Camera Stabilization Technology

There’s great news on the travel photography front: More and more cameras are using camera stabilization technology to counteract the nervous hand. If you hate to carry the tripod, but you still want to capture those perfect shots, this technology will be right up your alley. If you buy a new camera from Canon, Nikon , Sony, etc., check the specifications. If it has something like VSR, optical stabilization or image stabilization, this is what you’re looking for. The terms are different, but the results are the same. You can get great pictures without a tripod.

Posted: Jul 28, 2008 2:58pm

If you have a camera that has the option of interchangeable lens, you can buy a couple of lens that stabilizes your photo for you. That way you won’t need a tripod as often.
These lenses takes into account your minor shaking and uses motion sensors to detect movement while your photo is exposed.
For Canon these lenses are called Image Stabilization lenses, for Nikon, Vibration Reduction lenses.
Alternatively, if you do have a tripod with you but haven’t got time to set it up correctly, use it as a monopod. Stick all the legs together on the flattest surface possible, screw your camera on and take the shot quickly.
If you haven’t got a tripod or an image stabilizing lens and you can’t lean on anything solid to steady yourself, tuck your elbows as close as possible to your torso, take a deep breath in and press the shutter on your breath out. You move less when breathing out.

Posted: Jul 29, 2008 8:24am

One of the reasons I so love my Sony Alpha100 is the image stabilization built into the camera body. Saves beaucoup bucks on lenses. Mistyfau is right on (way to go Mistyfau!). BUT. . .
when photographing things that need a big depth of field, such as wildflowers or any macro stuff, the tripod is critical for being able to use a slow shutter speed, maintain a low ISO value (100 or less) and close down the f-stops (to, say, F-22 or so). For photographing moving things such as wildlife, sporting events or grandchildren, the stabilization feature is awesome.

Posted: Jul 29, 2008 2:56pm

I was recently traveling and my friend had one of those mini-flexible tripods. The kind you can wrap around a tree branch or pole and use to take pictures. What are your thoughts on those? Any brands better than the others?? Does anyone know what I’m talking about???

Posted: Jul 30, 2008 10:43am

Don’t know if you are familiar with B&H Photo? Go to www.bhphotovideo.com. They have the largest selection of camera equipment and accessories anywhere and their prices are usually the lowest. I’m sure you’ll find what you are looking for there. I buy almost all of my stuff online from them.

Posted: Jul 30, 2008 5:08pm