I know a larger CCD size (focal plane) means it is easier to get a shallower Depth-of-Field. Plenty of threads have stated this already. However, is there a diagram that can illustrate the reason?

I don't feel that I can learn about the subject by memorizing the facts. A picture of a diagram would really help. I would really appreciate it if any of you can send me a link to a diagram or simply let me know where I can see one. (I thought I had seen it once in Jon Faur's DVCAM book)

I apologize if I am upsetting any of you with my dumb question.

Get the angle-of-view-equivalency charts here:
http://www.edward.grabczewski.btinternet.co.uk/Cine_Charts.htm

Imaging size doesn't affect DOF, but lens focal length does, and smaller imagers need wider-angle lenses in order to achieve usable fields of view.

Which is why a 35mm movie camera might have a 25-250mm zoom, whereas a 1/6" CCD camera would have a 2.8-28mm lens. The field of view is roughly the same, but the focal length is obviously dramatically different, and the long telephoto of the 35mm camera shows why it would have such shallow depth of field.

Thank you for taking the time to try to teach me about this subject.

My follow-up question is: How does CCD size (or Film size) affect focal length?

Here is a link I've found which contains an illustration and formulas. Can any of you explain to me in simple terms just how CCD size affects focal-length based on this illustration?

http://www.dof.pcraft.com/dof.cgi

The size of the format (i.e. 35mm film, 2/3chip, 1/3 chip etc.) will effect the DOF. Why? The Circle of Confusion (COC) will change with the size format. DOF is also effected when the subject distance is close to the Hyperfocal Distance and at very close distance.

There is not really a visual diagram that fits with DOF. It is a mathematical formula. I don't think a single diagram will help much. Have you read the article (http://www.dvinfo.net/articles/optics/dofskinny.php) and thread (http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3926) on DOF? Now would be a good time and if you have questions post back in the DOF thread. I'll probably add this post to that thread.

Okay, Jeff. I got the point. :)
Okay, Jeff. I got the point. :)

Frank, those are lines of confusion, not circles of confusion.