Depth of Field Calculator (Full Frame, S35, MFT & Broadcast)

This free tool determines your Near Limit, Far Limit, and Hyperfocal Distance. Unlike standard photography calculators, this engine includes specific Circle of Confusion (CoC) values for cinema cameras (Super 35), broadcast cameras (2/3"), and modern mirrorless hybrids.

Depth of Field Calculator

Near Limit --
Far Limit --
Total Depth --
Hyperfocal Dist. --
*Focus at the Hyperfocal Distance to keep everything from half that distance to Infinity in sharp focus.

How to use this Depth of Field Calculator

1. Select Your Sensor Format Depth of field changes drastically depending on your camera sensor.

  • Full Frame: Select this for cameras like the Sony A7 series, Canon R5/R6, or Nikon Z.

  • Super 35 (S35): The cinema standard. Use this for the Canon C70, Sony FX6, FS7, or Blackmagic Pocket 6K.

  • Micro 4/3: For Panasonic GH5/GH6 and Blackmagic Pocket 4K.

  • Broadcast 2/3": Essential for ENG shooters and those using broadcast cameras.

  • Medium Format: For the Fujifilm GFX series or Hasselblad.

2. Enter Your Settings Input your lens Focal Length (e.g., 50mm) and your Aperture (f-stop). If you are using a zoom lens, enter the focal length marked on the barrel at your desired zoom level.

3. Analyze the Results

  • Hyperfocal Distance: This is the "Magic Number." If you set your focus ring to this distance, everything from half that distance all the way to infinity will be acceptably sharp. This is critical for landscape shots or wide establishing shots where you want deep focus.

  • Near & Far Limit: This tells you the exact zone of sharpness. Anything outside these measurements will begin to blur.

Why does "Broadcast 2/3 inch" have such deep focus?

You might notice that selecting the Broadcast 2/3" option gives you a much deeper depth of field than Full Frame. This is due to the smaller sensor size requiring a much shorter focal length to achieve the same field of view. This is why broadcast cameras are preferred for sports and news—it is much easier to keep fast-moving subjects in focus.

What are the Circle of Confusion Values (CoC)?

This calculator uses standard industry values for Circle of Confusion:

  • Full Frame: 0.030mm

  • Super 35 / APS-C: 0.023mm - 0.019mm

  • MFT: 0.015mm

  • Broadcast 2/3": 0.011mm