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Image Stabilization (IS)
Image Stabilization (IS), also known as vibration reduction and anti-shake, is a technology that helps prevent digital photos from becoming blurred. IS reduces camera shake caused by hand movement, slow shutter speeds or when using a long telephoto lens without a tripod.
Image stabilization is often found in consumer digital cameras with long telephoto zoom lenses. However it is available on an increasing number of cameras with short focal lengths. IS is also found on professional digital single lens reflex cameras, interchangeable lens and videocams.
IS helps a photographer take handheld shots almost two stops slower than without it. It is important to point out that Optical Image Stabilization does not prevent blur if a subject itself is moving.
Compact digital camera Image Stabilization
Optical IS
Optical Image Stabilization is hardware based. Digital cameras with optical IS typically have a built-in gyrosensor and microprocessor that detects camera shake as it occurs. The stabilizer compensates for any camera movement.
If your digital camera has Optical Image Stabilization, it's adviseable to keep it turned on at all times. However, most manufacturers recommend that it be turned off when a tripod or other camera support is used.
There are three types of Optical Image Stabilization modes, though not every compact digital camera with IS has all three: Continuous, Shoot Only and/or Panning.
Digital IS
Some cameras have Digital Image Stabilization, which simply boosts camera sensitivity (ISO) to obtain a faster shutter speed. No hardware is involved. Faster shutter speeds help prevent blur.
However, the higher the ISO, the greater the chance for noise that can degrade image quality. In some cases where digital image stabilization is used, in-camera processing corrects image blur, similar to when an image is sharpened with photo editing software. How effective in-camera sharpening is can vary.
Ask before buying
Words can be misleading. Terms such as Anti-blur Technology, Anti-shake Function and Image Stabilization Mode may simply mean that a camera increases the ISO (and therefore shutter speed) to help prevent blurred images.
If you want the benefits of optical Image Stablization, make sure a camera has IS that is hardware based.
Dual Image Stabilization
Dual Image Stabilization simply combines optical IS and an increase to ISO. Some cameras have a special dual IS mode. If a digital camera has image stabilization ISO can be increased manually.
DSLR Image Stabilization
There are two Image Stabilization systems for digital single lens reflex cameras: IS built into the camera and IS built into interchangeable lenses. There are pros and cons to each. [More info about DSLR IS]