How Does Image Stabilization Work? 4 Techniques for Shake-Free Videos

By Alvin Motilla

How does image stabilization work in simpler language that beginners can understand?

And what is image stabilization in the first place? Did you know...

• That your videos can benefit from image stabilization in 4 ways?
• That image stabilization and camera stabilizers are related?
• That, sometimes, you may decide not to use any means of image stabilization?

Let's find out the answers to these questions and more...

But before we answer, "How does image stabilization work?", let's determine first what image stabilization is.

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Definition of image stabilization

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What is image stabilization, in the context of shooting and editing videos?

Image stabilization is the process of making the image captured by your video camera, as clear and as stable as possible. With or without camera movements.

One thing that really messes with the clarity and stability of our visuals—or, footage—is the unintended camera shake...

... It causes jitter.

And that's what image stabilization tries to correct. Or, at least, lessen.

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When is image stabilization most useful?

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Handheld shooting

When you're shooting without a tripod, or other stabilization equipment. (I do this a lot! But other shooters are allergic to this approach. ;-))

Even small camera movements can cause blur. Image stabilization helps neutralize these shakes for smoother videos.

Using a telephoto lens

It's like a super zoom for your camera that lets you shoot things far away, as if they were closer to you. When you're using a telephoto lens -- like a 70--200mm zoom lens -- it also magnifies minor camera movements.

This is where image stabilization helps because it keeps your footage looking sharp at those longer focal lengths. (I even shoot videos handheld with a telephoto lens, but with this stabilization feature turned on. I find that others will always use a tripod in this case.)

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Fact about the limitation of image stabilization: You can only use it for minor camera shakes, not for very shaky footage. We'll explore this limitation further in a later section, along with other image stabilization techniques.

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When might you not need image stabilization?

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Using a tripod

When your camera is secured on a tripod, there's minimal camera shake to begin with, if any.

So, you may opt not to use image stabilization, especially when you're recording static shots. (I admit, when shooting events, I just keep the image stabilization of the lens on. Even on a tripod! It helps me focus on capturing moments. But my approach is different in other shooting scenarios.)

Creating a specific artistic effect

In some creative scenarios, you might want to intentionally introduce a shaky or jittery feel to your video for a stylistic effect.

For example, the shaky-cam effect for action sequences. Here, using image stabilization can hinder your desired aesthetic.

This effect is also commonly used in horror films and handheld documentaries. (More about the shaky-cam effect later.)

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How does image stabilization work for video shooting and video editing?

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Here are 4 ways of stabilizing the images, or shots, recorded by video cameras...

1. Stabilizing the image, "inside the lens".
2. Stabilizing the image, "inside the camera body".
3. Stabilizing the image, "from outside the camera body".
4. Stabilizing the image, "in video editing software".

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1. How does image stabilization work - stabilizing the image, "inside the lens"

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Good for stabilizing slight camera movements without camera stabilizer

Using this in-lens image stabilization is good for correcting, or smoothening, minimal camera motions—without using a camera stabilizer device yet.

And I'm talking about using this type of image stabilization, "while you're shooting". Not when you're done shooting, and then correcting your footage inside an editing app, or video stabilization software.

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But what causes those minimal camera movements?

Well, those slight movements happen mostly—and naturally—when you're shooting handheld.

Sometimes, you may want to use slightly shaky shots in your video. Intentionally. Because they suit your video's story, mood, or style.

Other times, you want to correct the slight camera shake right away, as you're shooting.

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So, why not use a camera stabilizer at once, to correct or smoothen those minimal camera shakes?

There are 2 reasons...

1. Those camera shakes may be very insignificant, to call for the use of a camera stabilizer device. And...
   
   
2. There are other ways of correcting them. And one of those ways is to simply use the image stabilizer in the camera lens, while you're shooting video.

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What is image stabilizer on camera lens?

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That's the switch that accesses the inside parts of a lens, which help stabilize your shots.

Turn it on, start shooting handheld, and that stabilizer compensates for minimal camera shakes, you may be making.

What does IS stand for on a camera lens?

