DOFpreview

DOFpreview is a software tool designed to assist users in visualizing and managing their Depth of Field (DOF) during photography. It functions by simulating the effect of DOF in real-time or through post-processing, allowing photographers to preview how their chosen aperture, focal length, and subject distance will impact the plane of focus in their images.

The primary utility of DOFpreview lies in its ability to help photographers achieve their desired artistic intent before capturing a shot. By providing a visual representation of what will be in focus and what will be blurred, it can prevent common mistakes such as an unintentionally narrow or excessively wide DOF. This is particularly useful in situations where judging DOF on the camera's LCD screen can be challenging, such as in bright sunlight or when working with shallow depth of field effects.

DOFpreview can be integrated into various workflows. Some versions operate as standalone applications, while others may exist as plugins for popular image editing software. The input parameters for the simulation typically include the camera's sensor size, the lens's focal length, and the aperture value (f-stop). Users can also input the distance to their subject to more accurately predict the DOF. Some advanced versions may also incorporate features for calculating hyperfocal distance and visualizing other optical characteristics of the lens. The tool aims to bridge the gap between theoretical DOF calculations and practical photographic execution, offering a more intuitive understanding of this fundamental photographic concept.