What Is 4X Optical Zoom?

Optical zoom is a feature of digital cameras and camcorders that allows an image of a subject to be enlarged or brought closer to an observer. Unlike so-called digital zoom, optical zoom uses the camera's optical components--the lens.

How it Works

Optical zoom works by changing the focal length and magnification of camera lens, in much the same way as a pair of binoculars or a traditional film camera.

Rating

Digital cameras and camcorders have different ratings for optical zoom depending on the level of magnification they are capable of achieving. A 4X optical zoom is capable of making a image four times larger than it can be seen with the naked eye.

Image Quality

Optical zoom allows the full resolution -- usually quoted in megapixels (Mp) -- of a camera to be used throughout its range, so there is no loss of image quality. This is in contrast to digital zoom, which scales up the individual picture elements, or “pixels,” after an image has been created.

References

• Photo.net: Digital Cameras - A beginner's guide
• Tfpsoft: What Is The Difference Between Optical Zoom and Digital Zoom?