The "IS" you see on digital cameras—specifically, on some lenses—simply means...

... Image Stabilizer, or Image Stabilization.

Others call it "Optical Stabilizer"—OS, or "Vibration Reduction"—VR.

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I'm not going to talk about too much technical stuff about it. Because we're video creators, not camera repair technicians. So, just note that...

• First, not all lenses have this technology.
  
  
• But, if a lens has IS feature, something inside that lens is fighting any shake, that the camera and lens are experiencing.
  
  
• This lens-based image stabilization enhances your shot. Even before the camera body records it.

Is image stabilization necessary for video?

In a way... "Yes".

Let me explain a little...

Camera and lens makers designed Image Stabilization, originally for shooting still images.

But video shooters discovered, that IS also enhances camera motion. Again, I'm reminding you that this feature, only helps correct very minor camera shakes.

So, image stabilization is necessary—if you shoot videos with your bare hands. And need to smoothen some minimal camera shakes.

Image stabilizer on or off - when shooting videos

Hey, don't think of image stabilization on your lens as a magic bullet. Sometimes, you'll need it on. Other times, it might be best to switch it off.

So, when do you turn it on?

You switch on the IS on the lens, when you're shooting handheld. You want the image stabilizer inside the lens, to compensate for minimal camera shakes you may be making.

Listen, even if your camera's nice and steady on a monopod, turn on image stabilization anyway! It really helps with video, especially when you zoom in a lot. You know, those big lenses you use for faraway stuff, like the 70-200mm or 55-250mm zooms?

Those zoom lenses with long reach can be a bit tricky to hold steady. Even tiny shakes get magnified in the recording. But with IS turned on, you minimize the shake.

Note that the lens has to have this IS feature, because not all lenses have it.

When do you turn off this stabilizer feature of the lens?

Basically, you switch IS off, when a very secure camera stabilizer—like a well-designed tripod—already supports your camera. The IS won't help anyway.

Some video shooters suggest that it's better to turn off IS, even when you're panning on a tripod.

Why?

Because the basic IS mechanism inside the lens, will just mess up your panning, and make your recorded video look somewhat odd. So, turn off the IS—unless the lens has a dedicated IS for panning, or horizontal movement.

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What if your camera body and lens with IS feature, are attached to a steadicam, or a gimbal?

Well, opinions among video shooters are divided...

1. Some say they just let the IS feature of the lens work with the gimbal, or the steadicam. So, they switch it on.
2. Others say they turn it off, for some reason. They don't want Image Stabilizer, to interfere with the workings of the gimbal, or the steadicam.

I have a wide angle lens without IS feature, "Vibration Reduction", or "Optical Stabilizer". My experience is that, using it together with my DSLR and a steadicam-style stabilizer, I have no problem stabilizing my shots.

If you have a lens with IS, a motorized gimbal, or a mechanical stabilizer, my advice to you is this...

...Test. See for yourself.

• Try shooting videos with the IS turned on.
• Then, try shooting videos with the IS turned off.
• Compare the resulting shots.

Not all camera bodies, and lenses with IS feature, are the same.

Does image stabilization affect video quality?

Yes, IS affects video quality—or the look of the shots. That's why a video shooter has to use it properly.

Again, you can use the IS feature of the lens, to compensate for minimal camera shakes. But you cannot use it, to fix drastic camera disturbances.

You'll notice more the benefit of the lens' Image Stabilizer...

• When you're shooting handheld.
  
  
• When your setup combines this lens with IS, a DSLR or a mirrorless camera, and a monopod.
  
  
• When you're using a telephoto lens with IS. Whether you shoot handheld, or mount your camera on a monopod, you can really see shot improvement with IS turned on.

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2. How does image stabilization work - stabilizing the image, "inside the camera body"

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Image stabilizer on lens or camera body?

Honestly, whichever you have, just use it. Some people say, the best tool is the one you already have. In this case, what they say rings true, as well.

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What if you have both—(1) a camera body with IBIS, and (2) a lens with IS? Do you turn on the image stabilizers of both the camera body and the lens, when shooting videos? Or do you use one of them only?

Good questions.

