F stop number, picture quality? at DVinfo.net

Mathieu Ghekiere · December 21st, 2004, 03:25 PM

I mostly try to shoot at an f stop 1.8 or so, to have shallow depth of field.
But I read sometimes here that a cam films best or so, at an f stop of 4 to 8 or something like that?
Is that so? And why is that?
Is it because you have more detail? More color rendition?

Thanks for any information in advance.

Andre De Clercq · December 21st, 2004, 05:06 PM

Cam optics (lenses) are ''optimised'' for midrange F-numbers. However, F-setting doesn't make too much resolution difference for video unless you set to high F-numbers with small CCD chips(diffraction). Color rendition is not affected.

Mathieu Ghekiere · December 22nd, 2004, 08:05 AM

Thanks. So I don't have to worry so much about it?

Charles Palen · January 8th, 2005, 10:45 PM

In terms of quality, you probably mean the cleanest picture you can get. This may not pertain to quality per-se, but it does explain a lot about using the f-stop on a DV camera to maximize the looks of your shots concerning DOF.

http://www.dvxuser.com/cgi-bin/DVX2/YaBB.pl?board=news;action=display;num=1083366247

I saw that no one else replied, so maybe this can provide you with a little more info.

Good luck!

Mathieu Ghekiere · January 9th, 2005, 11:50 AM

Yeah, I just indeed wanted short DOF, but if there would be a difference in picture quality I would have to think about it. I knew about how to get the short DOP. But thanks a lot! It's great to play with your focus (well not like a lunatic, but if it fits the story)

Waldemar Winkler · January 9th, 2005, 06:48 PM

Typically, any camera lens will be the sharpest edge to edge at one of the mid f- stop settings. With computer-aided design and significant improvements in lens manufacturing this distinction is harder and harder to see without magnification.
Also, if you choose a mid f-stop for correct exposure of a scene, you has all kinds of latitude for over or under exposing to get the look you want. It is always a compromise choosing the right condidtions for your shoot.

December 21st, 2004, 03:25 PM	#1
Mathieu Ghekiere Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Belgium Posts: 2,195	F stop number, picture quality? I mostly try to shoot at an f stop 1.8 or so, to have shallow depth of field. But I read sometimes here that a cam films best or so, at an f stop of 4 to 8 or something like that? Is that so? And why is that? Is it because you have more detail? More color rendition? Thanks for any information in advance.

January 9th, 2005, 06:48 PM	#6
Waldemar Winkler Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Durango, Colorado, USA Posts: 711	Typically, any camera lens will be the sharpest edge to edge at one of the mid f- stop settings. With computer-aided design and significant improvements in lens manufacturing this distinction is harder and harder to see without magnification. Also, if you choose a mid f-stop for correct exposure of a scene, you has all kinds of latitude for over or under exposing to get the look you want. It is always a compromise choosing the right condidtions for your shoot. __________________ Waldemar

December 21st, 2004, 05:06 PM	#2
Andre De Clercq Major Player Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Belgium Posts: 804	Cam optics (lenses) are ''optimised'' for midrange F-numbers. However, F-setting doesn't make too much resolution difference for video unless you set to high F-numbers with small CCD chips(diffraction). Color rendition is not affected.

December 22nd, 2004, 08:05 AM	#3
Mathieu Ghekiere Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Belgium Posts: 2,195	Thanks. So I don't have to worry so much about it?

January 8th, 2005, 10:45 PM	#4
Charles Palen Tourist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Mt. Pleasant, Michigan Posts: 1	In terms of quality, you probably mean the cleanest picture you can get. This may not pertain to quality per-se, but it does explain a lot about using the f-stop on a DV camera to maximize the looks of your shots concerning DOF. http://www.dvxuser.com/cgi-bin/DVX2/YaBB.pl?board=news;action=display;num=1083366247 I saw that no one else replied, so maybe this can provide you with a little more info. Good luck!

January 9th, 2005, 11:50 AM	#5
Mathieu Ghekiere Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Belgium Posts: 2,195	Yeah, I just indeed wanted short DOF, but if there would be a difference in picture quality I would have to think about it. I knew about how to get the short DOP. But thanks a lot! It's great to play with your focus (well not like a lunatic, but if it fits the story)