On a
digital camera, optical zoom is
a true zoom feature. It allows you to
zoom in (or out) on the subject in the
LCD or viewfinder. This will enable you to get a closer
view of the subject before taking your picture. Optical zoom changes the
magnification of images with the actual optical glass before the images reach
the imaging sensor. Optical zoom allows for better photo quality than
digital zoom.
See also optical resolution.
Contrast with digital zoom.