MTE Explains:All About Image Stabilization

Not so long ago, if you wanted to film something, you had to have extremely steady hands. If you didn't, your video would end up looking like the filming of the Blair Witch Project. Eventually, camcorder manufacturers began to introduce mechanisms to correct those subtle movements that ruined home movies. But now we use smartphones, and they too have their own problems. Recently, some manufacturers like Sony, Apple, and Samsung have introduced image stabilizers in their rear-facing (and front-facing) cameras. What do you know about this technology? If you said "nothing" or "very little", then you've come to the right place!

SummaryThe mechanism in detailTypes of image stabilization and how they workOther types of image stabilizationConclusion

The mechanism in detail

First, we need to define what image stabilization does. For most people, the words "image stabilization" mean a way to produce a higher quality image with less shake. Yes, it does, but to describe it like that would not do justice to the various mechanics this concept works with.

In short, image stabilization reduces annoying blurring and jitter that comes with shooting on compact cameras. Its importance grows even more on devices with less than impressive frame rates like those of smartphones. It also plays a part in ensuring that photos on devices with slow shutter speeds (we're looking at you, smartphones) come out clearly.

Types of image-stabilization and how they work

There are two main types of image stabilization on most devices:sensor-based and lens-based. Let's take a look at each:

• Image stabilization by sensor , as the name suggests, relies entirely on the sensor to make all of these corrections by compensating for perceived image drift. Usually, this compensation occurs by attaching the motion correction device to the sensor rather than the lens. In professional photography, this is a more economical option because getting a new camera body will automatically improve image stabilization. With lens-based stabilization, you will need to replace the lens with a newer one. Phones can also benefit, as the sensor-based correction device can be mounted in a small space.

Other types of image stabilization

In digital image stabilization, pixels outside the image border are rendered as a buffer and the data between two frames is evaluated for blur reduction. It is similar to electronic image enhancement in this respect, and the results can be a little below average. Many manufacturers of cheaper imaging devices (such as those producing low-end and mid-range smartphones) use this option to keep their device prices competitive.

Finally, professional film crews may choose to use a wonky, but useful "steadicam system" which is a full-featured camera stabilizer that compensates for cameraman body movement while filming. This eliminates all the annoying shaking that often accompanies walking, running and sometimes even sprinting.

Conclusion

Now you're probably wondering "which type of image stabilization is best?" to which the answer is, as always, "it depends". Do you want a very compact device that offers immense versatility while taking a very high quality image? Use sensor-based stabilization. Isn't size a problem? The goal is the way forward. Want to buy something really cheap? Maybe you should settle for digital stabilization.

Whatever your ambitions, you now know a little more about the technology of the devices you plan to buy in the future. A better informed client makes better long-term investments! Be sure to leave your thoughts on the subject in the comments.