My opinion is, I'll only use one of them. I don't want a scenario, where the camera's IBIS and the lens' IS, seem to fight each other. It's like letting 2 persons drive the same car, and hit the same brakes.

Other shooters also say, they avoid switching on the camera's IBIS and the lens' IS, at the same time. Because they don't get smooth results, if both are turned on, when shooting handheld and doing camera movements.

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Now, here's some guidelines for you to consider...

1. If you're shooting handheld, using a wide angle or a telephoto lens with IS:

Just use one type of image stabilization.

Your camera might have two image stabilization features -- one built-in (IBIS) and another in your lens itself. They are basically teammates working to prevent blurry shots.

But here's the thing: Having both on at the same time can be a bit like having two chefs arguing in the kitchen – it can actually mess things up. So, just pick one to activate and let it work its magic!

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2. Shooting video on a tripod? Here's a quick tip:

If you're using a wide angle or telephoto lens with built-in stabilization (IS), and you're panning or tilting the camera, you can actually ditch that IS.

Why? Because a good, sturdy tripod, especially one with a smooth-moving head, will do a fantastic job of keeping things stable on its own.

Leaving your camera's IBIS or lens IS on can actually make your video look a little wonky. The frame might jitter slightly, and there could be a weird delay when you pan or tilt.

So, turn that stuff off and let your tripod do its magic!

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3. Using a tripod with a zoom lens that has IS and you're not planning on sweeping shots?:

Crank up IS on both your camera and lens. This helps you achieve really static shots.

In a static—or, "locked-off"—shot, the frame is securely fixed or totally undisturbed. But it can contain movement, just inside the frame—such as moving people, animals, vehicles, and the like.

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4. If you're shooting on a monopod, using a wide angle or a telephoto lens with IS:

Use only one type of image stabilization.

Yes, it's kind of a pick-one situation. You can turn on the camera's shake reduction (IBIS) but switch off the lens stabilization (IS). Or do the opposite.

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3. How does image stabilization work - stabilizing the image, "from outside the camera body"

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How do camera stabilizers work to achieve image stabilization for videos?

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To understand that, we start by knowing what camera stabilizer is...

What is a camera stabilizer?

A camera stabilizer is any video production tool, that can help you make your camera stable from the outside, while you're shooting.

And that's the key phrase, "from the outside". Impliedly, there's other means of stabilizing your shots, apart from doing it from "outside" the camera body.

I admit that, in the past, I thought that "camera stabilizer" refers only to any gear used to execute smooth tracking shots. But that is not the case...

"Camera stabilizer" doesn't refer only to a steadicam, a gimbal, or a dolly... which may come to mind at first. According to dictionary.com, to "stabilize" means...

1. to hold something firm.
2. to prevent something from fluctuating.
3. to keep the equilibrium stable.

If any device can do at least one of these functions for your video camera, you can consider that device a camera stabilizer.

What is camera stabilization?

Camera stabilization is both...

• an act, and
• a technique.

"Act"... Because, it is simply your effort to make your camera steady, while you're shooting videos.

"Technique"... Because, it is also one of the means of making your shots stable, as you record them with your video camera. Camera stabilization is actually under the umbrella of, "image stabilization", as we found out earlier.

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There are 3 situations where you do camera stabilization...

1. When you put your camera in a stationary position.
   
   
2. When you move your camera to create tracking shots.
   
   
3. When you want to do something in-between these first 2 situations... that is, when you want to make minor, or near-zero, camera movements.

What device is used to stabilize a video camera?

• Improvised or DIY ("do-it-yourself") versions of these devices

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And if I'm going to categorize them according to specific shooting situation, here they are...

"When you put your camera in a stationary position."

• tripod

"When you move your camera to create tracking shots."

• dolly
• steadicam
• gimbal

"When you want to make minor, or near-zero, camera movements."

• monopod
• shoulder mount

What does a camera stabilizer do?

Those devices I mentioned earlier, what can they do?

By now, it's pretty obvious...

Depending on the specific camera stabilizer that you have, it can do one of the following...

