which is better 20x or 12x in optical zoom?

Definitely 20X but be sure this is not combined with Digital Zoom which is the software alternative and results in Pixellation (blockiness) in your final image.

One particularly good quality lens is the Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, with a 20X Optical. The manufacturers Sony claim that you get a bright picture. [ref 1]. I certainly have not had any problems with it.

You may like to look at ref 2 below for tips on shooting good Digital Videos. e.g. do not point the lens at direct sunlight as this can damage the lens; and avoid excessive zooming.

Also see ref: 3 - tips on sharp shooting

Good luck!

The more the optical zoom, you don't loose any quality. The optical zoom works through the optics (ie lens).

The digital zoom is same as enlarging pixels on the computer and the picture becomes pixelated. The result is poor quality.

The standard zoom in most camcorders is 10X. So the 20X is a good optical zoom. Its like can see the life 20 times closer.

20x Optical Zoom

optical zoom is best, whether it goes to 12x or 20x. Guess since you ask here, u got 20X digital zoom, which is not so good. It basically rescales the video digitally, so you will add noise to the picture when using digital zoom.

20x seems better but you need to find out if it is really required. It all depends on what kind of videos you are going to take.

Also, when you close up too much you will have a problem with shaking. To avoid that you always need to use tripod.

in optical, 20x, unless you dont have a tripod and image stabilizer. in digital, 12x because of image quality. and just curious, are you getting a pv-gs400?

20x