How to Simulate Physically Accurate Depth of Field in Nuke

One of the most important visual cues when shooting for photo-real, is depth of field. There are a few things to consider if you are trying to mimic the lens effects of a camera when it comes to DOF, Focal length, sensor size (or film back size on the computer), and bokeh all make a difference in the image. Being able to simulate physically accurate depth of field becomes important.

Nuke Compositor Jed Smith offers some insights into simulating physically accurate depth of field in a composite. Jed talks through the nerd that is basic lens physics, including  terminology, and also has a look at the variables that can affect the depth of field behavior in a lens.

Jed has built a couple of tools for Nuke that can help you visualize and simulate physically accurate depth of field. OpticalZDefocus helps to control the circle of confusion size based on actual lens geometry using a standard depth of field equation.

Another tool, DofCalc, lets you easily visually the near and far death limit for DOF in a given lens focal length, aperture, film back size, and focus distance.

Jed covers depth channels and how they work within Nuke, and how to use his two tools to simulate accurate DOF. Definitely worth the watch!

Some of the links on lesterbanks are "affiliate links", a link with a special tracking code. This means if you click on an affiliate link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. The price of the item is the same whether it is an affiliate link or not. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will add value to our readers. By using the affiliate links, you are helping support our Website, and we genuinely appreciate your support.