Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable an image-viewing system to automatically zoom in and out as target subset matter is tracked. A hand-held body with a lens gathers an image including target subject matter. An image sensor having a resolution in pixels receives the image, and a viewfinder displays at least a portion of the image received by the image sensor. By virtue of the invention, apparatus for automatically zooming out the image displayed in the viewfinder if relative movement is detected between the target subject matter and the body and, and automatically zooming in the image displayed in the viewfinder if the relative movement of the target subject matter slows down or becomes stationary. A power zoom lens may effectuate the automatic zooming, or the zooming may be accomplished digitally without moving parts. The body may form part of a camera, video recorder, binoculars or telescope.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable an image-viewing system to automatically zoom in and out as target subset matter is tracked. A hand-held body with a lens gathers an image including target subject matter. An image sensor having a resolution in pixels receives the image, and a viewfinder displays at least a portion of the image received by the image sensor. By virtue of the invention, apparatus for automatically zooming out the image displayed in the viewfinder if relative movement is detected between the target subject matter and the body and, and automatically zooming in the image displayed in the viewfinder if the relative movement of the target subject matter slows down or becomes stationary. A power zoom lens may effectuate the automatic zooming, or the zooming may be accomplished digitally without moving parts. The body may form part of a camera, video recorder, binoculars or telescope.