2007-01-14 12:05:47 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Consumer Electronics ➔ Cameras
That is easy, optical. The digital zoom is just making things larger by using reduced data, whereas the optical zoom is using the lens to increase the size of the image and full image array.
Consider an image and divide it into 4 parts. To double the size of an image, it will actually be 4 times the size (remember, you are doubling the width, as well as the height). Well, the digital zoom is the opposite of that. If you double the image, you are using 1/4 of the image and duplicating the pixels (with perhaps some calculations).
I have disabled the digital zoom on my camera. If you want to zoom in, you can do so on your computer, but at least you have as much data (image) as possible.
2007-01-14 12:16:53 · answer #1 · answered by Ghost 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is easy, optical. The digital zoom is just making things larger by using reduced data, whereas the optical zoom is using the lens to increase the size of the image and full image array.
Consider an image and divide it into 4 parts. To double the size of an image, it will actually be 4 times the size (remember, you are doubling the width, as well as the height). Well, the digital zoom is the opposite of that. If you double the image, you are using 1/4 of the image and duplicating the pixels (with perhaps some calculations).
I have disabled the digital zoom on my camera. If you want to zoom in, you can do so on your computer, but at least you have as much data (image) as possible. Digital zoom uses resolution. In other words it is the same as cropping the photo - takes a section of the photo, trims out the edges and blows it up. With some of todays hi resolution cameras you won't really notice the difference, but if you digitally zoom it a lot, and want a large print you may notice a decrease in resolution. Optical zoom is magnification before the image is taken.
2007-01-15 11:30:22 · answer #2 · answered by Sarbazeirani 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Digital zoom uses resolution. In other words it is the same as cropping the photo - takes a section of the photo, trims out the edges and blows it up. With some of todays hi resolution cameras you won't really notice the difference, but if you digitally zoom it a lot, and want a large print you may notice a decrease in resolution. Optical zoom is magnification before the image is taken.
2007-01-14 12:10:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Optical...It uses the camera lens, I believe. Digital zoom is usually much grainier and done with software by the camera. Optical zoom doesn't affect the picture quality.
2007-01-14 12:09:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Optical zoom by far. Digital zoom is useless (you can do the same on the computer once you download the pics).
2007-01-14 12:09:37 · answer #5 · answered by bandit 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to say, but the folks who said digital are just plain wrong. As others have stated, optical zoom is the only way to do it without degrading your image.
2007-01-18 11:22:35 · answer #6 · answered by Cinco13 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Optical provides better clarity for the picture, while digital allows you to zoom to ridiculous lengths.
2007-01-14 12:09:20 · answer #7 · answered by Questionmark of Doom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Optical zoom.
2007-01-14 12:08:19 · answer #8 · answered by demonwebs 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Digital Zoom is better
2007-01-17 11:49:12 · answer #9 · answered by markusfarkus33 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Optical
2007-01-14 12:08:09 · answer #10 · answered by bonlwick 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