Image Stabilization for camcorder

[alm99]

Is this feature a must when purchasing a camcorder? Considering choosing between one that has it and one that doesn't. How much of a difference is there between having it and not. I have a pretty steady hand, but I am not confident with it.

 

[alm99]

anyone?

 

[alm99]

anyone?

 

[gooseman]

Not sure about a camcorder but on a digicam, if you have image stabilization and you are zooming very much, it is a tremendous help.

 

[NutBucket]

Yes. Get it! The older cameras that sat on your shoulder were pretty good since it was balanced on your shoulder. The tiny ones held only in your hand are prone to wobble. Image stabilizer is a must. I think almost any camcorder you buy these days will have that.

 

[Mday]

Originally posted by: alm99
Is this feature a must when purchasing a camcorder? Considering choosing between one that has it and one that doesn't. How much of a difference is there between having it and not. I have a pretty steady hand, but I am not confident with it.

it's not a must, but then, neither is quality video. for me, it's a nice $100 feature for optical image stabilization (no, that feature itself is not $100, but they throw other stuff in for the higher end model of the family) . i mean, we cant have "blair witch" too often cuz it gives ppl motion sickness.

 

[kyutip]

For me it's a must.
I have an old Sony 8mm without one and I can't watch my tape longer than 5 mins without getting motion sickness.
Now I have one with IS, makes whole world of difference.
Beside, any decent camcorder worth it's salt these days should have one built in.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: kyutip
For me it's a must.
I have an old Sony 8mm without one and I can't watch my tape longer than 5 mins without getting motion sickness.
Now I have one with IS, makes whole world of difference.
Beside, any decent camcorder worth it's salt these days should have one built in.

Agreed. IS is very common on all the mid level DV camcorders. I wouldn't buy one without this feature. It makes a huge difference in the quality of the videos you create.

 

[dman]

On mine you can turn it off/on. On most things I can hold the camera steady enough for it to be a non-issue. As said above, if you zoom in close it makes it difficult to hold steady as well as if you are in motion--on a train/trolly (touristy-type rides) etc it comes in very handy.

As to why I would turn it off? Because it reduces picture quality. Not sure if they've changed the technology (I assume they have) but in my Older Hi8 camera, the IS reduces the available lines of resolution to smooth the motion. A good compromise when needed but otherwise I leave it off because I'm a geek.

If you can't afford it, just pay special attention to holding the camera steady and resist the urge to zoom in close or for very long. Unless you are on a beach taking shots you plan to post, then zoom all you like, no one will care about the extra motion--might even be considered a plus. 😉

 

[dartworth]

Originally posted by: dman
On mine you can turn it off/on. On most things I can hold the camera steady enough for it to be a non-issue. As said above, if you zoom in close it makes it difficult to hold steady as well as if you are in motion--on a train/trolly (touristy-type rides) etc it comes in very handy.

As to why I would turn it off? Because it reduces picture quality. Not sure if they've changed the technology (I assume they have) but in my Older Hi8 camera, the IS reduces the available lines of resolution to smooth the motion. A good compromise when needed but otherwise I leave it off because I'm a geek.

If you can't afford it, just pay special attention to holding the camera steady and resist the urge to zoom in close or for very long. Unless you are on a beach taking shots you plan to post, then zoom all you like, no one will care about the extra motion--might even be considered a plus. 😉

what kind do you have?

 

[littleprince]

I think it is a must.... Also go for the optical IS over the Electronic IS. There is a huge diff. Especialy if your zoomining in. Your already putting down some hefty cash on the camera, why risk taking bad videos on your next super expensive vacation? Does that $100 become worth it than??

The above person has EIS... Basicaly the camera only uses part of the CCD, because if the image moves off the center it can be corrected by filling in the image from the rest of the ccd. Hard to explain w/o a diagram. Go with the optical. Much better range correction, more steady, and better image.

 

[JulesMaximus]

All the budget camcorders (under $1,500) I've seen from Canon, Sony or Panasonic all have electronic image stabilization. I didn't see a single one that had 'optical image stabilization.' I doubt you would find this feature on a camcorder under $1,500.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
All the budget camcorders (under $1,500) I've seen from Canon, Sony or Panasonic all have electronic image stabilization. I didn't see a single one that had 'optical image stabilization.' I doubt you would find this feature on a camcorder under $1,500.

Uh, don't think so. I've got a Canon 8mm camcorder that was $400 a few years ago with optical IS. I know Canon is big on optical IS.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
All the budget camcorders (under $1,500) I've seen from Canon, Sony or Panasonic all have electronic image stabilization. I didn't see a single one that had 'optical image stabilization.' I doubt you would find this feature on a camcorder under $1,500.

Uh, don't think so. I've got a Canon 8mm camcorder that was $400 a few years ago with optical IS. I know Canon is big on optical IS.

I'm just telling you what I found by searching online. They all say EIS in the price range I posted.