Optical Zoom versus Digital Zoom

If you’ve done any shopping for digital cameras, then you have probably seen the terms optical zoom and digital zoom. Optical zoom means that the camera is using optics in the lens to bring objects closer. On the other hand, digital zoom is accomplished using camera’s digital processor. Obtaining the photographs that you want depends on understanding how optical and digital zoom work and how to use them appropriately. The following article provides the information you need before you go zooming off!

Before digital cameras, there was only optical zoom. Different elements contained inside the lens interacted with each other in certain relationships to alter the perceived distance to an object. Some people call optical zoom “true zoom.” It works on the same principle as magnifying glasses or binoculars. The important thing to remember is that the image quality remains high throughout the entire range of the optical zoom.

Digital zoom works differently. Essentially, the camera crops the image in the viewfinder, enlarges what’s left and uses digital processing to fill in the details. Since it doesn’t actually “see” those details, it has to guess (this is called interpolation). So the image that results is less detailed than an optically-zoomed image.

So how should you handle zooming in real life? If at all possible, you should stick with optical zoom in most situations. Some experts even advocate turning off the digital zoom completely. There may be situations where your final picture doesn’t really require details. For example, pictures you never intend to print may not need detailed resolution. Digital zoom might be fine for those pictures.

When shopping for a digital camera, you should keep in mind the difference between optical and digital zoom. Considering the relatively rare situations where digital zoom is preferred, you should limit your comparisons between models to their optical zoom capabilities. You probably can’t go wrong by purchasing the most optical zoom you can afford.