Z-Depth
What is Z-depth and how does it enhance 3D compositions?
GLOSSARY
Z-Depth refers to the representation of depth within a 3D space in digital imaging, where the Z-axis denotes the distance from the viewer or camera. It's used extensively in 3D modeling and animation to manage the spatial relationships between objects, ensuring that elements are properly layered and occluded based on their relative distance from the camera.
Z-depth helps convey the illusion of depth and distance, essential for adding realism to scenes. By managing z-depth, animators can ensure that objects like game pieces on a board are correctly sized and overlapped, providing a sense of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional screen. This technique allows for the creation of scenes with a tangible sense of depth, where each piece is distinct and properly positioned in relation to the others, mirroring how they would appear in real life.
Technical definition
Z-Depth is often visualized as a grayscale image where white represents objects close to the camera and black denotes objects further away. This grayscale map can be used in post-processing to apply depth-of-field effects, where objects out of a certain range appear blurred, mimicking the optical properties of a camera lens.