Framing Pictures: Optical and Digital Zoom

Your Nikon digital camera offers two kinds of zoom: optical zoom, in which the camera’s telescoping lens can be used to magnify the subject up to 3 ⋅ , and digital zoom, in which digital processing is used to further magnify the image up to 4 ⋅ .

Optical Zoom

Photos can be framed in the monitor using the zoom buttons.

Indicator in monitor displays amount of zoom while either button is pressed

Zoom out Zoom in

Optical zoom is not available in movie mode, although digital zoom can be used to magnify the subject up to about 3 ⋅ .

Digital Zoom

At the maximum optical zoom position, holding the button down for two seconds triggers digital zoom.

Taking Pictures

—Beyond Point-and -Shoot

Maximum optical zoom

Hold for 2 s

Zoom indicator turns yellow

position

 

in digital zoom range

The camera can be zoomed in and out in the digital zoom range by pressing the and buttons. To restore ordinary optical zoom, press until the zoom indicator turns white.

In digital zoom, data from the camera’s image sensor are processed digitally, enlarging the center portion of the picture to fill the frame. Unlike optical zoom, digital zoom does not increase the amount of detail visible in the pic- ture. Instead, details visible at maximum optical zoom are enlarged, produc- ing a slightly “grainy” image. While digital zoom is in effect, the camera focuses on the subject in the center of the frame, even if objects in other areas of the frame are closer to the camera.

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Nikon COOLPIX 2500 manual Framing Pictures Optical and Digital Zoom, Optical Zoom
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COOLPIX 2500 specifications

The Nikon COOLPIX 2500 is a compact digital camera that was introduced in the early 2000s, showcasing a blend of innovative features and user-friendly design. It is known for its portability and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for casual photographers and those just beginning their journey into digital photography.

One of the standout features of the COOLPIX 2500 is its 2.0-megapixel image sensor, which allows users to capture decent quality images for that time. Although the resolution may seem modest by today’s standards, it was suitable for printing 4x6 inch photos and sharing images online in the early 2000s. The camera also boasts an 8x digital zoom, which provides users with the flexibility to capture distant subjects without the need for an additional lens.

The camera's lens is a 5.2-15.6mm lens, equivalent to a 37-111mm lens in 35mm film terms, making it versatile for a range of shooting situations, from close-ups to portraits. The COOLPIX 2500 features a built-in flash that automatically adjusts according to the lighting conditions, ensuring better image quality in low-light situations.

Another impressive aspect of the COOLPIX 2500 is its user-friendly interface, which allows even novice photographers to operate the camera with ease. It comes with several scene modes, such as portrait, landscape, and night portrait, that provide optimal settings for different scenarios. The camera also features a 1.5-inch LCD display, enabling users to preview their shots instantly.

In terms of battery life, the COOLPIX 2500 operates on AA batteries, which is convenient for users who may not want to invest in specialized camera batteries. This feature allows for easy replacement and compatibility with commonly available batteries.

The Nikon COOLPIX 2500 remains a noteworthy model for its technological advancements during its era. It introduced users to the world of digital photography with a combination of simplicity and performance. Although outperformed by modern digital cameras, it serves as a nostalgic reminder of the early days of digital photography. Its portability, ease of use, and several intuitive features make it a significant model in the Nikon legacy.
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