What is a stabilization system in a camera? Optical stabilization in a smartphone camera: what is it? What is lens stub

Optical image stabilization in lenses is a technology that allows you to mechanically compensate for angular movements and camera shake to prevent blurring of the image at long shutter speeds (in the jargon, “shake”).

The optical stabilization system is used in cases where it is not possible to shoot from a tripod and, in fact, serves as a replacement for a tripod in a certain range of shutter speeds.

Optical image stabilization technology was first introduced in 1994 by Canon, called OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer). The technology itself has proven itself so well that it has been picked up by other lens manufacturers.

There are no fundamental differences in the principles of operation of the stabilizers, however, different manufacturers call their implementation of optical stabilization differently:

• Canon - Image Stabilization (IS)
• Nikon - Vibration Reduction (VR)
• Panasonic - MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer)
• Sony - Optical Steady Shot
• Sigma - Optical Stabilization (OS)
• Tamron - Vibration Compensation (VC)

Operating principle of optical lens image stabilizer

Since the idea of ​​IS belongs to Canon Inc., let’s consider the principle of operation of the stabilizer using the example of its products.

In the first part of the material, we will visually examine the work of IS without going into theory and technical terms, but will use the company’s excellent videos as a guide.

At the heart of Canon's IS lenses is a compact, lightweight image stabilizer that works together with an additional lens group, a high-speed microcontroller and two vibration-gyro sensors to reliably and accurately correct camera shake and shake.

How the built-in image stabilizer works

Camera shake causes the lens to move, changing the angle of the incoming light relative to the optical axis, and as a result, the projected image “floats” on the surface of the matrix, resulting in blurry photographs.

Canon lenses equipped with the IS system correct the shift in the light flow by moving the movable biconcave optical stabilizer lens in the opposite direction in the direction of lens movement. This stabilizes the position of the projected image on the matrix during shooting and reduces the degree of “smearing” of the image.

Demonstration of the operation of the optical image stabilizer of the lens

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM lens - cross section modeled for illustration.

New Hybrid IS technology designed specifically for macro photography

Canon Hybrid IS technology - how it works

When shooting macro, camera vibration and shake affects both the projected image on the sensor and the image formed in the viewfinder, which in turn makes it difficult to concentrate and capture a clear image.

Hybrid IS optical stabilizers use: an angular velocity sensor to determine the degree of angle deviation due to the effect of hand shake, which was used in conventional image stabilization mechanisms (popularly known as anti-shake), as well as a new acceleration sensor that determines the degree of lens displacement in a linear plane. The microcontroller analyzes signals from sensors and, using a special algorithm, generates control signals to shift the stabilizer lens using an electromagnetic drive.

Thus, Hybrid IS optical stabilizers make it possible to reduce the influence of both types of “shuffle”.

Considering that when shooting macro it is often not possible to use a tripod, Canon hybrid technology is simply irreplaceable.

Buttons:
IS Off - demonstration of the image in the viewfinder of the subject being photographed with the image stabilizer turned off
IS - demonstration of the image in the viewfinder of the subject being photographed with image stabilization turned on
Hybrid IS - demonstration of the image in the viewfinder of the subject being photographed when the Hybrid IS image stabilizer is operating
Shooting is similar to the shutter button in a camera; if you click on the button with the mouse, the video will demonstrate what kind of picture you can get.

02.08.2015 5861 Learning about the camera 0

Regardless of what brand of photographic equipment you use, you have probably come across a characteristic in the description of lenses called “optical image stabilization.” Today we will take a closer look at the purpose and operation of this system.

What is optical image stabilization in lenses? This is a technology that allows you to mechanically compensate for angular movements and camera shifts to prevent image blur at relatively long shutter speeds (this effect is called “shake”). The optical stabilization system is effective in a certain range of shutter speeds, and in fact, serves as a replacement for a tripod in this range. The capabilities of image stabilization systems are limited. According to the most optimistic data, the gain in the permissible shutter speed is 3-4 exposure stops.

Optical image stabilization technology was first introduced in 1994 by Canon, which was called OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer). The technology itself has proven itself so well that it has been picked up by other optical manufacturers.

