To zoom or not to zoom: do we have enough pixels?

Richard N. Youngworth; Eric Herman

doi:10.1117/12.2189405

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3 September 2015 To zoom or not to zoom: do we have enough pixels?

Richard N. Youngworth, Eric Herman

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Proceedings Volume 9580, Zoom Lenses V; 95800A (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2189405
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2015, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Common lexicon in imaging systems includes the frequently used term digital zoom. Of course this term is somewhat of a misnomer as there is no actual zooming in such systems. Instead, digital zoom describes the zoom effect that comes with an image rewriting or reprinting that perhaps can be more accurately described as cropping and enlarging an image (a pixel remapping) for viewing. If done properly, users of the overall hybrid digital-optical system do not know the methodology employed. Hence the essential question, pondered and manipulated since the advent of mature digital image science, really becomes “do we have enough pixels to avoid optical zoom.” This paper discusses known imaging factors for hybrid digital-optical systems, most notably resolution considerations. The paper is fundamentally about communication, and thereby includes information useful to the greater consumer, technical, and business community who all have an interest in understanding the key technical details that have driven the amazing technology and development of zoom systems.

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Richard N. Youngworth and Eric Herman "To zoom or not to zoom: do we have enough pixels?", Proc. SPIE 9580, Zoom Lenses V, 95800A (3 September 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2189405

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