Optical zoom is a feature commonly found in cameras that allows the lens to zoom in on a subject optically, meaning it physically moves the glass elements closer together to magnify the image. This results in no loss of image quality as the zoom is achieved through the optics of the lens. Unlike digital zoom, which simply crops and enlarges a portion of the image, optical zoom provides a true close-up of the subject, capturing more detail and maintaining sharpness. This feature is particularly important in product photography as it allows for capturing intricate details of the products being showcased.