Optical zoom vs. digital zoom

[cmc]

The Hikvision DS-2CD2685G0-IZS supports optical zoom. If I log into the camera's web interface and use the zoom tools in the PTZ section, am I getting an optical zoom or a digital zoom? The documentation isn't clear and refers to these controls as digital zoom controls.



Is there any way to tell if you're optically zooming or digitally zooming? In regards to optical zoom, is there any way to tell the current focal length?

Thanks

 

[biggen]

A digital zoom will look bad. Blocky and pixelated. It should be obvious when you zoom in. If its still clear then its optical.

 

[DsineR]

My Dahua cams with PTZ has an option to disable the digital zoom.
With digital zoom disabled, easy to determine the point between optical & digital zoom by observing where the optical zoom stops.