Depth of Field Calculator

Step 1: Input the focal length, aperture, focus distance, pixel size, and sensor type.
Step 2: Calculate the sampling factor (1.4 for monochrome sensors, 2 for color sensors).
Step 3: Multiply the pixel size by the sampling factor to get the circle of confusion (CoC).
Step 4: Compute the hyperfocal distance, which is the closest focusing distance ensuring sharpness from half that distance to infinity.
Step 5: Determine the near limit and far limit of acceptable focus.
Step 6: Calculate the DOF as the difference between the far and near limits, or denote it as infinity if the focus distance exceeds the hyperfocal distance.

The circle of confusion (CoC) is the blurred spot formed when light rays fail to converge exactly on the image sensor. It defines the maximum permissible blur for an image to be considered in focus.

Shorter focal lengths generally provide a greater depth of field, while longer focal lengths result in a shallower DOF, offering more subject isolation.

Absolutely. Increasing the focus distance widens the DOF, making more of the scene appear sharp; conversely, decreasing the focus distance reduces the DOF.

Aperture size directly influences the depth of field. A larger aperture (low F-number) reduces DOF, while a smaller aperture (high F-number) increases it.

To extend DOF, opt for a smaller aperture (higher F-number), choose a shorter focal length, or increase the focus distance.

Pixel size affects the acceptable CoC. Smaller pixels lead to a smaller CoC and a shallower DOF, while larger pixels allow a larger CoC, resulting in a deeper DOF.