Avoid Using Digital Zoom
Posted by Tali Weissberger at 5:51 pm
All digital cameras have digital zoom capabilities. Unfortunately, though, digital zoom gives a lower-quality photo than optical zoom.
Photo taken using digital zoom. Note the blur and 'graininess' of the photo.
How does digital zoom work? Well, it takes the center of the image and crops the edges, then enlarges the center section to a full-image size. Some cameras also add pixels to the image through a process called “interpolation” (or adding pixels to the image by guessing where they should go). Because of this, the results of digital zoom can be blurry and grainy, especially under low light conditions.
So, how do you avoid this problem? In cameras that have an optical zoom, simply turn off the digital zoom (in an option found on one of the camera menus). You can also use your cameras audible signal (LCD indicator) to know when to move from optical to digital zoom, and when to avoid using digital zoom (when conditions are unsuitable).
Do you have any ideas on ideal conditions for using digital zoom? Or how to take the optimal photo? Let us know in the comments section below, or on the Contact page.
