An electronic optical zoom system (100) includes a first lens assembly (101) and a second lens assembly (102). The first lens assembly (101) and the second lens assembly (102) may be adjacently disposed or concentrically disposed. The first lens assembly (101) and second lens assembly (102), in one embodiment, have different magnification configurations. An image sensor (103) captures electronic images of a subject (109). Optical zoom capability is achieved by an alterable electronic optical device (851), such as a switchable mirror (105). The alterable electronic optical device (851) selectively redirects received light between a first optical path (107) from a reflective surface (106) to a second optical path (117) from the alterable electronic optical device (851) depending upon the state of the alterable electronic optical device (851). The electronic optical zoom system (100) thereby provides optical zoom capabilities in a compact package without the need for physically moving lens assemblies.