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Introduction to F-Stop
Introduction
An f-number is a measure of the light-gathering ability of an optical system such as a camera lens. It is calculated by dividing the system’s focal length by the diameter of the entrance pupil (“clear aperture”). The f-number is also known as the focal ratio, f-ratio, or f-stop, and it is key in determining the depth of field, diffraction, and exposure of a photograph. The f-number is dimensionless and is usually expressed using a lower-case hooked f with the format f/N, where N is the f-number.
A quick note. We were planning to write up a summary of F-Stop in our own words. However, there is plenty of great content on the topic readily available online (as you read above). So…rather than re-wording existing content, here are some fantastic articles we recommend you read-through before working through the videos on this page:
- Wikipedia: f-number – From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. This document gives a detailed run-down on f-stop.
- What is F-Stop and How Does it Work? Another detailed doc on F-Stop from the folk at Photography Life.
Below this introduction, we have a few videos on F-Stop. If you are looking for a more detailed step-by-step breakdown on all things onset related, you can check out our courses on the topic here:
- Onset Data Acquisition 1001
- Introduction to Cameras and Lenses 1001
- Shooting HDRIs and Panoramas 1001
- Shooting Texture and Look Development Reference 1001
F-Stop Overview
In this video, we look at F-Stop with a Canon 5D camera and a 100mm prime lens.
F-Stop with the Human Eye
Similar to the above, only now we’ll play with the human eye and see the results using a Black Magic 6K camera.
Some Visual Examples
Onset Training
For more information on all things onset related, you can check out our courses here:
- Onset Data Acquisition 1001
- Introduction to Cameras and Lenses 1001
- Shooting HDRIs and Panoramas 1001
- Shooting Texture and Look Development Reference 1001
The Connection Programme
If you are a fan of mixing science with art, or maths with creative thinking, then join our Connection Programme, where we’ll be exploring VFX, animation and games from the core fundamentals:
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