Some cameras only zoom digitally which degrades the resolution but better models optically zoom as well as physically pan and tilt via micro servos.
1080p is high quality hd, designed for dvrs which capture the entire picture content but a require large DVR hd to capture the video for very long.
Idk how 960h compares but it is able to record longer because it only saves portions of the image that changes. Eg. Like a car driving across the edge of the screen.
Both have their benefits and drawbacks.