|
The field of view (FOV) is the amount of a given scene captured by the camera. It is also referred to as the angle of view or angle of coverage. FOV is determined by three elements: the lens and sensor element within the camera and where the camera is positioned in relation to the scene. A large FOV generally results in the target object being relatively small compared to a camera with a small FOV.
How to use this tool
- Enter your distance to the object in the top field.
- Enter the imager size of the camera. The imager size is the opening of the camera. A standard CS mount Box camera is 1/3".
- Enter the focal length of the lens. Focal length is the rating of the lens. A typical box style camera lens mount is a 3-12mm. For example, at a 100 foot distance with a 1/3" imager and a 3 mm lens, you will have a horizontal field of view of 160 feet and a vertical field of view of 36 feet.
- Click the 'Calculate' button to see the horizontal and vertical field of view.
Click 'Cancel' to clear all the fields and start again.
How to read license plates
Typically you need a horizontal field of view of 10 feet or less to be able to read a plate. Thus, at 100 feet with a 1/3" standard camera, you will need a 50mm lens to get a horizontal FOV of under 10 feet. This doubles to a 100mm lens at a distance of 200 feet and so on.
Using only two fields
If you are trying to get a 10 foot Horizontal FOV and you wish to know what size lens you need at a given distance, erase all of the fields. Enter 10 under horizontal FOV, then enter your target distance. Click 'Calculate' and the tool will give you the lens you need.
|
