Watch photos and Focal Length Distortion

[bumpylumpy]

I think the reason everyone keeps thinking the watches look smaller in person is because everyone is taking photos using their iPhones, which have very short focal lengths for objects taken up close.

This picture should illustrate the effect. Imagine the watch is this model's nose, and notice that the closer you are, the bigger it seems in relation to her face.

We need some photos taken using longer zooms at a further distance to get a more natural effect, but I suspect few of us will be walking into our watch try-on appointments with DSLR cameras!

 

[Pinksteady]

I think the reason everyone keeps thinking the watches look bigger in person is because everyone is taking photos using their iPhones, which have very short focal lengths for objects taken up close.

This picture should illustrate the effect. Imagine the watch is this model's nose, and notice that the closer you are, the bigger it seems in relation to her face.

Image

We need some photos taken using longer zooms at a further distance get a more natural effect, but I suspect few of us will be walking into our watch try-on appointments with DSLR cameras!

I was thinking the same thing. Actually thought about taking my NEX-6 today but then realised that would be ridiculous.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Except many thought both the 38mm and 42mm look smaller in person. How would you reconcile that with your OP?

 

[bumpylumpy]

Except many thought both the 38mm and 42mm look smaller in person. How would you reconcile that with your OP?

Because your eye is generally a longer focal length at arms length than your iPhone camera.

Or, put differently - your arm looks *smaller* in the photo than in person. So in person the watch seems smaller.

 

[mightyjabba]

Except many thought both the 38mm and 42mm look smaller in person. How would you reconcile that with your OP?

That's the point. Both watches look bigger in photos on people's wrists, and both look smaller in person (from what I've heard).

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Because your eye is generally a longer focal length at arms length than your iPhone camera.

Or, put differently - your arm looks *smaller* in the photo than in person. So in person the watch seems smaller.

You should clarify that in your OP because you wrote "look bigger in person."

 

[bumpylumpy]

You should clarify that in your OP because you wrote "look bigger in person."

Oh man, good catch - totally messed that up! I've fixed the original post. Thanks!