Step by step How to preview and review DOF

Practical tips for determining your depth of field before and after you shoot…

Optical viewfinder

Looking through the viewfinder the lens is at its widest aperture, so depth of field is at a minimum. You don’t see what the final image will look like.

PV button

Some DSLRS have a PV button. Holding this closes down the aperture blades to show the depth of field at the selected aperture, darkening the view.

Live View

Live View is better for judging depth of field than PV. Use the magnify button to zoom into the image and review depth of field prior to firing the shutter.

Electronic viewfinders

On a Z-series mirrorless, the lens aperture blades reflect the aperture setting as you change it, so the image you see shows depth of field in real time.

Focusing peaking

Focus peaking gives a graphical view of the depth of field prior to taking the shot. You can change the colour of the overlay to contrast with the subject.

Playback review

Alternatively, review the image after shooting. Use the zoom button to see exactly what is sharp and over how much area the depth of field extends.