Just like Optical Zoom lenses for conventional cameras, the focal distance to the image sensor in your Cyber-shot is changed by physically moving lens elements in order to provide both wide-angle and telephoto coverage. As a result, Optical Zoom provides superior image quality compared to Digital Zoom.

Generally speaking, the higher the magnification, the lower the lens brightness. In order to compensate for this, high-magnification zoom lenses are larger in diameter, resulting in bulky, heavy lenses. Sony’s engineering expertise has provided the means to overcome this problem, allowing us to develop a small, superbly accurate zoom lens that perfectly complements the Cyber-shot’s compact design. For added versatility, you can even use Optical Zoom when shooting movies.