Threshold of acceptable blur in depth-of-field calculations: 0.030 mm for full-frame, 0.020 mm for Super 35; determines DoF parameters.
For full-frame cameras (36×24 mm), the standard CoC is 0.030 mm, for Super-35 sensors it is 0.020 mm, and for Micro Four Thirds it is 0.015 mm. These values are derived from the geometric relationship between sensor size and a typical viewing distance of 25 cm for 20×25 cm prints. The CoC value directly influences depth of field calculations: smaller values result in shallower depth of field with identical camera settings. Modern hyperfocal distance tables and DoF apps use these base values for precise depth of field calculations.
Lord Rayleigh first scientifically defined the circle of confusion for photographic applications in 1879. The currently used 0.030 mm standard for 35mm film was established in the 1920s with the Leica camera. Kodak used the 0.025 mm value for their exposure tables starting in 1936. With the transition to digital sensors from 2000 onwards, new CoC standards emerged for various sensor sizes, with pixel pitch development leading to ever smaller critical circles of confusion.
Cinematographers use CoC calculations for precise follow-focus operations and depth of field planning. In "Blade Runner 2049" (2017), DoP Roger Deakins worked with CoC apps for exact hyperfocal distance calculation for wide landscape shots. Steadicam operators use CoC-based DoF markings on the lens for quick focus pulls without monitor control. Focus pullers use these values to create precise focus marks on follow-focus wheels, especially with long focal lengths and wide apertures.
The circle of confusion differs from bokeh quality, which describes the aesthetic appearance of out-of-focus areas. While modern focus peaking systems visualize focus ranges in real-time, CoC calculations remain indispensable for pre-production planning. Waveform monitors and false-color displays complement, but do not replace, the mathematical precision of the circle of confusion concept. For anamorphic lenses, modified CoC values apply for the horizontal and vertical image axes due to different magnification factors.
Ich verwende CoC-Werte täglich für exakte Schärfentiefe-Berechnungen, besonders bei Available-Light-Situationen mit offener Blende. Apps wie PhotoPills mit korrekten CoC-Eingaben sind unverzichtbar für Hyperfokaldistanz-Einstellungen bei Nachtaufnahmen oder wenn der Monitor-Kontrast unzureichend ist.
Für mich definiert der Zerstreuungskreis die Grenze zwischen bewusst unscharf und "technisch schlecht" – ich nutze diese Kenntnis für gezielte Schärfeverlagerungen, die das Publikum emotional lenken, ohne dass die Unschärfe als Fehler wahrgenommen wird. Besonders bei Nahaufnahmen entscheidet der CoC über die Wirkung von Augen-Schärfe versus Nasenspitzen-Fokus.
CoC-Standards beeinflussen die Objektivauswahl und damit das Budget – engere Toleranzen erfordern präziseres Equipment und mehr Zeit für Schärfeziehungen. Bei Multi-Kamera-Setups mit verschiedenen Sensorgrößen entstehen unterschiedliche CoC-Werte, was zusätzliche Abstimmung in der Post-Produktion bedeutet.
1. Was beschreibt „Zerstreuungskreis" am besten?
2. Zu welchem Department gehört „Zerstreuungskreis"?
3. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?
The Lexikon is part of the Filmfarm ecosystem — alongside budgeting (FilmBalance), an industry magazine (FilmCircus) and crew networking (FilmCall, CrewMesh). One shared vocabulary for the whole production.