Optical-Zoom Comparison
Point-and-shoot digital cameras offer different optical zooms. The greater the optical zoom, the larger an object will appear in a photo. Optical zoom is different than digital zoom, which makes an object appear closer at the cost of using a smaller part of the original image and fewer pixels.
Significance
Optical zoom is measured in zoom ratio, the difference between the smallest and largest image a lens can capture. For example, a 1.5x optical zoom will make objects appear 50 percent larger when the lens is fully extended compared with its least extend position. A 3x optical zoom will make objects appear 200 percent larger.
Types
Mainstream manufacturers of point-and-shoot digital camera offered optical zoom ratios of between 1.5x and 12x as of October 2010. If you intend to do scenery, wildlife, sports or other types of photography where objects or people often appear far away, consider purchasing a camera with a high optical zoom ratio.
Considerations
When purchasing a point-and-shoot digital camera, consider whether you are likely to take photos of small objects from far away distances. If you will use your camera primarily for close-up face shots and close-up scenery, you do not need to invest in a camera with a high optical zoom.
Caution
Some digital cameras do not include any optical zoom, but may advertise a high digital zoom instead.
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