The Pros And Cons Of Shallow Depth Of Field

Let's dive into what depth of field is, the factors and settings that can change it and then go over some of the pros for shooting with a shallow depth of field, as well as go over some of the reasons why shallow focus may actually be undesirable.

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0:00 Introduction
0:57 What Is Depth Of Field?
4:18 Squarespace
5:38 Pros Of Shallow Depth of Field
9:34 Cons Of Shallow Depth of Field
13:39 Conclusion

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[sheldonpetrie]

With Arrival, the way the 'flashback' scenes were filmed helped to reinforce that illusion to the first time viewer. As we later find out they were flash forwards, it was so convincing to our brains as we have all seen such flashbacks many time previously we had no reason to doubt what we were seeing on screen.

[DeepakThakur]

You have very accurately explained point 4. Sensor Size. Many videos exists which get this explanation incorrect by mentioning that large sensor size creates shallow depth of field and more bokeh. They fail to explain the reason correctly for this effect. You nailed it.

[reilandeubank]

7:02 I think this is unimaginably true. You watch any video on tik tok with a shallow depth of field, and even though the video resolution is always limited on tik tok, people will comment "this video looks like it was shot in 8K" or "bro used the human eye to shoot this video", not knowing that they simply perceive bokeh to be "high quality" video

[principeturandot]

Though I already know these facts, your way to explain things in such a clear, organized, and thorough manner (coupled with the visuals) is truly enjoyable! 🏆🙏 I could listen to you talk about cameras, lenses, and lighting in filmmaking forevermore. 😎 Thank you for another great video! 👍💯

[alinkbetweengames]

10:00 This is why I love directors and cinematographers who have an obsession (some might call it a fetish) for deep depth of field. Having shots full of details that an observant audience member can explore for meaning just makes my day.

[cartercrisco]

What bugs me is when someone says that a shot looks nice because of the bokeh. Bokeh can be cool, but if you're gonna judge the entire shot because it just has shallow depth of field: you need to look more into it. What about composition, lighting, blocking of subjects, angles, etc.? It has its perks; Scorsese using it to great effect to convey isolation in Taxi Driver; but personally, I think if you get too shallow you become remote with everything - because the world is what forms the characters in the first place and having all of that in focus can be important.

[Lylantz]

I love how specific this topic is. Great stuff here 🤝🏽

[alejndropulido]

This is video is a very powerful masterclass about deep of field and how to use it as a tool for your storytelling!! Thanks for your great job 🙌🏼

[ashleyarchitect]

Always excellent, intelligent videos, thank you very much. As a stills photographer with nearly 50 years experience, what more could I learn about DOF? A lot! Especially the subtleties of use in cinematography...Hands down the best cinema channel on YouTube:)

[thereidmcgowan]

Wedding videographer here. I’ve only been in the game 6 months and this video explained so many of the difficulties I experience on the day. Being the: cam op, focus puller, gaffer and soundie all at once; it’s relieving to know that my IS hard and I’m not just an idiot. Thank you for such a well laid out video.

[b]

I saw the movie “Klute”an old detective thriller that had an uncomfortable way of shooting where those intimate tight shots with two characters with what seemed like they should have been shot with the camera in close to the action with multiple over the shoulder takes yet these shots were shot with the camera way-way back with a long focal length. The movie goers became aware that something was wrong with the point of view. Even later toward the end of the movie you became aware that in the long focal length shots there was a nearly invisible over the shoulder almost invisible blurred object at the very far outside edge of the frame. In the end you learned that there is a voyeur keeping a close watch on the actions in hopes of controlling the ultimate outcome. It was exciting yet imperceptible technique utilized.

[Mr_Movie_Fan]

Hey, In Depth Cine. Loved the video. Hope you don't mind but I'd like to comment on my own point of view regarding shallow depth of field. I don't disagree, but I feel even more strongly about it being over used.
I feel like cinematographers have been over using it and trying harder and harder to make the background as blurry as possible. My breaking point was with Top Gun Maverick. There's a scene in the movie where Maverick reunites with Penny at her bar. The conversation has them in focus, but everything else is out of focus. So much so that it took me out of the movie and I felt distracted rather than immersed. The rest of the movie was shot well. It was just the one scene that distracted me. I hadn't even noticed the use of DoF until I saw The Batman earlier this year.
Again, love the video.

[dahterrasse]

Thanks for this video! I had been wondering whether a larger sensor / film format inherently produces shallower depth of field or if that comes from the longer focal length - now I know! :)

[generaljainitor]

I always loved the way he explained every bit of a topic he did. So understandable, I only managed to learned from his videos.
Thank you!

[darnellwilburn]

Shot with one during my MFA program and it is beautiful. The focusing is simplistic by 35 mirrorless standards but it’s fast and accurate. It’s absolutely a tank. It feels like shooting with a brick. Twice as heavy as a 1 series. It feels less intuitive and camera like because it’s so advanced. It comes across as a computer that can take pictures. The Hasselblad H series is much more camera like, ergonomically sound and easier to pick up and use.
Handling aside, there is nothing like a 100mp MF image. Resolution zoomed in at 100% looks flawless. No pixelation. This is what they use to shoot those 8ft images in store windows. 16bit files produce amazing colors. Dynamic range is unbeatable.

[bulentozdemir]

Shallow depth of view kind'a got out of hand during the Canon 5D MK2 era. Not surprising considering that was the first time we could actually achieve that look at a reasonable price! Will throw this up on the big screen later. Thanks, Bud.

[henroveenath]

Thanks so much so this video. Very inspiring.

[oriheller]

Another reason for deep focus is how it changes colour and light. With deep focus everything will look more dark and intense. Films by Douglas Sirk are a great example

[ricardovillarroel]

The best cinema channel on YouTube. Thank you

[ccd]

This video was some jam-packed with good info that it feels like I'm going to have to rewatch two or three times before I can remember everything. I had no idea that lens characteristics are accentuated when shooting wide open. Makes sense, but I never thought about it like that.