Depth-of-field comparison between the plenoptic camera 1.0 and 2.0

Plenoptic cameras capture the spatial and angular information of a scene. The use of plenoptic cameras in areas such as research, microscopy, industry and consumer markets has steadily increased over the past two decades. When designing a plenoptic camera a decision must always be made between spatial and angular resolution. Many factors such as the size and number of microlenses in a microlens array or the relative position of the microlens array and sensor to the main lens play a role. Here we examine the two most common designs of plenoptic cameras. The plenoptic cameras 1.0, also called the unfocused plenoptic camera, and the plenoptic cameras 2.0, the focused plenoptic camera. We derive the mathematical equations that describe the connection between spatial and angular resolution. Supported by experimental results we show the relationship between the equations and a real object with different object distances taken from the plenoptic camera 1.0 and 2.0. These analyzes make it easier for researchers and engineers to choose the right camera design for a particular application. The user only has to determine beforehand which depth-of-field or which spatial resolution is needed.