Pitch Dictionary by pitch.dog
Lenses & optics · Core

Focal length

Also called: mm

ELI5

A lens measurement that strongly affects framing, field of view and how space appears.

Used in conversation

“The focal length is making the room feel flatter than it did in the reference.”

Definition

A lens measurement, stated in millimetres, that strongly affects angle of view and image magnification.

Here “Focal length” means: A lens measurement, stated in millimetres, that strongly affects angle of view and image magnification.

Pitch context

This term helps a treatment describe how the camera or light will shape the viewer's experience.

Why it matters: Explains what the image should look like and how it can be framed, captured and lit.

Connected terms

  • Field of viewFocal length is a lens property; field of view is the resulting angular coverage, also affected by sensor size.
  • Sensor sizeBoth affect field of view and image behaviour.
Sources & evidence · 10

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.