What's the image stablizer in a digital camera? Is it necessary?

Question

I have a Canon SD900 10mp point and shoot type. It doesn't come with an image stabilizer. What is it and is it necessary?

Answer 1

With the SD900 "only" zooming to an equivalent of 111 mm, you don't really need image stabilization. "IS" helps to get rid of artifacts caused by camera shaking by sort of locking in on the real subject and ignoring the blurring caused by motion. If you are using lenses in the 150 or higher range, it becomes more of a problem. With digital cameras, there is a tendency to hold the camera at arm's length and compose in the LCD. If you have trouble with blurry images, try shutting off the LCD andholding the camera against your face. Your forehead and cheek will go a long way towards stabilizing the camera.

"IS" is not magic the way the commercials make it seem. You can't take pictures of your friends on a bumpy roller coaster and expect them to be tack sharp. Be happy with your SD900. It's a great camera.

Answer 2

Digital cameras are small and very light, which makes the photographer susceptible to shaking, unlike a more heavy camera. The image stabilizer reduces the effect of shaking on the picture that's taken.

Answer 3

You'd want to use image stabilization if you are using zoom and are hand holding the camera. If you use a standard lens, or a tripod, it's not necessary.