Optical zoom vs. digital zoom

[MariaJane]

Can anyone tell me what's the difference between optical zoom and digital zoom? Do I have to consider it in buying a digital camera?

[Emilio]

Optical zoom is similar to what you'll find in a regular 35mm camera: When you push the button to zoom in or out, physical lens elements move inside the camera, to achieve the desired effect. While Digital zoom, on the other hand, has no moving parts. Using the "electronic brain" within the camera instead, the camera takes a look at what it's "looking at", and digitally zooms in, usually two or three times closer. But digital zoom loses image quality. Your images will tend to be more "pixelated" than the same image taken with an optical zoom camera.

Well yes, you have to consider it in buying a digital camera if you are expecting a good result or else you'll end up getting disappointed. Having optical and digital zoom on a camera isn't bad, but if you were to ask me, I'd try to avoid those having digital zoom only.