barreltorzítás

Barreltorzés, commonly known as barrel distortion, is an optical phenomenon that occurs in photographic lenses and camera systems, causing straight lines to appear curved. This distortion is most noticeable when photographing wide-angle scenes, where the edges of the image curve inward, resembling the shape of a barrel. The effect is the opposite of pincushion distortion, where lines curve outward.

Barreltorzés arises due to the geometric design of the lens elements. In wide-angle lenses, light rays entering the lens at extreme angles are bent more sharply than those entering near the center, leading to the characteristic barrel shape. This distortion is particularly prominent in fisheye lenses, which are designed to capture an ultra-wide field of view, often exceeding 180 degrees.

While barreltorzés can be aesthetically undesirable in many contexts, it can also be intentionally used for creative effects in photography and filmmaking. For example, some artists and directors employ it to evoke a sense of curvature or to emphasize the curvature of architectural elements. In digital imaging, software tools such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom offer correction filters to mitigate or eliminate barrel distortion, allowing photographers to achieve a more natural straight-line appearance.

The severity of barreltorzés varies depending on the lens specifications, including focal length, aperture, and lens construction. Lenses with shorter focal lengths (e.g., 10mm–24mm) are more prone to this distortion compared to telephoto lenses. Manufacturers often provide distortion profiles for their lenses, enabling users to apply automatic corrections in post-processing. Understanding and managing barreltorzés is essential for achieving accurate perspective in photography and ensuring the intended visual impact.