Distance between the nearest and furthest object that appears reasonably sharp on the image due to the mechanical and optic properties of the lense and sensor of the camera. Can fluctuate between narrow and wide; narrow = short spatial perspective, high level of blur; wide = longer spatial perspective, low level of blur.
Characteristics:
- A narrow depth of field can enhance the sound perception spatially to compensate the lessened of visual perspective
- A very high level of blur can make the onscreen hardly identifiable
- Often used to convey a subjective experience or a temporal narrative window
Related induced effect: Flashback; Flashforward
Related inductor effect: Subjectification
(bordwell, 2009)