Lens Guide
A structured twelve-episode learning series covering camera lenses, focal length, zoom, aperture, illumination, DORI and practical SharPcam selection.
Twelve concise lessons connect imaging science with practical camera selection—from focal length and aperture to PTZ, fisheye, DORI and scene geometry.
Watch in order—or go directly to the design question.
Examples explain a selection method. Final design still requires the exact camera datasheet, firmware, lighting conditions and an on-site test image.
Camera Lens Basics: Start with the Scene
Understand why the lens—not only the megapixel count—defines scene coverage and usable target detail.
Focal Length and Field of View
See how focal length, sensor format and installation geometry work together to determine the visible scene.
Fixed vs Motorized Varifocal Lenses
Choose between predictable fixed framing and remote focal adjustment according to project certainty.
Optical Zoom vs Digital Zoom
Distinguish lens-based optical capture from the enlargement of pixels that are already recorded.
PTZ Lenses: 25× and 37×
Understand PTZ lens ratios, long-range detail and the operational trade-off between context and reach.
Fisheye 360° and Dewarping
Learn how fisheye optics capture a complete scene and how dewarping remaps—not recreates—the available detail.
Aperture, F-number and Low Light
Connect aperture with received light, depth of field, motion, noise and the complete imaging system.
Infrared vs Warm Light
Select infrared, visible warm light or a hybrid strategy according to the required night-time evidence.
DORI and Pixels per Meter
Use pixel density as a design reference, understand classic DORI levels and validate the real operational task.
Choose a Lens by Scene Geometry
Translate target width, distance, mounting height and the evidence task into a defensible lens choice.
Common Lens Selection Mistakes
Avoid design errors caused by choosing megapixels, wide coverage or digital enlargement before defining the task.
Final SharPcam Lens Selection Guide
Apply the complete workflow: define the task, measure the scene, select the lens family and validate the installed image.