Blender 2.8 Cycles AOVs Request: Zdepth pass with the max of all samples
- Zdepth pass with the max of all samples in the AOVs ( The current Z depth AOV is based on just the first sample which makes it not usable for applying Zdefocus.)
The image below illustrates the zdepth pass against the alpha channel. Ideally we need a few more pixels coverage ( should be non-filtered / aliasing looking ) that exceed the edge of the alpha channel, in order to apply zdefocus properly.
The benefit of apply zdefocus in compositing is it allows you to make focal adjustments ( focal point, bokeh shapes & amount of defocus ) in compositing, without going back to re-render all your cg elements.
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EDIT -- I'm changing my mind about this. I like it.
Basically, this is only applied where there is an alpha'ed edge. I've worked around this in the past in Blender by adding a holdout wall behind the object, so it doesn't fade away to nothingness, but rather to something in the not-too-far distance. Pushing those z-depth pixels to the very edge of the anti-aliased alpha channel could fix this need, and simplify my workflow when using a depth pass (which I do a lot).
This is similar to what you get when you straight alpha rather than a premultiplied alpha channel.