What is the difference between 25x and 40x Optical Zoom on Camcorder? Which is better?

Question

What is the difference between 25x and 40x Optical Zoom on Camcorder? Which is better?

Answer 1

40 is better. it'll show a crisper image at full zoom compared to 25. don't use digital zoom (an option on all cams) as the images become distorted.

Answer 2

40x optical zoom allows you to zoom in closer to a subject that is far away. Such high zoom levels are not often needed, with the exception of nature photography. In most cases, a 12x optical zoom is sufficient. Just whatever you do, stay away from digital zoom settings. Turn off your digital zoom in your camcorder's menu.

Answer 3

In theory 40x is going to be better.  In practice, you'll probably just end up with a dark and wobbly image.  It's just a marketing ploy to try and convince you that you can judge a camera by looking at one number (two if you include the price).