What is zoom in a camera?

One of the functions of modern cameras is zoom. Beginning photographers and amateurs may not know what it is. Zoom allows you to enlarge the image and make it high quality. It is classified into several types. Therefore, it is worth understanding all the features of this function.

What is zoom in a camera?

Literally translated, zoom means enlarging an image. This is its main function. When choosing a camera, many people rely on the quality of the matrix. But zoom is also important and should not be ignored.

The number of times the camera can zoom in on an image is called the zoom factor, and it is different for each camera. Its performance is also affected by the focal length. This is the distance between the center of the lens and the focal point.

Reference. Zoom is typical for devices with variable focal length. FR is measured in millimeters. The parameter is indicated on the camera lens as a two-digit number.

Based on the focal length, you can independently find out what kind of zoom a certain device has. For example, if at a short interval the parameter is 5.8 mm, and at a long interval it is 24 mm, then it is enough to divide the last number by the first. In this case, zoom will be equal to 4. This means that the object can be enlarged as much as possible by 4 times.

Varieties of zoom

Zoom is divided into several types. This also needs to be taken into account when choosing the right camera.Each subspecies has a number of features. So, there are the following types:

1. Optic. The magnification occurs thanks to optics. Used on both DSLR and mirrorless cameras. The photographer just needs to move the lens, which allows him to change the location of the lenses. This does not affect the other specified shooting parameters in any way: they remain unchanged. The more you magnify the image in the lens, the blurrier it will be. Therefore, in addition, professionals advise using a picture stabilizer. One of the advantages of optical zoom is that it allows you to preserve the quality of the image as much as possible in the current conditions.
2. Digital. This is a processor built into the camera. It allows you to cut out the desired piece from an image and stretch it across the entire area of ​​the matrix. The image resolution remains unchanged. This has a positive effect on the quality of the photo. But some note that it is more convenient to work in a similar format in special editors. The numbers mode can be disabled.
3. Superzoom. Allows you to enlarge the image many times. This value is several times higher than the capabilities of budget cameras and amounts to 50–60 times the magnification. Equipment equipped with superzoom is quite expensive. There is no point in purchasing it for beginners. Coping with such an increase will not be easy. Photos will be blurry due to other characteristics. It takes good setup and experience to get good images.

Criterias of choice

It was noted that you should not ignore such a parameter as zoom when buying a camera. It is recommended to pay attention to its meaning when studying the characteristics of the equipment.However, it is difficult to understand exactly at what zoom the camera will shoot the highest quality and most beautiful images. This is also affected by other equipment parameters. And also the skill of the photographer.

When choosing between types of zoom, it is recommended to give preference to optical. It’s easier to work with, and you can zoom in on a specific object in any good photo editor. You should pay attention to the focal length.

The nature of the filming that is planned to be carried out also matters. If you need a camera to capture pictures of family and friends, then you should choose models with a wide viewing angle. The zoom will then be small: there is no need to magnify objects many times over. 2 or 3 times is enough.

If you plan to photograph nature, then the zoom value is increased to 5–7. To achieve the best possible picture, it is recommended to use an automatic stabilizer. It is also important to hold the device firmly and confidently. This will allow you to get clear frames, without smearing or blurriness.

For close-up shots, you should try to get closer to the subject rather than using maximum zoom. This will avoid narrowing your perspective. Five or seven times zoom is quite enough for shooting at long distances. It was noted that it makes no sense for beginners to choose models with ultrasonics. Such equipment is expensive and more difficult to work with.

How to use

There is nothing complicated about using a zoom. It is enough to follow a few recommendations. If there is a digital view, it is better to turn it off immediately. It is quite inconvenient to work with him. You can do this by going to settings.

It is impossible to replace the construction of a composition by zooming in or out of an object using zoom.Digital zoom is suitable in cases where the matrix has a good level of resolution. It is recommended to experiment with different objects beforehand.

It's easier to work with an optical view. It is enough to adjust the zoom level manually by rotating the lens. Additionally, you can also use the image stabilizer to get better pictures. This is especially true for beginners who have not yet learned to confidently and firmly hold the equipment in their hands.

Achieving the zoom effect is quite simple. The function is widespread and available not only on cameras, but also in modern gadgets. You can get a high-quality photo using a zoom if you practice a lot. At first, the photos will appear blurry and unclear. But regular training will improve the results. It is also important to decide in advance what exactly you plan to photograph. The required zoom factor depends on this, which will affect the choice of camera and its cost.