How can I get a webcam-like wide-angle, deep-focus look on a Canon 5D Mark II?
Asked 8/22/2013
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I want a look similar to a typical webcam on a Canon 5D Mark II: the subject is fairly close to the camera, most of the scene stays in focus, and the image has a wide-angle perspective without obvious barrel distortion. What focal length and settings would help create this effect on a full-frame 5D Mark II?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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I'm not sure I'd really give those attributes to webcams, which aren't usually particularly well-controlled for distortion. High depth of field is basically the result of small sensor size.
Basically, a moderate wide angle lens will do — 28mm or so should match the FoV of a typical webcam, although you might go a little wider. Then, stop down as far as possible — f/22 or f/32. This will probably cause you to increase the ISO, and will introduce diffraction softness, but if you are going do a webcam look neither of those will be a problem.
Originally by user1943. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1943
12y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A webcam-like look on a full-frame 5D Mark II is mostly about using a wide lens and a small aperture.
A moderate to ultra-wide lens can work. Around 28mm gives a field of view similar to many webcams, while something like 14mm gives a more exaggerated close-up wide-angle look. If you want the subject close to the lens while still fitting a lot into the frame, a 14mm lens is a strong option.
For the large depth of field, stop the lens down to around f/16, f/22, or even f/32 if available. On a wide lens, that can keep a very large range in focus. The tradeoff is softer image quality from diffraction and possibly higher ISO or more light needed, but that may actually suit the webcam aesthetic.
Also check minimum focus distance if you want to be very close to the camera. A wide lens with a short minimum focus distance will help. In short: use a wide-angle lens, stop down heavily, and position the camera close to the subject.
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