Just about every digital camera and camcorder comes with digital zoom. And just about every one of these digital zooms is completely useless. Digital zooming is done in the software of your camera or camcorder and since it is limited by the information available on the CCD, it's just a guess at what might be there.

Using digital zoom will result in pixelated, grainy video or pictures and you will not be happy with the results. If you want to get good video or photos make sure to use the optical zoom only. If that's still does not get you close enough to your subject, use your feet to get you closer... but no matter how tempting, don't use the digital zoom.