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Optics notes for camera engineers

Short, practical explanations behind the calculators, with worked numbers from real camera modules.

SensorsWhy a 1/2.8″ sensor is not 1/2.8 inchWhere optical-format names come from, how to estimate the real sensor size, and what to use instead. Depth of fieldChoosing a circle of confusion for small sensorsPhotography defaults overstate depth of field on camera modules. Here is how to pick CoC from pixel pitch. Module assemblyHow fixed-focus camera modules stay sharpDepth of focus, image shift and the micron budget behind lenses with no focus motor. SurveillanceDORI explained: pixel density for security camerasWhat detect, observe, recognize and identify mean, how to calculate them, and why paper numbers can be optimistic. Lens–sensor matchingChief ray angle (CRA) explainedWhy mismatched lens and sensor CRA darkens and tints the image corners. ReferenceOptics glossary27 terms, from active alignment to working f-number, each linked to its tool.