What is the process of adjusting the distance between the lens and the imaging device called?

The process of adjusting the distance between the lens and the imaging device is known as focusing. Focusing is essential for ensuring that the captured image has clarity and sharpness; it aligns the lens so that incoming light converges at the imaging sensor correctly, creating a clear representation of the scene. When you focus a camera, you are adjusting how light is directed and processed, effectively determining how sharp or blurry an image will appear.

Other terms, such as zooming, refer to changing the focal length of a lens to magnify an image rather than adjusting the focus to achieve clarity. Calibrating involves setting or correcting the measurements of the equipment for accurate operation, and formatting typically relates to preparing a storage device or adjusting the settings for compatibility. In this context, focusing is distinctly related to image clarity through lens adjustment.