How different film lenses affect how we perceive movies
There's a huge difference between a 25mm focal length and a 9mm focal length - and this video explains it
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It's easy to underappreciate the nuances of filming techniques which go into your favourite movies.
The lens, for example, isn't just there to focus light; its focal length vastly affects the look and the composition of the shot, completely transforming how we perceive the subjects in the frame.
The focal length, in short, is the distance between the optical centre of the lens itself; and the film plane, which is where the image is focused onto the film - for digital, this is a piece of electronic equipment capturing light rays.
A video released by the University of North Carolina Wilmington's Film Studies department explores some of the ways focal length affects our perception of movies. Beginning with a 16mm camera, boasting a 25mm focal length; this look is considered the 'normal' zone, approximating the way our own eyes work in terms of depth of field, movement, and perspective.
Switching to a wide angle lens, with a 9mm focal length, greatly exaggerates the effects of perspective; while also increasing the apparent speed of movement by giving a much greater depth of field.
A telephoto lens, on the other hand, boasts a 120mm focal length; shortening the effects of perspective, and giving a much narrower depth of field. That means movement through depth seems slower as the size of the subjects change gradually - perfect for those slow-mo hallways shots of girl gangs.
So with that information now kindly handed to you - time to go out there and make some movies!
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments