A guide to optical and digital zoom in digital video and photography and the differences and benefits of each one for the best digital pictures and movies.

The zoom lens of digital cameras and camcorders is the ability to vary focal length and, thus the angle of view. Both digital cameras
and camcorders have zoom capability. For the consumer this can be
confusing because there are two different types, known as Digital Zoom
and Optical Zoom. When in doubt always go for optical zoom when
shopping for cameras and camcorders.

Digital Zoom vs. Optical Zoom

The digital zoom enlarges images by magnifying the actual pixels. The
finished image is thus affected and lacks clear definition. Simply put,
digital zoom merely captures pixels and magnifies those and produces
inferior photos, always go with optical zoom, which is a much better
quality zoom capability.

Optical zoom, unlike digital zoom, actually utilizes the movement of
the lens. The focal length is changed and the image that passes through
the lens is captured with optical zoom. Higher optical zoom ratings
give better image quality. Simply put, optical zoom magnifies the size
of an image by adjusting the lens. Unlike digital zoom, optical zoom
enlarges the subject without sacrificing resolution.

Optical zoom ratings vary from 3PX to 20PX and the higher ratings give
the best image quality. Optical zoom gives you all the benefits of the
camera’s and camcorder’s maximum resolution, combined with the camera’s
ability to focus in tight on faraway action.

Often times an optical zoom is more important than resolution because
it means you won’t have to magnify your subject and then use software
to crop the image and discard some of the resolution as a result.
Optical zoom works much like the zoom lens on a 35 mm film camera. It
changes the length of your camera lens and draws the subject closer to
you.

Digital zoom has its place. It can be used if the only destination for your photos is to view them on your computer or cheap laptop computer,
and send them via email. Photos online can be a much lower quality in
the camera and still appear acceptable when sent through e-mail or
posted on a web gallery. But, if your goal is to print any of your
photos you need a camera that has a high optical zoom rating and if
your camcorder or camera also has a digital zoom function you should
turn it off when taking those pictures. Your digital photography will be much better in the end, even if you are shooting from far away.

Another important camcorder or digital camera shopping tip is to ignore
digital zoom ratings within optical zoom. Some vendors tout a high
total zoom that includes digital zoom

, and it is not the true Optical
Zoom rating. Always look for the true optical zoom rating.

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