3 Important Facts About Image Stabilisation

Camera shake is something that many photographers contend with. As camera technology has advanced, luckily, so has image stabilisation (I.S.) technology (also known as vibration reduction, O.I.S., Optical SteadyShot, S.R., V.C., V.R., MEGA O.I.S.).

It helps to moderate the amount of camera shake, helping reduce the blur in images. It allows you to capture sharp pictures at shutter speeds three to five times slower than previously possible. It's important to understand that image stabilisation does not freeze motion. It only sharpens images and, if used on a moving subject, it could actually cause more significant blur.

If your camera doesn't have advanced stabilisation, you will likely need to rely more on tripods. 

For those fortunate enough to have the technology, there are three essential elements you should understand to maximize its benefits. 

1. Lenses

Because longer focal lengths are more prone to camera shake, you will typically see image stabilisation included with telephotos. 

• Positioning your subject center frame or close to the center will produce better results. 

• If you're shooting fast-moving subjects, you'll have better results if you use an image-stabilised telephoto lens. 

• Unlike telephotos, wide-angle lenses benefit more from the camera's sensor stabilisation, which is why they rarely come with image stabilisation technology.

2. Tripod

• First, you will want to disable the stabilisation on your camera and lens if you're using a tripod unless it is on an uneven or unstable surface. The stabilisation can automatically compensate for camera shake that isn't present, so disabling it is important.

• Where you position your tripod in relation to your subject is critical. It should be at least half in the frame, giving you room to adjust. 

• Sometimes, even while using a tripod, you can get some slight camera shake when you press the shutter release. To avoid that, you can use a delayed shutter.  

3. Form

The form is essential when shooting, and you have to consider the reciprocal rule. Simply put, it means shooting at a shutter speed that is no slower than one divided by your focal length to ensure blur-free results. (This presumes you're shooting with a full frame/35mm-equivalent camera. If you're shooting with other sensor sizes, then just multiply the appropriate crop-factor.) 

You also need to account for your breathing. You'd be surprised how it can affect camera shake. To prevent camera shake, there are two tricks: 1) hold your breath momentarily or 2) time your shutter clicks with either the top or bottom of your breath.  

Hopefully, you'll find these simple tips helpful when working with the image-stabilisation in your camera.