
The autofocus systems in older DSLRs will suffer for the same reason. This can be particularly problematic at long focal lengths when tracking fast-moving subjects. Because DSLRs utilize a mirror to project the picture to the OVF, but it is stabilized at the sensor (for in-body stabilization), the view will be shaky. In-body stabilization has the disadvantage of not stabilizing the view through an optical viewfinder (OVF). With the help of a GPS module, a camera can actively move its sensor to track the Earth's rotation, meaning that much longer exposure times can be used during astrophotography.ĭisadvantages of In-Body Image Stabilization Sensor-based stabilization has also led to the advent of other useful camera capabilities, such as star-tracing modes (like Pentax’s Astrotracer mode). It also means that lenses don’t necessarily have to be manufactured with this feature, meaning they can be made cheaper and lighter. In-body image stabilization allows photographers to use lenses without this. Being able to account for rotation means that in-body stabilization is generally more versatile and accurate than lens-based stabilization. The obvious advantage to in-body image stabilization is the three extra axes of compensation. Pitch is when the camera tilts up or down, and yaw is when it tilts left or right.Īdvantages of In-Body Image Stabilization Roll is when the camera rotates along the horizontal axis. The horizontal and vertical axes are when the camera moves up and down, or left and right. In fact, most sensor-based image stabilization technology works on five axes-horizontal, vertical, roll, pitch, and yaw. The difference is that sensor-shift can counteract rotational motion as well. Gyroscopic sensors within the camera detect motion and send the information back to actuators which move the camera's image sensor in the opposite direction. The sensor is moved to counteract the camera's motion, similar to the floating element in lens-based stabilization. While the technology itself is very sophisticated, the concept is simple. In-body image stabilization (IBIS) usually works via sensor-shift technology. Since every lens has to be fitted with its own image stabilization system, rather than the stabilization being in-camera, the cost of these lenses is higher. This means it cannot detect or stabilize any form of rotational motion. There are two downsides to lens-based stabilization.įirstly, it can only counteract motion on the horizontal and vertical axes. Without it, they would see a shaky, less-detailed photo.ĭisadvantages of Lens-Based Image Stabilization Additionally, a photographer will see a stable picture if the lens features stabilization when viewing through an optical viewfinder. Lens-based image stabilization has some advantages over the in-camera version, especially at longer focal lengths and in older DSLR cameras.įor instance, a camera’s autofocus is more accurate when the image is already stabilized.

Many lenses often feature a “panning mode,” which enables stabilization only on the vertical axis to enable stable panning footage.Īdvantages of Lens-Based Image Stabilization Vibration (or camera shake) is detected using gyroscopic sensors. Lens-based stabilization works via a floating lens element.
