Understanding Digital Cameras, Part V These days, it seems,
digital is the way to go. From cameras to cellphones, or stereo
systems to television, businesses everywhere tout products that
contain superior digital quality. Newer, digitally-oriented
technology is quickly replacing all kinds of older technology.
Cassettes, for example, are being replaced by CDs, television is
being replaced by HDTV, and many cameras are being replaced by
digital equivalents. So if something is digital, is it always
better than its alternative? Absolutely not. One prime example
in the digital camera realm is the difference between digital
and optical zooms. A typical digital camera may indicate it
contains a 3X optical zoom and an 8X digital zoom, claiming an
effective 24X zoom. While the claim isn't an outright lie, it is
far from the truth and definitely misleading. Contrary to
popular opinion, a digital zoom isn't a true zoom, and actually
decreases the quality of the image. Explaining how each works
may illustrate why. An opt