Digital Zoom

sp_who wrote on 7/31/2003, 1:50 PM

I hope I can ask this question correctly, for I'm not sure how to ask ...Anyways, here we go. Digital Zoom. Within Vegas or any other editing software for that matter. What is 1x Zoom, what defines or should I say what mathmetical formula defines 1x zoom?
Then 2x, 3x, Etc.

Comments

SatanJr wrote on 7/31/2003, 2:43 PM

hmm. I think that 1x zoom is about the same as if you just looked at what you are filming or close to that view. 2x zoom would be twice as close 4x zoom would be 4 times closer etc... so if something was 100 feet way, a 2x zoom would make subject appear to be 50 feet away, or 4x would appear 25 feet away etc...

now with digital zoom its something else you are taking shooting at the maximum zoom of your camera and then digitally zooming in on the center of the image that is captured. So it would basically be like scaling up your "non digital zoomed" video in your NLE. Digital zoom is pretty much a worthless feature in my opinion.

sp_who wrote on 8/5/2003, 9:38 AM

Thanks. thats what i kinda figured.
Ya, digital zoom is only good up to about 4 or 5x. Pass that it's crapola.

Chienworks wrote on 8/5/2003, 10:28 AM

Some of us would say that digital zoom past 1x is crapola. ;)

riredale wrote on 8/5/2003, 12:40 PM

Amen. I have to smile when I see DV camcorders on sale, and note the inverse relationship between maximum zoom and quality level. In other words, a camera showing "400x" (!) is not exactly prosumer.

Arks wrote on 8/6/2003, 1:48 PM

Digital Zoom.... cough cough... Don't.... Use it! =P

Basically it is just a marketing gimmick to sell camcorders.

SatanJr wrote on 8/6/2003, 2:24 PM

400x zoom is one shakey pixel taking up the whole screen.

But I am waiting for my 3x telephoto adapter for my adapter to be delivered, any time now. 36x! yay.

clearvu wrote on 8/6/2003, 2:28 PM

NEVER use digital zoom. Use the standard "optical" zoom. If you want zooming beyond the camera's natural ability, then buy a lense attachment. You'll get much better quality video that way.

Of course, if you like the rediculous pixel look, then by all means go digital.