If your camera lacks true optical zoom, the only way to bring a distant scene closer is to walk over to it.

The result is not as sharp as that of the optical zoom.

When an optical zoom changes its focal length, this will also change the angle of view.

An optical zoom, however, actually zooms in and therefore doesn't have such an affect on image quality.

An up to 20X optical zoom should be adequate for most users.

It has 10x optical zoom, and a 16:9 aspect ratio.

The only thing I wish it had was an optical zoom, but we probably won't see that anytime soon.

For $200-300, you can usually get something like 10 megapixels and a 10x optical zoom.

This level of optical zoom will allow Mom to take really cool photos.

For close-ups, you will appreciate a powerful 60x optical zoom.