Hello Huvians! Kicking off the Choose the Best Lens for Your Project blog series, I'll be talking about the fundamentals of angle of view (and the similar field of view) and how it relates to choosing the right lens for your camera and project.
Today we're diving into a fundamental yet often misunderstood concept in filmmaking: the camera's angle of view (AoV). Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your cinematic journey, grasping this concept is key to selecting the right lens and nailing your shot composition.
So, grab your favorite beverage, and let's get into it!
What is Angle of View?
In simple terms, the angle of view is the extent of the scene that a camera can capture. It is how the camera "sees" the world.
Angle of View vs. Field of View: What's the Difference?
Angle of View (AoV)
Think of Angle of View as the theoretical side of things. It’s all about the lens and the sensor. AoV is the angular extent of the scene captured by the camera, measured in degrees. It’s determined by the focal length of the lens and the size of the camera’s sensor.
Here's the breakdown:
Wide-Angle Lenses (e.g., 18mm) have a large AoV, capturing more of the scene. Great for landscapes or tight spaces!
Telephoto Lenses (e.g., 200mm) have a narrow AoV, focusing on a smaller part of the scene. Perfect for close-ups and distant subjects.
Field of View (FoV)
Field of View, on the other hand, is what you actually see in the frame. It’s the practical side—how much of the scene appears in your shot. FoV can be influenced by AoV but also by the distance between the camera and the subject.
Angle of View is about the camera’s potential—how wide or narrow it can see based on its lens and sensor.
Field of View is about what you actually capture in your shot, influenced by your distance from the subject and the AoV.
Think of AoV as the camera’s “eye” capabilities and FoV as the “picture” you end up with.
Now that you know the difference, for the rest of this article the terms will be used interchangeable!
What Does It All Mean?
While I can't help you with any existential crises you may be having, I can help you understand why it's important to understand angle/field of view!
Imagine you're standing in a field, looking through a camera's viewfinder. The angle of view determines how much of that beautiful landscape you can see through the lens, and ultimately how much of that scene is captured by the imager. It’s like the difference between looking through a narrow tunnel versus a wide window.
A feature of "long" vs "wide" lenses is long lenses also magnify the image. We see this in telescopes - you see a much smaller extent of the sky than your camera phone, but they show a much closer, magnified view of our celestial bodies.
Similarly, we see wide-angle lenses on rear-facing camera on our cars that assist us with backing up safely. You don't need to see much behind your car in great detail, but it's very important you see the widest and tallest view possible to avoid backing into cars and pedestrians.
Wide-Angle Lenses (e.g., 18mm) have a large AoV, capturing more of the scene. Great for landscapes or tight spaces! Telephoto Lenses (e.g., 200mm) have a narrow AoV, focusing on a smaller part of the scene. Perfect for close-ups and distant subjects.
Angle of view and field of view are dictated by the combination of the lens's focal length and camera imager (i.e. sensor) size
Why Does Angle of View Matter?
AoV and FoV are used by cinematographers and photographers to plan and communicate ideas about composition. The term itself doesn't typically come up casually, but it's good to understand what it means and why it's important so you can have easy, productive conversations with your camera team. Effective communication greatly increases the odds of someone you're hiring carrying out your vision!
Let's see when it's important to discuss AoV and FoV concepts:
Shot Composition: Knowing your angle of view allows you to compose your shots more effectively. Want to emphasize the grandeur of a location? A wide angle will do the trick. Need to highlight an actor's emotional nuance? A narrow angle will bring that into sharp focus. It’s all about matching the shot to your storytelling needs.
Audience Experience: The angle of view directly impacts how your audience perceives the scene. A wider angle can make the viewer feel like part of the environment, while a narrower angle can create a sense of intimacy or even tension. It’s a powerful tool to guide the audience's emotions and attention.
Lens Selection: Understanding the angle of view helps you pick the right lens for your scene and underpins the language camera people use as they discuss lens choice. Wide-angle lenses capture more of the scene, perfect for epic landscapes or cramped interiors. On the other hand, telephoto lenses have a narrow angle of view, ideal for close-ups and focusing on distant subjects.
Practical Tips for Filmmakers
Experiment with Different Lenses: Don’t just stick to one lens. Try out different focal lengths to see how the angle of view changes your shots. This hands-on experimentation will give you a better feel for how each lens affects the composition. Read Zoom vs. Prime Lenses: A Guide to Choosing the Right Glass to better understand lens choice
Use Angle of View to Tell Your Story: Think about what you want to convey in each scene. A wide angle can establish a setting, while a narrow angle can draw the audience's focus to specific details. Use this to your advantage to enhance your narrative.
Consider Your Shooting Space: Tight spaces might limit your ability to step back and capture the whole scene with a narrow lens. In such cases, a wide-angle lens can be a lifesaver, allowing you to get the shot without compromising on the composition.
In a nutshell, understanding the camera's angle of view is an important part of your filmmaking toolkit. It empowers you to choose the right lens, frame your shots with precision, and ultimately tell your story in the most compelling way possible.
So next time you set up a shot, take a moment to consider the angle of view. Happy shooting!
Check out the next article in the Choose the Best Lens for Your Project series: Focal Length Fundamentals to Make Your Composition Pop!
Check out the rest of the Choose the Best Lens for Your Project series
Focal Length: Next Steps to Greater Understanding
Selecting the Right Lens for Your Sensor Format
Image Circles: What Does That Mean, and Why Should I Care?
How to Buy and Sell Used Cameras and Lenses: A Beginner's Guide
And more are coming!
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