Cinema Lens & Action Sensor Framing Lab
Simulate field of view, crop equivalence, depth of field, and anamorphic de-squeeze when pairing cinema glass with compact action sensors.
Interchangeable Optics on Compact Action Sensors
Traditional action cameras use fixed, ultra-wide rectilinear or fisheye lenses (typically 12mm–15mm full-frame equivalent) with tiny aperture discs to keep everything in focus from 30cm to infinity.
When GoPro or boutique cine camera makers introduce interchangeable lens systems (such as M-mount, C-mount, or custom ILS bays), cinematographers can mount specialized glass: fast cine primes, vintage glass, macro, and anamorphic lenses.
Why Crop Factor Matters for Cine Action
On a 1/1.3" action sensor, the diagonal crop factor is approximately 2.70× compared to Full Frame 35mm. A classic 16mm lens delivers the framing equivalent of a 43.2mm normal lens. To get true ultra-wide 18mm equivalent framing, you need a 6.5mm physical focal length.
Anamorphic De-squeeze Mechanics
Anamorphic glass compresses the horizontal axis onto the sensor by the squeeze ratio (1.33×, 1.5×, or 2.0×). In post-production, horizontal pixels are expanded by that factor, producing cinematic oval bokeh, horizontal flares, and ultra-wide scope framing (such as 2.39:1).
Depth of Field & Circle of Confusion
Because smaller sensors have tighter pixel pitches, the acceptable Circle of Confusion (CoC) must be significantly smaller (e.g., 0.011mm for 1/1.3" vs 0.030mm for Full Frame) to appear sharp at 4K resolution.
Use the optical controls above to see the precise near focus limit, far focus limit, and hyperfocal distance at your chosen T-stop. The live viewfinder simulates shallow depth of field, background blur, and subject separation.
Hyperfocal Distance Calculation
Hyperfocal distance is computed as H = (f²) / (N × CoC) + f, where f is focal length and N is f-number. Focusing at the hyperfocal distance keeps everything from half that distance to infinity acceptably sharp.
Exporting Shot Specifications
Click "Export Spec Sheet" to download a JSON and text camera department report including sensor dimensions, physical focal length, 35mm equivalencies, depth of field boundaries, and anamorphic squeeze ratios.