What Is Field Of View & Why Is It Important?
The more your security cameras can see, the better protected you’ll be.
The more your security cameras can see, the better protected you’ll be.
Right at this moment, what can you see? Of course, there’s the device you’re reading this article on. But what other elements are in your visual field? What’s in your peripheral vision? And, more importantly, can you notice the limits of the area you can observe right now?
Just like humans or animals, optical devices have a limited area they can observe at any given time. This is referred to as the Field of View. For instance, your smartphone camera, your home security cameras, a pair of binoculars—they all have different Fields of View.
Field of View can be found in various optical devices, including microscopes and camera lenses. FOV is essential across a range of fields, including astronomy, photography, videography, gaming, and in security cameras. But why is the Field of View important for your home security? Let’s explore a more technical approach to Field of View.
Field of View (FOV) is the maximum area an optical device or camera lens can see. FOV in cameras can be measured horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. For instance, a 130° vertical FOV refers to a camera’s ability to capture images within an angle of view of 130°, from top to bottom.
How do you calculate Field of View? The relationship among Angular Field of View (AFOV), sensor size, and focal length is easily represented by this simple equation. A larger sensor yields a larger FOV for any working distance, and altering the sensor size and camera position can change the FOV.
The following image illustrates this concept. The green area represents what’s inside the camera’s Field of View (i.e., what the camera can see). The red areas represent the camera’s vertical blind spots. The wider the FOV, the smaller the blind spots will be. Keep this in mind when properly positioning your security cameras.
Security cameras come with different Field of View values. For instance, options like the Arlo 5S Security Camera feature a wide 160° diagonal Field of View. It also comes with 2K HDR Video and Color Night Vision.
Field of View is affected by focal length, camera sensor size, and aspect ratio. Manufacturers like Arlo consider each of these factors when designing security cameras to provide the widest Field of View possible. When picking the right camera for you, keep the following factors in mind:
Field of View is a critical factor when choosing your security camera system because it directly impacts the effectiveness of surveillance. Installing wide Field of View cameras cover more ground, can help reduce the number of security cameras needed, and add valuable information to your security footage.
Security cameras with a wide FOV are capable of capturing more of your surroundings. This enables you to cover more areas of your home, eliminating blind spots and monitoring potential access points. Options like the Arlo Ultra 2 Security Camera offer an ultra-wide 180° viewing angle, for complete side-to-side protection. Additionally, it features Color Night Vision and 4K Video Resolution for extra-detailed security footage.
The same principle applies to your front porch. You want your video doorbell to cover the widest area possible, leaving no space for surprises and no hiding spots for potential intruders. Options like the Arlo Video Doorbell boast a 180° diagonal Field of View, providing a comprehensive view of your front door area. Plus, with 2-Way Audio, you’ll be able to listen to and speak with incoming visitors—whether they’re wanted or unwanted.
Using cameras with wider FOV can be more cost-effective compared to installing multiple cameras with narrower FOV to cover the same area. Simply put, since a wider FOV allows the camera to cover more ground, you may need a lower number of security cameras around your property. As a result, investing in wide FOV security cameras like the Arlo Ultra 2 can actually be considered a more budget-friendly solution for home security.
If you’re able to see more of your surroundings, you’ll be able to notice more details. These details could be useful for anticipating and preventing incidents. For instance, detecting hiding spots, potential access points, or suspicious strangers approaching.
Moreover, having more information can also prove invaluable in the case of a burglary or home invasion. For example, a wide Field of View camera can help recognize a license plate or capture the intruder’s facial features, aiding in identification and investigation.
The more your security cameras can see, the better protected you’ll be. That’s why Arlo’s security cameras and video doorbells feature wide Fields of View. Paired with the Arlo Home Security System, you’ll have the ultimate all-around protection for you and your loved ones. There’s no threat you won’t see coming.
