Pixels vs Optical Zoom?

[Schmecky209]

What would be better to purchase -- 4 pixel/4x optical zoom camera, or 5 pixel/3x optical zoom?

When using a camera, what would give it the advantage? More pixels or more optical zoom?

I tend to crop my photos a lot, so I'm looking for what would help my pictures be sharp and clear.

Thank you!

[jessie25]

This question has been asked and answered several times. I assume you're comparing the A95 to the A520? I can explain the math but the upshot is that at full telephoto, 4/4 will beat 5/3. But there are disadvantages to full telephoto (lower aperture is one) and if you do most of your shooting at wide-angle you might appreciate the 5/3 better.

[jcw122]

w/ optical zoom, there isn't distortion of the digital photo, w/ pixel, there is. It's basicly like trying to make an image larger by using software, thats pixel zoom I think