Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is a common feature that you find on the cameras these days. But there are a lot of users who still don’t know about it and where it is used.
I have seen many users saying that OIS is used to take crisp and clear images in any condition, but they are wrong. Today, I will talk about Optical Image Stabilization and try to explain how it works in the easiest way possible.
What is Optical Image Stabilization?
Before going into the actual thing, first, you have to know how a camera works.
The process of clicking a picture starts with setting up the shot, fixing the focus, adjusting the aperture & shutter speed.
After that, you press the shutter button, it allows the light to enter into the camera and finally, the image is captured on the image sensor or film.
Read: The Megapixel Myth: Do more Megapixels mean Better Image Quality?
Here, the problem is if you move the camera when it’s shutter is open, you’ll get a blurred image. When the shutter speed is fast, the chances of getting a blurred image is less.
But when you take pictures in poor lighting conditions, the camera keeps the shutter open for more longer duration, so that most of the light will enter and you will get better images.
But not all people have steady hands and so the chances of movement and getting a blurred image are high.
Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) compensates for small movement of the camera while capturing an image. It uses a floating lens, gyroscopes and small motors.
These elements are controlled by a microcontroller which moves the lens very slightly to counteract the shaking of the camera or phone, i.e. if the phone is moved to the left, then the lens is moved right.
Also Read: What is Aperture in a Camera? How does it work?
However, it is important to note that OIS does not prevent motion blur caused by moving objects.
It will only reduce the possibility of getting blur when your camera is moved while its shutter is open.
I hope you found this simple article about Optical image stabilization useful. If you still have any doubts regarding OIS, do let us know in the comments section below.
