PerspectiveCamera

PerspectiveCamera is a type of camera projection used in computer graphics and digital art to simulate the way the human eye perceives depth and distance. Unlike an orthographic projection, which renders all objects at the same scale regardless of their distance from the viewer, a perspective camera creates a sense of realism by making objects appear smaller as they get further away. This is achieved by simulating a focal point, or vanishing point, towards which parallel lines converge.

The key characteristic of a perspective camera is its field of view, often measured in degrees, which determines how much of the scene is visible. A wider field of view can create a more expansive or distorted effect, while a narrower field of view acts like a telephoto lens, magnifying distant objects and compressing the perceived depth.

Perspective projection is fundamental to creating immersive and believable 3D environments. It is widely used in video games, architectural visualizations, animated films, and virtual reality applications. The mathematical principles behind perspective projection involve concepts like frustums, which define the visible volume of space, and projection matrices that transform 3D coordinates into 2D screen coordinates. Understanding and manipulating perspective camera settings allows artists and developers to control the viewer's experience and guide their attention within a scene.