A Complete Buying Guide to Optical Stabilisation in Smartphones
Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) is a crucial camera feature in smartphones designed to reduce blurring caused by hand movement. By physically adjusting the camera lens or sensor to compensate for small shakes, OIS ensures clearer photos and smoother videos. Whether you're capturing photos in low light or recording videos on the go, OIS significantly improves image quality by stabilizing your shots.
How Optical Image Stabilisation Works
Optical Image Stabilisation works by using gyroscopic sensors to detect movement and then shifting the camera lens or image sensor in the opposite direction. This mechanical adjustment counteracts hand shake or minor vibrations that occur while taking photos or recording videos. Unlike digital stabilisation, OIS physically alters the camera component, resulting in clearer, more stable images without quality loss, especially in low-light environments.
Benefits of OIS in Photography
OIS greatly enhances photography by reducing blur in images, especially in dim lighting or during long exposures. Without stabilisation, even a small shake can lead to a soft or unclear image. OIS allows the camera to use slower shutter speeds without compromising clarity, which is particularly helpful for night shots or when photographing moving subjects. It’s a must-have for users who want crisp and professional-looking photos.
Importance of OIS in Video Recording
When it comes to shooting videos, OIS plays a vital role in ensuring smooth and stable footage. It compensates for jittery hand movements that are common while filming handheld. This is particularly useful during walking shots or when recording from awkward angles. While many phones also include electronic stabilisation, OIS offers natural-looking stability without warping or image artifacts that software methods sometimes introduce.
OIS vs EIS: What’s the Difference?
OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation) and EIS (Electronic Image Stabilisation) are both used to reduce camera shake, but they work differently. OIS physically moves camera components, while EIS adjusts the image digitally in real time. EIS often crops the image to maintain stability, potentially lowering quality. Phones with both systems offer the best of both worlds, but for pure image clarity, OIS is typically more effective, especially in low light conditions.
What to Look for in Phones with OIS
When choosing a smartphone with OIS, look for details about the type of stabilisation used and how many cameras feature it. Flagship phones often include OIS in both the main and telephoto lenses, while budget phones might only have it in one. Pay attention to real-world camera tests and video performance. Also, consider battery and processing power, as better hardware ensures more efficient use of OIS capabilities during photo and video capture.