What's optical zoom?

@nyxy2008 (112)
China
September 17, 2010 10:14pm CST
I want to buy a digital camera,but don't understand the concept of optical zoom Digital camera optical zoom 4 times,8 times and 12 times the scene were shot for what?In general,four times to beat and more distance? Can shoot 12 times more distance?
2 responses
LaurenInLA
@LaurenInLA (2270)
• United States
19 Sep 10
Optical zzom is a feature that you can use when you want to photograph an object at a closer distance than you are from the object. 4 times means that the object is magnified 4 times more. 8 times means that the object is magnified 8 times more. Essentially you get the same effect as when you use a bopy machine at 125% or 150% setting.
nyxy2008
@nyxy2008 (112)
• China
20 Sep 10
I see,very grateful
ShepherdSpy
@ShepherdSpy (8544)
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
19 Sep 10
The term "Optical zoom " means that the movement of the glass camera lenses themselves cause the magnification of the image,as opposed to "Digital Zoom" where the magnification is done by the camera software and hardware.