In this quick tutorial with the photographer David Bergman and AdoramaTV we learn about camera stabilization.
Mr. Bergman shares;” Most new cameras or lenses come with some type of image stabilization built-in. But what is image stabilization? Without getting too technical there’s some hardware built into the newest cameras and lenses that detects camera shake caused by you not being able to hold the camera still enough during a longer exposure.
In theory this allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds and helps prevent blurry photos. So the old rule of thumb was that you could hand hold your camera still without any shake as long as your shutter speed was faster than “1 / the focal length of your lens”. So for example, if you’re using a 400 millimeter lens you want to shoot at at least one 1/400 a second.”
“With today’s modern digital cameras, since they have super high resolution sensors it’s better to double that number to be safe so with that 400 millimeter lens you should shoot at least 1/800. Stabilization claims to give you a few extra stops of hand-holding ability so you can shoot at slower shutter speeds without getting blurry photos. The newest lenses have pretty amazing systems built into them, many have three different modes – depending on what kind of shooting you’re doing, some of those modes work best while both you and your subject are not moving.”
“While other modes are made for panning images where you want to shoot a slow shutter speed and have your subject in focus. “
“if you’re shooting at a fast shutter speed you won’t notice any difference in your pictures however if you’re on a tripod and shooting with a slow shutter speed especially with the older lenses the motion of the mechanism might actually cause some blur in your photos. So it’s best to turn it off.”
*For more information visit AdoramaTV YT page, and of course you can keep up with David on Instagram and Twitter @DavidBergman. LATEST UPDATE: David opened up new IGTV episodes where you can ask him questions live! find out more at http://www.AskDavidBergman.com
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Watch the full episode with David Bergman and Adorama TV: