Buying a Digital Camera - Image Stabilization Features?

SUMMARY: Image stabilization features make it easier to take crisp, clear photos when you can't use a tripod.

Keeping your digital camera stable when taking photos is vital if you want your photos to remain clear and crisp, free of blurriness. When abundant light is available, stabilization is less important as your digital camera can shoot photos with faster shutter speeds, usually nullifying any shaking of your hands. However, when shooting in less than ideal lighting conditions or fast moving subjects, a tripod or other stabilization device is highly recommended.

What if you can't bring along a tripod? Can you place your digital camera on a beanbag on top of a sturdy object? If not, you can adjust your digital camera settings to take quicker photos at the expense of having darker or noisier pictures. And, you may just have to try to hold your digital camera really, really still!

Photographers who plan on shooting action, night, or sports photography in these conditions should look for digital cameras with built-in optical image stabilization. These can sometimes offset minor shakes inherent when holding a digital camera during a photo shoot. Most digital camera information guides and/or vendors will be happy to show you models that support this feature.