TrueDoF-Pro DoF Calculator app for iPhone and iPad


4.0 ( 9680 ratings )
Utilities Photo & Video
Developer: George Douvos
9.99 USD
Current version: 6.0, last update: 4 years ago
First release : 16 Apr 2012
App size: 13.62 Mb

TrueDoF-Pro is a major step forward in working with depth of field. Specifically designed for working professionals, the app offers features, versatility, customisability and no-fuss ease of use to make it the ideal tool — a tool that simply does its job (superbly) without getting in the way.

And it’s a tool that works the way YOU want it to work:

* Directly set any relevant quantity you like, even the near and far limits of DoF.
* Lock any input in place; vary any other input.

Want to “work backwards,” whereby you specify the depth of field you’re after, and have the app tell you what aperture and focus distance you need? Couldnt be easier. Enter what you want directly; get instant results.
Want to lock in a particular far limit of depth of field (e.g. as a cinematographer, would you like to lock in the far end of a set)? Slide the far limit pointer to your desired distance, and hit its lock button. Freely change any other input you like.


A key (and unique) TrueDoF feature is the option to include the effects of diffraction in the calculation of DoF, giving a much more accurate indication of how sharp the image will be (see the article "Image Sharpness vs Aperture" at www.georgedouvos.com).



A partial list of features:

* Elegant, interactive, easy to read interface, with both graphical and numerical display of data

* Fast, no-fuss input; real-time output
* Unprecedented input options: Want to specify a far limit of DoF? Or a near limit? Now you can.
* Lock any input (aperture lock not available on iPhone 5s)
* Option to “work backwards” — set your desired depth of field, see what focus distance and aperture you need
* Hyperfocal function — lock your far limit at infinity
* Option to include the effects of diffraction
* Optional visual indication of the limits imposed by diffraction
* Customisability of numerical readouts (show, hide, display distances or blur size, display front and rear DoF as distances or %)

* User-definable focal length presets for the scroll wheels rapid selection buttons, for super-fast selection of YOUR lenses

* Support for all formats up to 8x10in

* User-selectable distance scales

* Distance units changed directly on main screen by tapping m/ft button

* Optional "distance snap" function

* Optional input of focus distance via keypad

* User-selectable aperture scales (reading to f/22 or f/64)

* Aperture slider snap to half or third stops (user selectable)

* Easily switch between settings for different cameras: a simple slider to set a blur spot diameter (circle of confusion); no tedious listing of camera models
* Blur spot diameter is displayed on the main screen, so you wont find yourself working with the wrong setting

* Facility to specify wavelength, for use when shooting in the infrared or ultraviolet parts of the spectrum
* Visual indication of wavelength on the main screen
* Context specific help
* Comprehensive User Guide



A note on intended use:


In any DoF calculator, you specify a sharpness criterion — the blur spot diameter. All calculations reference that value. 
In some situations (e.g. landscape photography) it is best to work quite differently: Specify the distances to the nearest and furthest objects that you wish to appear sharp and, from that, determine the focus distance and aperture that will give the SHARPEST POSSIBLE IMAGE (not simply one that meets your preset sharpness standard, which may not be the best possible). For that, there is only one app: OptimumCS-Pro, the unique optimum camera settings calculator (this is NOT simply a DoF calculator that "works backwards").

And if, in your landscape and architectural photography, you would like to achieve insanely huge depth of field, with astonishing image sharpness, try FocusStacker. Take the guesswork out of the focus stacking technique and achieve remarkably consistently (and excellent!) results.

Pros and cons of TrueDoF-Pro DoF Calculator app for iPhone and iPad

TrueDoF-Pro DoF Calculator app good for

Beats the heck out of reading DOF scales on lenses. Love the update! Cleaner interface and easier to find hyperfocal.
Very easy to use and intuitive. Helps you immensely plan your shot and achieve the desired outcome
Well implemented app. Easy to use. Nice looking. A great tool for explaining DOF.

Some bad moments

You done need a DoF calculator for "feet"! You need it when inches are are stake - this WILL NOT calculate under a foot it does NOT do inches and unless for most applications!
I really like the way this app is laid out from useabiltity perpective. However, the left hand Rear/Front/Total distance readings do NOT match the distance that is set on the center slider. For example, with the app set for a 200mm focal length lens at F8 and the center sliding focus distance scale set at 15m the left and readout are 1.2/1.1/2.3m instead of distances around the 15m mark. This need to be fixed or else I will have to continue to use DOF Master instead. Please fix this problem!
Using this app for just one day illuminated to me the value of it as a teaching tool. I used in class to show my photography students how the depth of field is impacted by various aperture settings and they instantly saw that old teachings were in fact incorrect: Narrower aperture IS NOT always better for the "long" shots. Now they can quickly find the best aperture setting to achieve the desired depth of field and surprisingly it typically falls well within the lens sweet spot aperture range. Fantastic tool for teaching AND use out in the field.
This is a great tool for quickly estimating DOF for night shooting (DOF preview doesnt work so well in low light). It has presets for your favorite focal lengths. Im an amateur and find this very handy. Probably less handy for a pro who can reliably guesstimate DOF based on extensive experience.
Seems to be very similar to the free version. And, after paying $10 it encourages you to buy the other version where you can start with your desired depth of field. Don’t both with this one.