Vray Physical Camera gizmo?

[Nicinus]

Could someone could answer a couple of questions I have on the vray physical camera, can't find this described anywhere.

The gizmo displays three grids, and my assumption has been that these are the focus plane and then near and far depth of field. This doesn't seem to be the case though, at least this is not where I end up having my focus when rendering.

I'm also confused as to what role the camera target plays in this, is it only the direction or does it have any affect on the point of focus?

[glorybound]

I use this:
http://www.cgtechniques.com/goodies/doftoy/

[Nicinus]

Thanks, that looks great. I assume it works with 2012?

But going back to understanding the gizmo, so are the grids supposed to show the depth of field, it's just that it doesn't work that well?

[glorybound]

yes, it does.

[Nicinus]

Could you possibly elaborate a little?

[glorybound]

it works with 2012

[Pixelcon]

But going back to understanding the gizmo, so are the grids supposed to show the depth of field, it's just that it doesn't work that well?

I'd also like to know if this is the case...

[LarsSonparsson]

yes. grids shows the focus area.
In Max you have to check "manual focus" otherwise camera target is used as a focus point. Im using it all the time without any problems. What kind of problem you have with it.

[Nicinus]

My problem has been that I've suspected that the first and third grid represented the depth of field, with the center one focus, but it has just never worked for me. I've set up the camera and adjusted these grids with the focal length and aperture, but never got the result I expected. I assume you mean 'specify focus', right? I will try it as soon as I'm at my computer.

So if I don't have 'specify/manual focus" checked those three grids have no purpose (except the middle one showing the visible field)? What if I don't have a target?

[LarsSonparsson]

Yes, I meant specify focus.

I don't think that those grids should show exact depth of field. I think they they are meant to be guidelines only. Of course the middle one is the center point, but the two other ones just gives you visual feedback how the focal area changes when you change camera parameters.