Methods and apparatus for producing images having variable lateral magnification. One example of such a method includes receiving a first image having a first level of magnification and representing a first field of view, simultaneously receiving a second image having a second level of magnification and representing a second field of view, the second level of magnification being higher than the first level of magnification and the second field of view being narrower than the first field of view, and digitally processing the first and second images to produce a composite image having a variable lateral magnification derived from the first and second levels of magnification.