1. A computer-implemented method for generating image capture instructions by predictively determining in a scene-independent manner configuration settings to be used by a camera to capture a minimal quantity of images for generating a quality depth map, the method comprising: receiving, by a computer system, an input comprising an estimate of a distance of a portion of a scene from a viewpoint, wherein images of the scene are to be captured by the camera when the camera is located at the viewpoint; determining, by the computer system, a range of optimal blur radii for the images to be captured, the range of optimal blur radii indicating a sufficiency of depth information for generating the quality depth map; identifying, by the computer system, an aperture setting for the camera to be used when capturing the images of the scene; determining, by the computer system, a maximum length of an interval within a depth range corresponding to the estimate, wherein the maximum length of the interval is based at least in part on the range of optimal blur radii and a lens constant; determining, by the computer system and based on the maximum length of the interval, a quantity of intervals to be distributed within the depth range, the quantity of intervals corresponding to the minimal quantity of images; determining, by the computer system, a focus setting for each interval; and generating, by the computer system, the image capture instructions, each image capture instruction comprising the aperture setting and one of the focus settings.