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Physics · Glossary

What is Camera; f-number?

Definition 4.18 University Physics — Year 1 · Chapter 4 — Optical Instruments and the Eye

A camera is a converging lens of focal length f′f' forming a real image on a sensor, at OA′‾≈f′\overline{OA'} \approx f' for distant subjects; focusing moves the lens. A diaphragm of diameter DD limits the beam; the f-number is N=f′/DN = f'/D (written f/Nf/N). The angle of view is 2arctan⁡(ℓ/2f′)2\arctan(\ell/2f') for a sensor of width ℓ\ell.

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