When digital and optical zoom are combined on a camera?

I am looking to buy a certain camera that boasts both optical and digital zoom. I am not interested in the digital zoom. Do these cameras that have both types of zoom options use them both at the same time? For example, if I want a 2X optical zoom shot, will the digital zoom be included or can I choose to use just the optical? None of the cameras I look at explain this.

No, the camera will use the optical zoom first and then use the digital zoom second. Some cameras will alow you to turn off the digital zoom if you want. Buy the camera that has the highest optical zoom you can afford.

I can only speak for my own camera, which is a Fuji S602Z. The method they use is to have the optical zoom engaging first. There is a little window with a line down the middle which shows the transition to digital zoom. If you use maximum optical zoom the pointer goes up to the line. If you go past this line the digital zoom engages and progressively increases.

It is a good system, because you can forget the digital zoom altogether, but on those occasions when it is absolutely essential to get a little bit more, you can use maximum optical with a little touch of digital to get what you need.

I would imagine that most cameras would use a similar system to this.

If you get a chance to look at the camera again, zoom in and see if a meter comes up showing how much zoom you are using. Most will have a line showing where digital zoom starts. All cameras will use optical first...pause...and them use digital. You can always tell when the digital is being used because your image will 'jump' to the next zoom point...optical zoom will be a smooth constant motion. Most cameras also have the option of turning the digital zoom off. Good Luck

As soon as you get the camera, go into the menu system and turn off the digital zoom option. go to Steves Digicams and look up your camera. He'll show you how to turn off the digital zoom. Problem solved.