Chapter 4 Video Camera Operations
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Most of the time, a camera’s depth of fi eld should be as large as pos-
sible. This is called
great depth of fi eld, also known as deep depth of fi eld.
When using a great depth of fi eld, zooming and some camera movements
(such as a truck or arc) do not cause the image to go in and out of focus.
However, when every element in the picture is in focus, no one particular
item stands out for emphasis.
Using shallow depth of fi eld moves the audience’s attention to
the one portion of the picture that is in focus. A shallow depth of fi eld
allows the program’s director to control exactly what the viewer looks
at within the frame of the picture. For example, scenes on television
and in movies where the foreground is in focus and the background
is out of focus direct the viewer’s attention to the item or action in the
great depth of field: When a
camera’s depth of field is as
large as possible. Also called
deep depth of field.
shallow depth of field:
A depth of field technique
that moves the audience’s
attention to the one portion of
the picture that is in focus.
Stuart Jenner/Shutterstock.com
Figure 4-5. The depth of
field is the area in front of
the camera, regardless
of the distance, in which
objects are in focus.
Out of Focus Out of Focus
In Focus
To help clarify this concept, find the MOD of your eye.
1. Close or cover one eye.
2. Hold up your index finger about 12″ away from your face.
3. With one eye open, look at your fingerprint; you should
be able to clearly see it.
4. Slowly move your finger toward your face.
As you move your finger closer, there comes a point when your eye
can no longer focus on your finger and you are unable to clearly see the
fingerprint. This point is the minimum object distance (MOD) of
your eye.
Application Activity