Professional camera lenses: key definitions for making the right choices
When looking for a professional camera for videoconferencing, streaming or events, it's critical to understand the lens specifications to make an informed decision. In this guide, we break down the key terms you should know when choosing the right lens for your needs.
Field of View (FOV)
The field of view determines the angle of view covered by the lens, measured in degrees.
- Wide FOV (≥90°): Ideal for meeting rooms, capturing multiple participants in a single shot.
- Narrow FOV: More suitable for single focus, common in streaming or personal presentations.
Zoom: Optical vs. Digital
- Optical zoom: Physical adjustment of the lens that brings the image closer without loss of quality.
- Digital zoom: Software magnification that can degrade sharpness by cropping the original image.
Tip: For events where you need to capture details from a distance, prioritize cameras with significant optical zoom (10x or higher).
Aperture (f/)
The aperture indicates the diameter of the lens diaphragm and is expressed as f/number (e.g. f/1.8).
- Low f/-number: Larger aperture, allowing more light to enter, benefiting in low light conditions.
- High f/-number: Smaller aperture, limits light entry, suitable for well-lit environments.
Focal length (in mm)
The focal length defines the relationship between the lens and the sensor, affecting the zoom level and angle of view.
- Short focal length (e.g., 3.5 mm): Offers a wider angle of view.
- Long focal length (e.g., 50 mm): Provides a closer zoom, capturing specific details.
Focus: Autofocus vs. Manual Focus
- Autofocus: The camera automatically adjusts focus according to the subject, ideal for dynamic scenarios.
- Manual focus: Allows fine adjustments by the user, useful in controlled situations where accuracy is required.
Recommendations according to use
- Meeting rooms: Opt for cameras with wide FOV, moderate optical zoom and good aperture to ensure clarity in spaces with variable lighting.
- Individual streaming or presentations: Prefer lenses with intermediate focal length, good aperture and fast autofocus to maintain sharpness on the move.
- Live events: Look for cameras with powerful optical zoom, effective image stabilization and versatile focusing options to suit different scenarios.
Choosing the right lens is key to ensuring a sharp, professional image in any environment, from meeting rooms to live events. If you are looking for performance, quality and technology adapted to every need, the professional cameras from Laia professional cameras are your best choice. Designed to deliver a superior video conferencing experience, our solutions combine advanced optics and ease of use to give you the best image every time.
