Now, I know what your thinking. In the examples on the left there doesn't seem to be a big difference between the quality of the optical and the digital zoom images. However, upon closer examination, as seen in the images below, we can clearly see that the optical zoom produces a much cleaner and sharper image.

The reason for this is simply that the optical zoom magnifies the distant image using the glass lens elements in the camera's lens. Whereas on the other hand, the digital zoom magnifies the distant image by enlarging the pixels that the camera has created when it captured that image, hence the distortion begins.

You may wonder if this is really that big of a deal or not. Especially when you will find that the cameras with more optical zoom are a little more expensive than the ones with more digital zoom capability. Well, here again is where you need to decide, as we discussed in last months issue, what you plan to do with the photos you are taking.

If you are interested in making photography a hobby or even want to venture into the realm of the part-time pro, then you will likely be getting into the area of post production. That simply means that you will want to edit your images on you computer with the aid of programs like Adobe Photoshop Elements or Adobe Photo Deluxe etc. If that be the case, then at times you will want to crop an image down to a specific portion of the photo, as we did in the images above, and then you will see, if it's that big a deal or not.

This is not an easy decision to make, as it concerns the amount of money you're going to invest. Personally, I would recommend spending a little more for the optical zoom, even if you don't have any intentions of making this a hobby or desire to become a pro-shooter. You can be sure you will more than get your moneys worth out of a camera that produces a good image regardless of the size. After all, you never know when you may want to enlarge a picture you've captured that you are really proud of, and want to hang it on the wall or give it as a gift. It's at times like that, when you'll be glad you spent the extra few dollars.

Just remember, do a little shopping around and compare features and prices, and always ask yourself, if it's cheaper and yet seems to have more zoom, why? If it's mostly digital zoom, then there's your answer.

In next month’s issue of Bread 'n Molasses I'll talk about how you can get sharper images and the value of buying and using a tripod.

Until then . . . happy snapping.