Stabilization TodayBattling camera shake? Camera and lens manufacturers lend a hand. |
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Page 5 of 5 Another variation with some lens-shift systems provides a mode that stabilizes both the recorded image and the viewfinder image, and another that stabilizes only the recorded image. The former provides a steadier viewfinder image for easier framing; the latter saves battery power and provides quicker operation. Some stabilization systems must be switched off when the camera is used on a tripod; others can be activated with a tripod-mounted camera. Again, check your instruction manual. Stabilizing systems do increase battery drain, but not by much. I just finished testing the new Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi, and with my Canon EF 300mm ƒ/4L IS USM lens managed up to 583 shots on a single battery charge, using the stabilizer for every shot (and often holding the shutter button partway down for several seconds at a time while waiting for a bird subject to do something photogenic)—this, when the instruction manual says the battery is good for about 500 shots per charge without using a stabilizer. Bottom line: If you shoot handheld, use stabilized gear! Stabilization is especially useful in high-magnification (telephoto and close-up photography) and dim-light work, but it helps in any handheld shooting situation, especially with very light cameras.
> Stabilization Charts, please click here for the PDF.  You may need to install the most recent version of Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to view the PDF file.   |
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