Optical zoom theory

Optical zoom works by physically adjusting the lens inside a camera to magnify the subject, similar to using a traditional zoom lens on a camera or telescope. When you zoom in optically, the lens elements move closer or farther apart to focus light more precisely onto the camera sensor, enlarging the image without losing quality. This allows you to get a closer view of distant objects with sharp details, unlike digital zoom, which enlarges pixels and can reduce image clarity. Essentially, optical zoom maintains image fidelity by adjusting the lens optics directly, providing a clearer, more detailed zoomed-in picture.