A FOV(field of view) dependent LOS(line of sight) scan method and apparatus for a turret aided camera system with continuous zoom optics is disclosed. According to this invention, the scan width and rate of the LOS are automatically determined as a function of the FOV selected by the user: scan width=f1(FOV, m) and scan rate=f2(FOV, te) where m is the observation range constant and te is the eye integration time. Moreover, the sensitivity to the FOV can be controlled by adjusting the relevant parameter sets (said m and te), allowing the user to select the scan condition proper to himself. This invention is quite useful for all kinds of turret aided camera system (the IR or day light TV cameras) for reconnoitering application.