SLR CAMERA STABILIZATION SYSTEMS: HOW AND WHEN TO USE

The stabilizers or stabilization systems are already part of the usual jargon of any amateur and professional photographer. Professionals already know what it is about, the average fan has proven its benefits or has heard about them, but the new photography fans just came across them and do not know very well what they are going for. Not because it is difficult to understand, much less, but there are so many things to learn, to decide, to compare ... That it is best to gradually break down all the concepts that make up the great EVERYTHING we call photography. So it is best that we quickly and easily see what a stabilizer is, how it works and when we should use them.

WHAT IS AN IMAGE STABILIZER?

We have already commented on the importance of using a minimum speed when we look for sharpness in our images. Surely, with your camera inside the house you will have left more than one image moved, blurred or with an obvious lack of sharpness. Well, that is because there are certain situations in which we lack adequate and minimal ambient light so that our camera is able to freeze the movement. In these situations in which the ambient light is scarce, a stabilizer allows us to reduce the vibrations we cause when holding the camera by hand ; The stabilizer corrects the movement or trepidation that we create when holding the camera and not the movement of the image itself. That is, if a cyclist passes at full speed in front of you in the middle of the night, the stabilizer will NOT freeze the image . That can only be achieved by working at high speeds, which at night is complicated

WHAT TYPES OF STABILIZERS EXIST?

Basically we can divide the stabilizers into two types depending on where they are.

IN THE CAMERA LENS (ALSO KNOWN AS OPTICAL STABILIZERS)

This system is used by brands such as Nikon (VR), Canon (IS), Panasonic, Lumix or Leica (Mega OIS) among others. With this system, the stabilization is achieved through sensors (gyroscopes) that detect the movement of the camera and transmit the information to the stabilization lenses, which act as a flexible prism allowing to alter the angle of light that crosses it, in direction contrary to camera movement. That is, through a lens system, the angle generated by the motion is corrected, thus reaching the image stabilized to the sensor.

Example of stabilizer lens

ADVANTAGE

Being located in the optics, each one carries the specific system that best suits it, and therefore they tend to be more precise and effective.
The image arrives stabilized to the sensor, so we will see it stabilized before shooting.

DISADVANTAGES

Its use consumes more battery.
It comes out more expensive than in the camera body, since you have to pay for the system every time you buy a lens.

IN THE CAMERA BODY (ALSO KNOWN AS MECHANICAL STABILIZERS)

It is the system used by brands such as Pentax (SR), Sony (SteadyShot) or Olympus among others. In this case, the movement is detected through sensors located in the body of the camera that correct the image shaken through the movement of the sensor located in the body of the camera. That is, lenses do not move but it is the same sensor that moves to compensate for the image.

ADVANTAGE

It is more economical, since we only pay for the system once and not for each objective we use.

DISADVANTAGES

It is not so precise, and something can be resented when we use telephoto lenses, since this system does not take into account the focal length of the lens.
Increase battery usage.

HOW IS IT USED?

Not all stabilizers have both modes, but they are becoming increasingly common in new models. Normal mode: It is the most recommended when we want to reduce the trepidation caused by the movement generated by our pulse, or what is the same, in most situations. Active mode: It is suitable to eliminate trepidations associated with a linear movement external to the photographer, for example from a car, a motorcycle, a boat, and so on.

WHEN SHOULD WE USE THEM?

When we have low ambient light and we are forced to work with shutter speeds below the minimum necessary so that the images do not come out fast (remember that the reference of these minimum speeds is: shutter speed = 1 / Focal length of the lens ) .
When we work with telephoto lenses . As the focal length increases, we must work with faster speeds, as trepidations become more evident.

In low light situations it will help you reduce the trepidations caused by your own pulse

AND WHY NOT ALWAYS?

If you are shooting in broad daylight, with good lighting, at very high speeds, a stabilizer will not contribute anything to your image, it will drain battery, it will slow down the process if you want to shoot in a burst, and so on. A stabilizer has many advantages and great results, but as long as it is necessary. If not, it is best to do without it.

It can reduce the sharpness of the image (everything you add in front of the sensor does it to a greater or lesser extent )
Spend battery
It does not contribute anything to the image in bright situations
Slow down the shot when you need to shoot in burst
Mounted on a tripod can misinterpret the information and try to correct a non-existent movement that can lead us to erroneous images

Disable the stabilizer when you don't need it

DO THE TEST

If you have purchased your camera relatively recently, it is possible that even your lens in the kit (if it is Canon, Nikon, Leica, etc.) already includes image stabilization. Or if your purchase corresponds to one of the brands that have it integrated into the camera body, it is likely that, if it is quite new, you will also have it. If you are not sure, analyze the camera's lens in search of the famous acronyms corresponding to each brand, or the instruction manual of your camera so you can see if you have it incorporated and / or activated. Once you are clear about whether or not you have them and assuming it is like that, I recommend you try it for yourself to see the results. Remember that stabilization is a system that helps us achieve sharper images when environmental conditions (light) are adverse, but always within limits . That is, it is a small help in situations where light is scarce to eliminate the movement of our pulse. If the conditions are optimal for use, the results are significantly better with stabilizer than without. Take the test when the light is scarce and notice that the lack of sharpness of your image is due to your bad pulse Try it with and without stabilizer and you will see the difference. Do another test when you have more than enough light to work at high speeds, with and without stabilizer and check the result. Finally, try it in situations of insufficient light, you will see how miracles can not do either and how it affects the final result of the image: What happens when there is something moving in the image? What happens when the image is static but I don't have a minimum of light? To fully squeeze the possibilities and benefits of the optical stabilizer, you must learn to familiarize yourself with it. This way you can make the most of its potential without other elements suffering (battery). Like everything else, practice and familiarization with your team are essential for you to use all the technological aids in your favor, to improve your life and not to complicate it. I hope this article has served you and it has been useful, if so, share it with someone else that you think can benefit from the information. Thank you and see you soon