The difference between optical zoom and digital zoom

Zoom is another focus of the lens in terms of zoom capability. The so-called zoom capability includes optical zoom (optical zoom) and digital zoom (digital zoom). Although both are helpful in magnifying distant objects when taking telephoto shots, only optical zoom can support the addition of more pixels after the image subject is formed, making the subject not only larger but also relatively clearer. Generally, the larger the zoom factor, the more suitable it is for telephoto shooting. Optical zoom, like traditional camera design, depends on the focal length of the lens, so the resolution and image quality will not change. Digital zoom can only reduce the original image size, making the image larger on the LCD screen, but it does not help make the details clearer.

Optical zoom

Optical zoom relies on the movement of optical lenses to achieve focal length movement, thus presenting the most beautiful image quality, but the general models are between 10 and 18 times. A video camera or camera with an optical 10x zoom is about the same as a 400-camera telephoto lens.

Optical zoom is achieved by changing the position of the lens, the object, and the focus. When the imaging plane moves horizontally, the visual and focal length change, and the farther the scene is, the clearer it becomes, giving the feeling that the object is getting closer.

Digital zoom

Unlike optical zoom, digital zoom creates a zoom effect by changing the vertical direction of the photosensitive device. The smaller the area on the photosensitive device, the more the user will see only part of the scene. However, since the focal length does not change, the image quality is worse than normal.

Digital zoom is actually a kind of image magnification, which is the result of partially magnifying the image. Imagine if you magnify a 3x5 photo 50 times, the image quality will definitely become rough. And the larger the image is, the rougher it will be. But when shooting distant scenes, you can choose the best point of distance and clarity according to the actual situation.