The next generation image stabilization
With stabilization more prevalent than ever, let’s have a look at what it is and when it is appropriate
Canon is the pioneer of the Image Stabilizer, and for many years their approach has been to stabilize lenses, so called optical image stabilization (IS). This was essential for film cameras, but with the combination of digital sensors and an electronic viewfinder stabilization in the camera body has been enabled by moving the image sensor. The EOS R5 and R6 mirrorless cameras are the first Canon interchangeable lens cameras with in-body stabilization, but how does it work and how good is it?
In-lens optical stabilization is ace to use with longer focal length lenses, the stabilizer element being suited to the focal length. In-body image stabilization (IBIS) is more suited to shift motion of the camera, up/down and side to side. As such, IBIS is better for shorter focal lengths and for closer subjects. Taking the handholding rule, a 50mm lens needs a shutter speed of 1/50 sec to avoid camera shake, 5-stops stabilization reduces this to 0.6 sec.
Recognizing that there are benefits to IBIS and optical stabilization, the EOS R5/R6 leverage both to achieve up to 8-stops of stabilization with some lenses. In the EOS R5/R6, if your lens has IS all you need to do is turn it on and IBIS is activated. For lenses without optical stabilizer, the camera displays a stabilizer menu where you can switch IBIS on and off (it’s on by default).
However, all forms of stabilizer, even a tripod, can only reduce or correct the effect of camera shake, nothing except shutter speed will freeze moving subjects. Stabilization can even make the results worse in some cases.
IBIS and optical IS do make it simpler to take certain shots. The inside of buildings, churches and stately homes where tripods are not permitted can now be shot at lower ISO with slower speeds. For street scenes, you can freeze the buildings, and let the people fade into a blur, all without a tripod.