There are no fundamental differences in the principles of operation of the stabilizers, but nevertheless, different manufacturers call their implementation of optical stabilization differently:

Canon - Image Stabilization (IS)

Nikon - Vibration Reduction (VR)

Panasonic - MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer)

Sony - Optical Steady Shot

Sigma - Optical Stabilization (OS)

Tamron - Vibration Compensation (VC)

Different names, but the final effect of their use is identical. Its effect on the resulting image can be so effective that if you are going to buy another lens, be sure to first consider options with stabilization.

Purpose

You'll experience the greatest benefit from image stabilization when shooting handheld. The moment when your hands tremble treacherously, shaking the camera, irritates any photographer. The risk of getting a blurry image increases. On the other hand, there is a tripod and it will help you when shooting landscapes or in the studio. But for a huge number of other genres of photography, this accessory may be useless.

However, you should not mistakenly assume that with this function you can “freeze” any movement in the frame. This way you only partially neutralize the influence of camera movement on the picture.

Technical description

At the heart of IS lenses is a compact, lightweight image stabilizer that works in conjunction with an additional lens group, a high-speed microcontroller and two gyroscopic sensors to accurately correct camera shake and shake.

After activating the stabilizer using a special switch on the lens, the built-in motion sensors begin to record the direction and speed each time the shutter button is pressed. Based on this data, the elements inside your photographic equipment shift, which ultimately allows you to get a clearer picture.

Demonstration of the operation of the optical image stabilizer of the lens

New technologies have been developed for macro photography, for example, Canon’s system is called Hybrid IS. When taking macro photography, vibration and camera shake affect both the image on the sensor and the image in the viewfinder, which in turn makes it difficult to concentrate and capture a clear image. Hybrid IS uses an angular velocity sensor to detect the amount of angle deviation due to hand shake (which was used in conventional image stabilization mechanisms), as well as a new acceleration sensor to detect the amount of lens movement in a linear plane. The microcontroller analyzes signals from sensors and, using a special algorithm, generates control signals to shift the stabilizer lens using an electromagnetic drive.

Optical image stabilization is a technology used to mechanically compensate for the camera's own angular movements to prevent blurring of the image when shooting at long shutter speeds. The optical stabilization system built into the lens serves as a kind of replacement for the lens in a certain range of shutter speeds. The benefit from using optical stabilization is usually approximately 3 - 4 exposure stops. Thanks to the optical stabilization mechanism, in some shooting situations the photographer can increase the shutter speed and calmly shoot handheld.

Optical image stabilization technology dates back to 1994, when Canon introduced a new system for the mass market called OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer). The circuit of this optical stabilizer consisted of special lenses that corrected the direction of the light flux inside the lens and electromagnetic drives responsible for the deviations of these same lenses.

The stabilizing element built into the lens was movable along the vertical and horizontal axes. Upon command from the sensor, it was deflected by an electric drive in such a way that the projection of the image on the light-sensitive film (or matrix) completely compensated for camera vibrations during the exposure time. Thanks to this solution, at small amplitudes of camera vibration, the projection always remains motionless relative to the matrix, which provides the image with the necessary clarity.

The main difficulty in creating such optical stabilization was the precise synchronization of the photographer's hand shaking and the amount of deviation of the corrective lenses. However, Canon has successfully resolved this problem. True, it was not without some shortcomings. In particular, the presence of an additional optical element in the lens design reduces its aperture ratio.

The operating principles of the optical stabilization system, laid down in the early 90s, have largely remained unchanged to this day. Other leading manufacturers of photographic equipment followed the Japanese company and presented their optical image stabilization systems, which received brand names:

Canon - Image Stabilization (IS)

Nikon - Vibration Reduction (VR)

Panasonic - MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)

Sony - Super Steady Shot

Sony Cyber-Shot - Optical SteadyShot

Sigma - Optical Stabilization (OS)

Tamron - Vibration Compensation (VC)

Pentax - Shake Reduction (SR)

Despite different names and descriptions for these systems, they are based on the same approach, but may differ in the degree of effectiveness of camera shake compensation. Let's briefly go through the various optical stabilization options from well-known photographic equipment manufacturing companies.

Canon

Canon, which is something of a pioneer in the field of optical image stabilization, has traditionally paid great attention to the implementation of this system in its lenses designed for SLR and compact cameras. Branded lenses with a built-in optical stabilization system are marked IS (Image Stabilizer). The IS system provides an additional group of lenses located in the middle part of the lens structure. An electromagnetic drive allows you to instantly shift one of the lenses of this group relative to the optical axis. The vibration of the camera is recorded using two piezoelectric sensors, which are often called gyroscopic. One of the sensors detects the horizontal displacement of the camera, while the other, accordingly, is responsible for the vertical plane.

