Optical Zoom vs. Digital Zoom
We’ve all done it – snapped what we thought was the perfect shot only to find out that it was blurry or pixilated. One of the many reasons this can happen is through the use of your camera or camcorder’s zoom features. There are two different types of zoom: optical and digital. Understanding the mechanics behind these technologies will help you to become a better photographer and/or videographer.
OPTICAL ZOOM
Optical zoom is what you’re accustomed to seeing with older 35mm cameras. Think of optical zoom as a “true zoom.” The lens physically moves in and out, toward or away from your subject, and there is no quality loss when using optical zoom.
DIGITAL ZOOM
Once the optical zoom has reached its physical limit of movement, digital zoom takes over and enlarges the pixel size, causing it to appear as though you’re zooming in further. When you increase pixel size, you reduce the overall quality of the image. Interpolation digitally enhances the image so the quality loss is not as apparent, although no amount of interpolation can prevent quality loss entirely. You will achieve better results if you take the picture from afar using only your optical zoom and cropping the photo using image editing software such as Photoshop Elements or Paint Shop Pro.
Using digital zoom also exaggerates any camera movement, translating to distorted, pixilated and often blurred images. A tripod is a necessity if you know you are going to use digital zoom. If you use digital zoom often and have ever wondered why your photos do not turn out well, now you know the reason. Also, some camera and camcorder models allow you to disable digital zoom entirely, preserving the quality of the image.
SMART ZOOM
Considered by some an “ethical” alternative to digital zoom, Sony’s more recent “Smart Zoom” doesn’t enlarge the pixels that make up the image, but captures only 3MP of a 5MP image, offering a full-quality zoom at the cost of megapixels. Basically, you’re cropping a 5MP image to 3MP, which can be easily done in post-processing using an image editor.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whether you already own a digital camera or are in the market for one, knowing the difference between your optical and digital zoom will help you find your ideal camera and allow you to produce better photos. As a general rule, use only optical zoom unless it is absolutely necessary to zoom in further (e.g., you do not have image editing software or are printing 4×6 inch photos or smaller). Even then, Smart Zoom will give you addition zoom at the cost of the camera’s megapixels. Lastly, when comparing zooms from camera to camera, compare only optical zooms – the higher the better.
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