Sensor Settings

The sensor defines how the final image maps onto the lens system. Just like light input, sensor settings act as a bridge between the rendered image and the physical assumptions of the lens.

Correct sensor calibration ensures that flare behavior, ghost spacing, and optical distortion scale consistently across different resolutions, aspect ratios, and lens types.

Sensor Width

Sensor Width defines the physical width that the rendered image represents.

In practical terms:

The full width of the screen (or render) is mapped to the specified sensor width
Changing sensor width changes how “large” the image appears to the lens system
This directly affects flare scale

Sensor width should typically match the intended camera format or artistic target.

Sensor Scale X and Y

Sensor Scale X and Sensor Scale Y control independent scaling of the image along the horizontal and vertical axes before it is evaluated by the lens system.

These parameters effectively stretch or compress the sensor in one direction.

Anamorphic Workflows

Anamorphic lenses squeeze the image horizontally during capture and are later de-squeezed in post.

To support this workflow, Flares OFX allows you to replicate this behavior using sensor scaling:

Use Sensor Scale X to de-squeeze horizontally
Use Sensor Scale Y to compensate vertically if needed
Adjust scaling until flare shapes and ghost spacing match the expected anamorphic behavior

This allows lens flares to respond correctly to anamorphic squeeze rather than being applied to an already de-squeezed image.

Why Sensor Calibration Matters

Sensor settings affect:

Flare scale and spacing
Perceived lens compression or stretch

Incorrect sensor calibration can result in flares that feel too large, too small, or improperly distorted relative to the image.

Just like light calibration, sensor calibration should be revisited when:

Changing lens geometry
Switching between spherical and anamorphic looks
Adjusting output aspect ratios

Practical Workflow

A common sensor calibration workflow:

Set Sensor Width to match the intended camera or format
Apply Sensor Scale X/Y to account for anamorphic squeeze or stretch
Observe ghost spacing and flare distortion
Fine-tune values until behavior feels consistent and intentional

Summary

Sensor Width defines how much physical space the screen represents
Sensor Scale X and Y stretch or compress the image for the lens system
Anamorphic looks rely heavily on sensor scaling
Proper sensor calibration ensures consistent and believable flare behavior

Together, sensor and light calibration form the foundation for predictable, physically inspired lens flare results.