SECURITY CAMERA FIELD OF VIEW CHART
A security camera field of view chart is a visual reference that shows how much area a specific camera lens can capture at various distances. Helps users understand what a camera will “see” based on:
- Lens focal length (e.g., 2.8 mm, 4mm, 6mm, etc)
- Sensor size (e.g., 1/3”, 1/2,8”, etc.)
- Distance from the target
- Viewing angle (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal).

WHAT DOES IT NORMALLY INCLUDE?

A table or diagram comparing different lens sizes and the corresponding width of vision at set distances (e.g., 10 feet, 20 feet, 50 feet)

Diagrams showing how narrow the camera’s coverage is about the lens.

It sometimes includes detection, recognition, and identification zones to indicate how far away a person can be detected, recognized, or identified.

WHY IS IT USEFUL?
- Helps you select the right lens for your needs (wide vs telephoto), and, also depending on the types of security cameras.
- Ensures adequate coverage of areas such as entrances, access roads, or parking lots.
- Supports accurate placement and planning of cameras for security systems.
FIELD OF VIEW FOR DIFFERENT LENS SIZES

Here is an example of a field-of-view graph showing how different lens sizes affect horizontal coverage at various distances.
• A 2.8 mm lens offers the widest view but is less detailed.
• The 12 mm lens provides a narrow view but captures more details at a distance.

The lenses are generally found as 2.8mm, 3.6mm, 6mm, 8mm, 12mm, 16mm etc. As shown on the graph, the larger the size of the lens, the more narrow and zoomed in the field of view is.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SECURITY CAMERA FIELD OF VIEW CHART
Help You Choose The Right Camera Lens
The field of view chart helps you choose the right safety camera lens by showing how much area each lens size can cover at different distances. Wide-angle lenses, such as 2.8mm, offer a wider view and are ideal for monitoring large spaces like lobbies or parking lots but capture less detail at long distances. In contrast, 6mm or 12mm lenses have a narrower view. Still, they can zoom in on distant objects, making them better for focused areas such as intakes or plate captures. By looking at the FOV chart, you can select a lens that matches your surveillance application’s specific coverage and detail requirements.
Ensures Adequate Coverage
A security camera field of view chart ensures proper coverage by helping you determine how much area a camera will monitor at specific distances based on the size of your lens. This allows you to strategically position cameras to avoid blind spots, overlapping views, or excessive gaps in surveillance. Whether securing an open area such as a warehouse or a narrow aisle. The FOV diagram provides an apparent visual reference for planning the optimal camera location and angle. Ensuring that each critical area is monitored effectively without unnecessary equipment or wasted coverage.
Supports Identification Needs
A visual field chart supports identification needs by helping you understand how well a camera can capture detail at various distances. It allows you to determine whether a camera’s view. Is sufficient to detect movement, recognize a person, or positively identify specific features such as facial details or license plates. This is especially important in areas where the quality of evidence is essential, such as entry points or cash-handling zones. By referring to the FOV chart, you can ensure that each camera is positioned and equipped to meet the required identification standards for its security purposes.
Improves Camera Placement
A field of view graph improves camera placement by providing accurate data on the size of the area. A camera can cover at specific distances based on its lens size. This information helps installers determine the best mounting height, angle, and location to maximize visibility and minimize blind spots. Rather than relying on guesswork, the graph ensures that cameras are strategically positioned to capture key areas efficiently, whether for general or focused surveillance. Proper placement not only increases security coverage but also optimizes the performance of each camera in the system.
Save Time and Cost
Using a field-of-view diagram saves time and money by allowing accurate planning before setting up any security cameras in Miami. Reducing the need for trial-and-error adjustments or assistive equipment. With precise data on the area each lens can cover, you can select the right cameras and determine the exact number needed to achieve full coverage. Avoiding overbuying or under-installation. This streamlines the setup process, minimizes labor time, and helps avoid costly repositioning or redesign of the system later on. Making the entire surveillance project more efficient and cost-effective.
TYPES OF FIELD OF VIEW

Horizontal Field of View
The horizontal field of view refers to the width of the scene that a security camera can capture from left to right. And is one of the most critical factors in the design of the surveillance system. It is mainly determined by the lens’s focal length. And the camera sensor’s size: Shorter focal lengths (e.g., 2.8 mm) provide a wider HFOV, while longer focal distances (e.g., 12 mm) provide a closer but more focused view. Understanding the HFOV helps ensure that cameras are positioned to cover the required horizontal area. Such as building entrances, parking lots, or corridors, without leaving blind spots or requiring unnecessary additional cameras.

Vertical Field of View
The vertical field of view (VFOV) refers to the height of the area that a security camera can capture from top to bottom. Is especially important when cameras are mounted in elevated positions such as poles, ceilings, or walls of buildings. VFOV helps determine whether the camera can see critical vertical elements in a scene. Such as the full height of a person, doors, or vehicles, from top to bottom. The sensor size and aspect ratio of the camera influence it. Although VFOV is overlooked compared to horizontal coverage. VFOV is essential to ensure complete visibility in areas where vertical space matters.

Diagonal Field of Vision
The diagonal field of view (DFOV) represents the total angle of view from one corner of a camera’s image to the opposite corner. Combining horizontal and vertical coverage in a single measurement. It is typically the largest field of view value. It is often used by manufacturers in product specifications to show the full viewing capability of the camera. While the DFOV gives a general idea of how wide a camera can see. It is less accurate for installation planning than the horizontal or vertical FOV. However, understanding the DFOV can be helpful when comparing cameras and getting a quick idea of their full coverage potential.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, a security camera field of view chart is essential for designing effective surveillance systems. Provides a clear understanding of how different camera lenses work at various distances. Allowing informed decisions to be made about lens selection, placement, and coverage strategy. By using an FOV chart, you can ensure optimal visibility, meet specific identification needs. Also, avoid common installation hazards such as blind spots or inefficient use of the camera. Ultimately, it improves safety efficiency while saving time, effort, and costs during planning and installation.
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