Digital Zoom Vs. Optical Zoom
If you are an amateur photography enthusiast, you have ample scope of making your passion your profession. In order to do this you just need to get well versed with the basic techniques of photography, which will improve with time, and eliminate all those myths associated with digital photography. When we talk about the myths of photography, one of the most important myth is that megapixels are more important than zoom, while the fact is other way round. A digital camera with 10 zoom and 8 megapixels is anytime better than a camera with 12 megapixel resolution but only 6 zoom. Basically there are two types of zooms - digital zoom and optical zoom, both of which are miles apart from each other.
How Digital Zoom Works?
Digital zoom is a technology wherein magnification is attained by cropping and interpolation of the image. In a camera with digital zoom, the Integrated Chip (IC) within the camera crops the image and magnifies this cropped image to give you the picture you desire. Whilst doing this, the picture is virtually given a makeover on the various fronts. All the adjustments that the picture is subjected to affects the quality of the picture, and most often the image ends up being distorted. This type of zoom is most often used in compact cameras and camera phones.
How Optical Zoom Works?
Optical zoom is the process wherein magnification is facilitated by extending and retracting zoom lenses (optics). This type of zoom works on the concept of focal length - the distance between the center of the lens and the image sensor. When the lens is zoomed out the focal length increases, which in turn magnifies the image. Such zoom feature is most often seen in SLR or DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras wherein zoom can be operated by rotating the lenses with your hand. More recently, compact cameras with optical zoom are also being launched by various companies, wherein zoom lenses are operated by the push of a button. The elongated button on the camera has 'W' and 'T' marked on either side, wherein 'W' stands for wide angle and 'T' stands for telephoto.
Difference Between Digital Zoom and Optical Zoom
The foremost difference in comparison of digital vs optical zoom is that former uses a chip to enlarge the image while the later does it manually by adjusting the focal length. Using optical zoom is definitely advantageous as it doesn't hamper the quality of the image like digital zoom does. The procedure of cropping and enlargement of an image which a camera with digital zoom does is something which can be also done after clicking a normal image. In fact, when cropping and enlarging an image in editing software you also get to exclude the unnecessary portions of the same. That, however, doesn't mean that the digital zoom is entirely useless. The fact that the cameras with digital zoom are priced pretty low as compared to optical zoom cameras means that going for them is a better option, especially when you don't intend to make a career in photography.
Ideally speaking, a camera with a digital zoom is a good option when you want to take pictures of small gatherings, your pets etc. As long as you don't need to enlarge these pictures you should be fine with digital zoom. Going by experts recommendation buying a camera with optical zoom is beneficial as opposed to buying one with a digital zoom. Even though you will have to shell out some extra money for this, the end result will always be marvelous. You will have to really work on learning how to use a camera with optical lenses because understanding the different aspects of the optics of camera can be a daunting task. Professional knowledge about camera lenses though, can make it easier for an individual to choose the perfect lens for that perfect shot.
You need to take all these differences into consideration when buying a digital camera. When it comes to creative fields, such as digital photography, you need to put in years of practice to become perfect. Choosing the proper equipment is no doubt an important factor, but using it effectively is something that you can only master over the period.