Signals from gyroscopic sensors are processed by a microprocessor, which determines the amount and direction of image displacement relative to the optical axis of the lens. Next, the microprocessor actuates the electromagnetic drive of the stabilization unit to correct the image position by shifting the movable lens along two axes in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens. As a result, the image can be stabilized and the degree of “smearing” of the image is reduced. Tests show that the IS system can be effective when extending shutter speeds up to 2 - 3 stops. If necessary, it can be forcibly disabled.

For high-quality macro photography, Canon offers lenses with a built-in Hybrid IS optical stabilization system. Camera vibration and shake significantly affect the quality and clarity of the image when photographing small objects. And the standard optical stabilization system is not so effective here. The new Hybrid IS optical stabilization technology adds another angular velocity sensor to detect the degree of angle deviation due to hand shake, as well as a new acceleration sensor to determine the degree of lens movement in a linear plane.

It should be noted that the displacement of the camera in the linear plane greatly affects the quality of macro photography. The IS unit now includes four sensors, rather than two, to more effectively compensate for the slightest vibrations of a digital camera. The microprocessor analyzes the signals coming from the sensors and, using a special algorithm, generates control signals to shift the stabilizer lens using an electromagnetic drive. The Hybrid IS system allows you to reduce the influence of both types of “shake”, that is, both a sharp change in the angle of the lens in a circular plane and camera movement in a linear plane.

The Japanese company also uses Dynamic IS optical stabilization technology, which migrated to cameras from video recording. It is used in telephoto and wide-angle lenses when shooting videos. Dynamic Optical Image Stabilizer is designed to provide a more stable image when shooting video by compensating for low-frequency vibrations such as camera shake or handheld shooting.

Nikon

Other manufacturers are introducing similar technological solutions. In particular, Nikon uses the Vibration Reduction (VR) optical stabilization system in its lenses. An additional group of lenses with a movable element is also used here, and the amount and direction of camera displacement during the exposure of the image are calculated by a microprocessor. It processes data from two gyroscopic sensors at a rate of approximately 1000 values ​​per second. If necessary, the microprocessor, through two electric drives, controls the displacement of the movable lens relative to its central position.

The VR system is activated automatically when the photographer presses the shutter button halfway. When the shutter button is pressed halfway, the image stabilizer is less effective and only reduces minor vibration for a comfortable frame in the viewfinder or LCD monitor. At the moment you press the shutter button completely, the movable lens is instantly set to the central position, which allows you to most effectively compensate for camera vibrations.

Thus, during the process of exposing the image, the most accurate vibration compensation mode is activated, providing a clearer picture. Using the VR system allows you to increase the exposure time several times. Various modifications of this optical stabilization mechanism (VR and VR II) are used in a wide range of lenses produced for Nikon SLR cameras.

Panasonic

Panasonic uses an optical stabilization system called MEGA O.I.S, which was originally developed by company specialists for branded video cameras, but was then adapted for photographic equipment. In particular, for use in digital cameras of the Lumix line with interchangeable lenses. To compensate for the displacement of the image projected through the lens relative to the light-sensitive matrix, the optical system is supplemented with a group of lenses with a movable element. Having detected camera vibration, the built-in gyroscopic sensor sends a signal to the microprocessor to calculate the correction. Then, based on the received data, the microprocessor shifts the stabilizer lens so that the light is directed precisely to the matrix. This whole process takes a few fractions of a second.

Owners of Lumix cameras equipped with the MEGAO.I.S. system can switch the stabilizer operating modes. The first mode provides for constant operation of the optical stabilizer, and the second assumes that the stabilization system is turned on only when the shutter button is pressed. Naturally, it is possible to completely disable the stabilization system in cases where this is dictated by shooting conditions or the desire of the photographer.

Pentax has its own proprietary stabilization system called Shake Reduction (SR). It was first introduced for commercial use in 2006, when the company launched the Optio A10 compact 8-megapixel digital camera. Later, Pentax began to use this stabilization system not only in its compact cameras, but also in SLR digital cameras.

