Optical Zoom Vs Digital Zoom - What Is The Difference?

Most of the digital cameras these days like the Canon 7D will have two choices in the camera menu when it comes to zoom options. First you have the optical zoom. This zoom is all about allowing for a flexible focal point length. This allows you to ultimately magnify a subject without disturbing the actual focus of the lens. The optical zoom can be more or less compared to the way your eyes work in that whatever you focus your point on, will always and continually be focused. Optical zooms are understandably superior to digital zooms, and should be the foremost thing you look for when you purchase digital cameras.

Whereas with the digital zoom it will essentially lower the quality of your photos quality because no detail is gained when using this option. For optical zoom you should be following specific guidelines that will allow you to take the BEST photo possible. As with mega pixels, the amount of optical zoom allowable per shot will depend on what you plan on using the camera for. For example, if you are simply going to use the camera at home or at functions, you might consider using a 2x optical zoom.

Whereas if you are taking pictures on a regular basis or you are into photography as more than just a simple hobby, you would want to pick a higher zoom. Usually the higher the zoom, the higher the price, although you can still find high zoom options with an inexpensive digital camera of you take a look at some of the products carried in a digital camera online store. Usually though a 2X optical zoom will be around $100 - $150, and a 6x optical zoom could be anywhere from $250 - $500. Again, these prices are flexible! I bought my first camera and it had a 12x optical zoom and it was a mere $300 and a fantastic camera.

So yes, it definitely is possible to buy the cheapest digital camera with the greatest options and still have quality in hand! Here is a little guide you should follow as far as how far away you can take close up from and what zoom you would need for your camera; up to 7 feet - 2x or higher, up to 15 feet - 4x or higher, up to 25 feet - 6x or higher, up to 35 feet - 8x or higher.