Digital Photography Technology

Camera image stabilization is something that has been around for about 10 years and is now showing up in most manufactures’ equipment. Camera image stabilization (CIS) is used in telescopes, cameras, camcorders, and cameras.

Camera shake is more pronounced at slow shutter speeds and or when using telephoto lenses. It a video camera, vibration or shake causes jitter between frames and is very noticeable. In astronomy, vibration in the telescope combined with atmospheric conditions causes the object being viewed to appear to be moving.

All the manufacturers’ have come up with their own version of IS. There is lens shift stabilization, sensor shift stabilization, electronic /ISO shift stabilization, and gyro stabilizers. Each has their own pros and cons. With IS, a 3 to 4 stop slower speed can be used. This is very substantial. Lens shift stabilization has the system mounted in the lens. Sensor mounted in the lens and coupled to a group of internal lenses, counter act any motion, and move the lens to keep the image in one spot on the sensor. These lenses can be used on any camera with the proper mounting ring. With this type of stabilization, the image is also stabilized in the view finder. The draw back is that multiple lenses are needed. Sensor shift stabilization moves the sensor to
counteract the vibration or shake. The draw back is that stabilization is only on the sensor and not on the view finder or monitor. The system works with any lens, which makes it more affordable.Electronic/ISO shift stabilization is totally electronic. It has motion sensor that uses additional image sharpening. It also raises the ISO of the sensor which raises the shutter speed. Advance noise reduction is used to compensate for higher ISO speeds. This system of camera image stabilization is not as effective as lens and sensor shift stabilization, but at a reduced cost for lower end cameras. Gyro stabilizers prevent the camera from moving, while the other systems counteract movement within the camera. Any type of camera can be used, whether it is a still or movie camera. It is better than any of the systems, but it is bulky and expensive. It is ideal for use on a moving vehicle, boat, or an airplane.

The bottom line is that stabilization works and can reduce camera speed by 3 to 4 stops. That would be from 1/250 down to 1/30. In poor light conditions or when using a long focal length lens, this can mean getting a good picture or losing it. If you do use it, don’t get careless with holding the camera, because stabilization will not do it all.

If you are deciding to purchase a stabilization system, read the specifications carefully about all the systems first before you make a decision. Then go out and enjoy it.