1. Home
  2. Electronics & Gadgets
  3. Digital Cameras

Digital Zoom

By Kyle Schurman, About.com

Definition: Digital zoom is the magnification of a digital image using software inside the digital camera, rather than changing the focal length of the zoom lens to magnify the image.

Digital zoom simply increases the size of the pixels that make up the digital image, which can harm photo sharpness. Digital photographers prefer optical zoom.

Explore Digital Cameras

About.com Special Features

Family Tech Center

Stay connected and entertained with reviews on tips on the latest HDTVs, cellphones and more. More >

How to Buy a BlackBerry

Sleek and trim or loaded with extras? Select the right smartphone for your lifestyle. More >

  1. Home
  2. Electronics & Gadgets
  3. Digital Cameras
  4. Digital Cameras 101
  5. Digital Camera Glossary
  6. Digital Camera Glossary: Digital Zoom

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.