Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

Focal length is the distance between the principle plane of the lens and which part of the camera?

1. Shutter

2. Viewfinder

3. Sensor plane

4. Body frame

The correct answer is: Sensor plane

The correct choice is the sensor plane because the focal length is defined as the distance from the lens' principal plane to the image sensor. This measurement is crucial in photography as it determines the field of view and the amount of zoom that the lens provides. A longer focal length results in a narrower field of view, allowing for closer subjects to be captured with more detail, while a shorter focal length offers a wider perspective. Understanding the relationship between focal length and the sensor plane helps photographers select the right lens for their desired composition and subject distance. The sensor plane is where the image is ultimately captured, making it an essential reference point for defining focal length in relation to how photographic images are formed. The other options, such as the shutter, viewfinder, and body frame, do not relate directly to the definition of focal length as they serve different functions within the camera system. The shutter controls the duration of light exposure, the viewfinder allows for composing the shot, and the body frame houses these components. Therefore, only the sensor plane accurately represents the concept of focal length in the context of imaging.