Cameras

Reviewing some of the basics of optical imaging systems helps reveal some of the implicit assumptions often made in producing images with computer graphics.

Ideal pinhole camera


Real pinhole camera


Aperture with a lens system


Why is depth-of-field limited?


Camera Elements


The 'aperture' of a lens is the diameter of the lens opening divided by the focal length of the lens. For a typical 50mm lens, the aperture may range from f/2 (large aperture) to f/22 (small aperture). The aperture will determine the depth of field of the resulting image.