Shake Reduction technology is based on shifting the camera matrix. In this case, it is no longer the movable stabilizer lens that moves vertically and horizontally, but the photosensitive matrix of the camera.

This stabilization system does not affect the lens aperture or the cost of the optics; there is only one stabilizer and is located in the camera body; it consumes less energy than focusing systems built into the lens.

), including focus.

But still, why can photos sometimes be blurry? What else should you consider during the photography process to prevent this from happening?

How the stabilizer works in a camera

Today we will understand the concept of image stabilizer in SLR cameras. So, what is it and why is it needed?

The fact is that the lens and the camera body itself contain a set of complex internal mechanisms. Among them there are sensitive sensors that are responsible for perceiving camera movement in different directions and at different speeds. That is, the camera processor initially takes into account the possibility of some error in obtaining the image.

With the help of a special device that counteracts this movement, we see the projected image on the screen clearly, without noticeable blurring.

Of course, at certain moments you need a stabilizer in the camera; without it, the photo will turn out to be of much worse quality than with it. This applies even to cheap point-and-shoot cameras. But built-in stabilization has its limits. Let's look at everything in more detail.

When stabilization is necessary:

1. Trembling hands and unstable position of the photographer.
2. Strong wind, shooting in motion or moving objects.
3. Long focal length lenses. A long focal length can give a significant “shuffle”, which will certainly be reflected in the photo.
4. A slow shutter speed required for special visual effects in a photo or in low light. As the shutter time increases and the resulting frame takes longer, the likelihood that the camera will move increases.

The consequence of image destabilization is invariably a blurry, unclear picture. These problems can be solved in some cases. So, problem No. 1 and partially No. 2 can be solved by using a tripod when shooting, or you need to take a more stable position with support on both legs.

It is very useful to train yourself not to move, to freeze when photographing. Beginners often have difficulty with this, but the camera needs time to take a picture, and in this regard there is no need for unnecessary movements.

To avoid camera shake when working with long focal lengths, as an option, you can come closer if the shooting conditions allow, then you won’t have to turn up the zoom of the device.

If you have a crop, but you need to multiply the number by the value (1.6 for Canon and 1.5 for Nikon). Thus we get 1/80 and 1/75, respectively. Thus, it is not recommended to shoot below these limits to avoid movement. Try to follow the rule, although it cannot be an absolute guarantee of getting a sharp shot.

If there is strong external vibration (shooting while running or in a moving car, in an open space in very windy weather, etc.), even a good stabilizer is unlikely to save you - just take this into account when shooting.

Stabilization in cameras of different models

Where to look for stabilizer in cameras? The switch is usually located on the side of the lens itself, next to the autofocus. And everything is simple with him - on. and off

Sometimes, however, some cameras have active and normal modes of operation of the stabilizer. The first should be turned on during large fluctuations in equipment, and the second during normal quiet shooting. Their differences lie in the frequencies and amplitudes of camera movement that they can suppress.

Regardless of the camera, stabilizers have the same principle - to make a sharp image, to prevent the appearance of blur and blurriness. The only thing is that its names may be different: for example, in Canon cameras the stabilization button is called Image Stabilization, in Nikon it is called Vibration Reduction. The abbreviation you will find on your cameras is IS and VR, respectively.

This concerns the stabilizer in the lens, but there are other options that have their own advantages. Manufacturers of some cameras (for example, Olympus, Sony, Nikon, Canon) have made a stabilizer built into the camera sensor itself.

We can say that stabilization in the lens is convenient, but on the other hand... what if you come across optics without a stabilizer and there is none in the matrix itself?

Most likely, with such parameters of the camera, you will win in its lower price, but you will lose in quality. Thus, the stabilizer in the matrix is ​​more reliable, it allows you to think less about whether a certain lens has this function or not.

For example, such a stabilizer in Nikon cameras is called “noise reduction” and is set in the menu.

External stabilizer

What can be an additional means to stabilize the camera? Of course it is. Here we have a wide variety of choices; it can be either a tripod or a monopod. A few words about the requirements for a tripod.

• A heavy tripod made of metal rather than plastic will cost more and be more difficult to carry due to weight, but it will be more stable. This is a definite plus for stabilization.
• The higher you extend your tripod, the greater the potential for camera shake.
• Legs: they should be well fixed.

