When using the zoom function of a camcorder, you can shoot subjects that come up close, or that move away even though you do not move with your subject. This function is effective when you would like people to pay attention to the subject. However, if you use the zoom function too many times, people may not understand clearly what you would like them to pay attention to.

This section describes how to use the zoom function.

Zooming is a shooting technique for enlarging and displaying greater subject detail after shooting an entire scene. Zooming in on the subject gradually after shooting the whole scene makes for an easy transition to the next scene. If time allows, check whether the subject is cut out of the picture when zooming in before you do any actual shooting.

1. Move the zoom lever toward <W>, and shoot the entire scene. If you refrain from zooming for a few seconds, after you start shooting, the video will seem less "busy" when played back.
   
2. Move the zoom lever toward <T> slowly.
   - The camcorder will switch automatically to the digital zoom when you zoom in beyond the optical zoom range (when setting [D.ZOOM] to [ON]). If you use the digital zoom, you can enlarge the subject even further. Please refer to the following information on optical/digital zoom.
   
3. After zooming in, shoot for a few seconds without any further use of the zoom function, and then stop recording.
   
4. Start shooting the next scene without zooming out, but rather by changing your shooting position.
   

Zooming out is a shooting technique for moving away from the subject to display a wider range of the surrounding scene. It is used to show the subject's situation. Also, it is used to show the end of a scene.

1. Move the zoom lever toward <T>, and start shooting after zooming on the subject. If you refrain from zooming for a few seconds before zooming out, the video will seem less "busy" when played back.
   
2. Move the zoom lever toward <W> slowly.
   
3. After zooming out, shoot for a few seconds without any further use of the zoom function, and then stop recording.
   
4. Start shooting the next scene without zooming in, but rather by changing your shooting position.

* It is important to get used to operating the zoom lever to shoot effectively, when zooming in or zooming out. It is advisable to get used to the operation of the zoom lever prior to shooting, so that you know how strongly, or how quickly you should press the zoom lever. You can also switch the zoom speed depending on the situation if you change the camcorder settings. Please refer to the instruction manual provided with your camcorder for more information on setting the zoom speed.

NOTE: Digital Zoom and Optical Zoom

The digital zoom and an optical zoom rates are written on the camcorder. Optical zoom optically magnifies the size of the image by moving the lens and changing the focal length. Digital zoom digitally magnifies the image caught by the lens.