HPX500 DOF the same as 16mm?

[labstudios18]

I remember seeing somewhere that the depth of field of the HPX500 2/3" CCDS is comparable to the DOF you get shooting with 16mm film. I was wondering if anyone with experience using both formats could comment. Also does Super16mm give a different DOF than just 16mm. Thanks Mike

[Barry_Green]

The HPX500 and S16 film will deliver comparable depth of field.

It's not easy to compare S16 vs. 16 for DOF, because the two formats use different aspect ratios. 16mm is a 1.33:1 format, S16 is a 1.66:1 format. So you can't frame two shots up the same way and declare that they're comparable.

If you equate the shots vertically, the S16 shot will have a wider field of view, but identical depth of field as the 16mm shot.

If you equate the width, the S16 shot will have a lot less on the top and bottom, and a shallower DOF by virtue of the camera being closer to the subject.

[joe 1008]

A 16:9 2/3" sensor is very similar to a 16mm frame (4:3) with 16:9 letterboxes

[Tim Naylor]

A 6mm on 2/3" is the same field of view as an 8mm on super 16mm. And a 24mm is the same as 32 mm. The differences in DOF are significant. Check out Zacuto's lens chart and go to Panavision Australia's site DOF calculator.

Tim Naylor - DP
www.timnaylor.com

[joe 1008]

Of course. The exposed surface of a super16 frame is about twice the size of a 16mm frame with 16:9 letterboxes.