Tech question: Image Stabilization

[DenDen]

Hi R&E&K,

 

Just wanted your thoughts on image stabilization, I too use Sony Mini-DV cams: Do you use it at all? If so, do you use it just for rides, or just for handheld shots, or all the time?

 

I always seem to get strange results when using it. I do mostly handheld shooting, but also do the tripod now and then. Do you have a technique on holding the camera? Just curious about the great results you guys always seem to have.

[WillMontu]

I'm not sure about image stabilization, but they do use wide-angle lenses, as they are a lot more effective.

[spaceace12]

My dream camera doesn't have image stabilization, because my shoulder is my stabilizer. My dream camera is a full size, broadcast quality camera that weighs around 30-40 pounds. For my current camera, little hand held, I think image stabilization might be on. The cure for non shaky video is either a tripod or being close to your subject. The wider you are on your lense, the less the shakiness will show up. The more you zoom in, the more it will. My ENG teacher's philosphy was zoom with your feet, not with you camera. That being said, I know there is times you can't zoom with your feet and I have my fair share of shakey video (some is coming up hopefully this weekend after I finish my SFSTL opening day video).

[robbalvey]

I do use image stabilization switched to on all the time. I'm not sure why people wouldn't want to use that. Is there a technical reason for it?

 

I also use a x0.6 wide angle lens which helps a LOT! It's wide enough to help stabilize the image more but not too wide where everything starts to bend.

 

Hope that helps!

 

--Robb

[DenDen]

I also use a x0.6 wide angle lens which helps a LOT! It's wide enough to help stabilize the image more but not too wide where everything starts to bend.

 

Hope that helps!

 

--Robb

 

BEST ADVICE EVAR! Thanks Robb.

[sns2015]

It depends on the kind of image stabilization that the camera has. Many cheaper consumer cams have a digital image stabilization that basically crops in from the sides a bit and then moves the image around to try and stabilize it. This can sometimes cause a strange blurring effect as the motion blur from the shaky image is still processed and it can also cause a loss in picture resolution. If you have a camera with optical image stabilization where its all done before the light even hits the sensor in the camera, then there's no real reason to ever have it off. If your camera has the digital kind, then you'll probably want to turn it off whenever possible to get better quality images. I know that was a bit technical, but hopefully it gets the point across.