Question

In a camera, the opening through which light enters the camera is called aperture. The distance between the closest and the farthest part of a view captured on a photograph, which is in focus, is called depth of field. Given that all other settings remain the same, which of the following is TRUE?

• A. The larger the aperture, the larger the depth of field
• B. The smaller the aperture, the larger the depth of field
• C. The depth of field is not affected by the aperture size
• D. Larger the aperture, the larger the image captured

Hint:

To remember the relationship, use this mnemonic: "Small number, small focus area. Large number, large focus area." (Referring to the f-number and the depth of the focused area). For example, a small number like f/1.8 gives a small/shallow depth of field. A large number like f/16 gives a large/deep depth of field.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests fundamental knowledge of photography principles, specifically the relationship between aperture and depth of field (DoF).


Aperture: The size of the opening in the lens. A large aperture lets in more light. It is measured in f-stops (e.g., f/1.8, f/4, f/11). Confusingly, a small f-number (like f/1.8) corresponds to a large aperture opening. A large f-number (like f/16) corresponds to a small aperture opening.
Depth of Field (DoF): The zone of acceptable sharpness in an image, from the nearest point in focus to the farthest point in focus. A "shallow" or "small" DoF means only a narrow slice of the image is sharp (e.g., a portrait with a blurry background). A "deep" or "large" DoF means most of the image from foreground to background is sharp (e.g., a landscape photo).
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The relationship between aperture and depth of field is inverse.


Large Aperture (small f-number) $\rightarrow$ Shallow/Small Depth of Field.
Small Aperture (large f-number) $\rightarrow$ Deep/Large Depth of Field.
Think of it like squinting your eyes (a smaller aperture) to see things more clearly over a wider range of distances.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's evaluate the given options based on this inverse relationship:


(A) The larger the aperture, the larger the depth of field: This is incorrect. A larger aperture results in a smaller (shallower) depth of field.
(B) The smaller the aperture, the larger the depth of field: This is correct. A smaller aperture opening (like f/16) increases the range of focus, resulting in a larger (deeper) depth of field.
(C) The depth of field is not affected by the aperture size: This is incorrect. Aperture is one of the primary controls for depth of field.
(D) Larger the aperture, the larger the image captured: This is incorrect. The "size" of the image captured (its field of view) is determined by the lens's focal length, not the aperture. The aperture controls the amount of light and the depth of field.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct statement describing the relationship is that a smaller aperture leads to a larger depth of field.