates the angular field of view based on the physical dimensions of the camera sensor and the focal length of the lens.

3. Importance of FOV Calculation

Details: Understanding FOV helps photographers choose the right lens for their needs, predict how much of a scene will be captured, and compare different camera systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the sensor size (often available in camera specifications) and focal length of your lens. Both values must be in millimeters and greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between horizontal and diagonal FOV?
A: Diagonal FOV is typically larger as it measures corner-to-corner. Most specifications refer to diagonal FOV unless specified otherwise.

Q2: How does sensor size affect FOV?
A: Larger sensors with the same focal length will have a wider field of view. This is why "crop factor" exists in photography.

Q3: What are typical FOV ranges?
A: Wide-angle lenses might have 60-100°, normal lenses about 40-60°, and telephoto lenses 10-30° or less.

Q4: Does FOV change with focus distance?
A: For most lenses, FOV remains relatively constant regardless of focus distance, though some lenses (particularly macro) may show slight variations.

Q5: How does this relate to human vision?
A: The human eye has about 120° of vertical FOV and nearly 180° horizontal FOV, though with varying acuity across the field.