Any camera weights are, in fact, DIY stabilizers. Here craftsmen offer many options, but the main thing is good stability on the ground and immobility of the entire structure, achieved due to its weight.

If you are interested in the information and are ready to go further in learning photography. If you want to learn how to take photographs and get beautiful photos, then today it has become possible. As a guide, I offer you a video course “ My first MIRROR" This is a series of video lessons that will help you understand the basic and important points of obtaining high-quality photographs.

My first MIRROR- for fans of CANON SLR cameras.

Digital SLR for a beginner 2.0- for fans of NIKON SLR cameras.

That's all for today. I look forward to seeing you on my blog again, goodbye and see you again!

P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe to the news and invite your acquaintances and friends and share on social networks, no one has canceled yet.

All the best to you, Timur Mustaev.

It is believed that in order not to blur the frame when photographing handheld, you need equal: 1/focal length.

At the same time, 1/focal length is a limiting value and does not guarantee a sharp frame. Therefore, you need to take a series of frames before a normal result comes out; the stabilizer shifts this limit by 4 stops but does not eliminate the need to take a series of frames. For those who don’t understand, I’ll try to explain with an example.

Example. You walk around the city with a DSLR camera and a photographic mood, you see something interesting, stop, take a photo, look at the screen - the frame is blurry. Don’t panic, look at the focal length - 200mm, which means that in order to photograph a clear frame handheld, you need 1/200 sec (one two-hundredth of a second), take one or two or three frames and get the desired result. So, if without a stabilizer you take pictures at 1/200 sec, then with it you can take pictures at the same focal length (200mm) but at 1/60 sec!

Let's assume that you have a camera with a stabilizer. Otherwise, you will be interested in reading this article only out of curiosity. Today, stabilizers can be found both in expensive professional SLR cameras and in point-and-shoot cameras, and this is no longer some kind of exotic thing, but a functionality that is shoved where it is needed and not needed.

Conventionally, all manufacturers of SLR cameras can be divided into two groups: the first decided to install a stabilizer into a SLR camera onto a matrix(Pentax, Olympus, Sony), and the second into the lens(Canon, Nikon). I can't say for sure which is better. The first option is more versatile and cheaper, while the second is reliable and of high quality.

All manufacturers designate the stabilizer differently, Nikon - VR(Vibration Reduction), Canon – IS(Image Stabilization), Tamron – V.C.(Vibration Compensation), so don’t worry about what the manufacturer calls it, they work the same for everyone.

Do I need a stabilizer? A stabilizer is generally a useful thing, and in some cases it is simply irreplaceable. I'm talking about telephoto lenses, it is with these lenses that you will feel all the advantages of the stabilizer, otherwise you will be able to take photographs either on a bright day or with a tripod, as my father and grandfather once did. To understand the importance of a stabilizer in televisions, I advise you to read reviews of some of them (,). If you have a wide-angle or portrait lens, a stabilizer is not needed at all.

How and when to use it? Everything is very simple, regardless of the manufacturer, they all work the same.

If the stabilizer is on the camera, we find either the on/off button on the camera or in the camera menu. If you have a stabilizer on the lens, set the lever to the on position. If you have a soap dish, find the stabilizer function in the menu and turn it on. Soap cameras often offer two modes to choose from: turn on, turn on when shooting. The second one should, in theory, save you battery power. I know that Nikon lenses also have an Active stabilizer mode (for example), in theory it is needed for shooting in extreme conditions (for example, when you are driving in a car), but I didn’t notice much of a difference between the normal mode and the Active mode.

And further. The stabilizer needs to be turned off when you take photographs with a tripod or by placing the camera on a surface, precisely because of the random nature of its mechanism. 95% of the time it behaves correctly, but it’s the last 5% that can ruin your shot.

Remember, a stabilizer can only help you when shooting static objects; when photographing dynamic objects (moving), it will not help you in any way, so don’t even count on it. A stabilizer is not a panacea, and in poor lighting conditions you need to take a series of shots.

Let's sum it up

A stabilizer is a necessary thing, but not mandatory, except in cases with telephoto lenses. Often it saves 3-4 stops of shutter speed, but does not eliminate the need to take several shots, all due to the random nature of its mechanism. It will not save you when shooting moving objects.

If more than 1 second, you need a tripod. Yes, and don’t forget to turn off the stabilizer if you take pictures with a tripod.