Advanced DoF
Depth of field with adjustable CoC for print size and viewing
How to use Advanced DoF
- 1Enter focal length, aperture (f-number), focus distance, and circle of confusion.
- 2Choose the camera sensor size to set a sensible CoC default.
- 3Read the near limit, far limit, and total depth of field.
Advanced depth of field
DOF = (2 · N · c · d² · (m + 1)) / (f²) (approx), where m = magnificationDepth of field is the range in front of and behind the focus point that appears acceptably sharp.
Smaller aperture (higher f-number), shorter focal length, and greater distance all increase depth of field. This calculator uses a more precise model than the simple hyperfocal shortcut.
Frequently asked questions
Why not just use hyperfocal distance?
Hyperfocal is a quick estimate for landscape; this model gives exact near/far limits at any focus distance.
Does sensor size matter?
Yes; larger sensors need a larger CoC, which changes the DOF for the same aperture and framing.
Is diffraction included?
No; at very small apertures diffraction can reduce sharpness even when DOF is large.