1. Hold your video camera securely, while you're shooting from a stationary position.
   
   
2. Keep your video camera from wobbling or fluctuating, when you're making minor camera moves.
   
   
3. Give your video camera a nice counterbalance, that will allow you to execute smooth, or fluid tracking shots.

What is the purpose of using a video camera stabilizer?

It is...

To make it easy and pleasurable for our viewers, to look at our shots, and see what those shots are conveying to them.

So, this is about giving our audience quality viewing experience... in the form of well-thought-out shots, well executed with camera stabilizers.

How does camera stabilizer work?

It depends on a specific camera stabilizer.

Remember what we learned earlier?...

• That the term, "camera stabilizer", doesn't only refer to a steadycam, a dolly, or a gimbal?
• That there are other devices we don't normally think of as camera stabilizers, but they do stabilize the camera?

So, let's agree, once and for all, that "camera stabilizer" is a general term. And, "How does camera stabilizer work?", is a general question.

And here's my general answer...

If you look closely at camera stabilizers you happen to use, you'll notice that their parts work together in holding and supporting your video camera. The parts can be mechanical, electronic, or both.

You can liken these parts, to the parts of your legs—muscles, tendons, joints, bones—that help each other,...

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Types of camera stabilizers

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Earlier in this article, we already mentioned some camera stabilizer devices, like…

• the tripod,
• the dolly,
• the steadicam,
• the gimbal,
• the monopod,
• the shoulder mount, and
• the camera drone.

Now, for us to better understand these devices, there are different ways of categorizing them. And so, we have the types of camera stabilizers.

Types of camera stabilizers - according to the result you want for your shot

Types of camera stabilizers - according to your source of energy, for operating the device

Types of camera stabilizers - according to the way you control the device

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4. How does image stabilization work - stabilizing the image, "in video editing software"

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Can you stabilize a video in post-production?

Yes.

However, I prefer to do "stabilization in editing" as my last resort. Meaning, I try to make the stabilization right—as much as possible—during video shoot, or coverage.

And, if I still have some shortcomings, that's the time I'll try to correct a shaky video in post.

This approach compels me to really think about a shot, before I execute it.

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"How do you stabilize a shot in post?"

You use an image stabilization software--or, a video editing software that has some feature for stabilizing shaky footage.

What is Warp Stabilizer?

Warp Stabilizer is a functionality in a video editing software, intended to cure small irregular camera movements, already recorded with the shot.

In other words, Warp Stabilizer is your camera stabilizer in post production.

However, please notice what I said... "small irregular camera movements"... So, if the camera shake is only...

• minor, and
• due to shooting handheld while you're moving slowly,

... Warp Stabilizer can cure that.

However, extreme camera shakes caused by running, or moving abruptly, are a different story.

People who say, "Warp Stabilizer makes it worse", are probably expecting too much from it. Or, relying so much on post-production, to fix lousily executed shots—which a mindful shooter wouldn't do in the first place.

By the way, "Warp Stabilizer" is the image stabilization in Premiere Pro. But, this editing software isn't free, and Adobe only offers it by subscription.

If you like Adobe Premiere Pro, and you have concerns such as, "Where is Warp Stabilizer in Premiere Pro?" Or, "How do you use Warp Stabilizer?" Or, "How to stabilize video in Premiere Pro"...

... click here to know more from Adobe itself.

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But, if you're asking, "how to stabilize video for free" in post-production, check out this next discussion...

How to stabilize video for free - the camera stabilizer in DaVinci Resolve

Cool thing about this editor is you can edit your project on either the Cut Page or the Edit Page. And guess what? You can even jump back and forth between the two while you're working on the same thing!

Also, you can stabilize your footage either on the Cut Page, or on the Edit Page.

How to stabilize in Resolve - image stabilization in DaVinci Resolve Cut Page

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How to stabilize in Resolve - image stabilization in DaVinci Resolve Edit Page

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Shaky camera - when you choose not to use any means of image stabilization

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But why?

Because you may find yourself wanting, or needing, the opposite—shots created with a shaky camera.

What is exactly a "shaky camera"? Why would you want some of your shots to be shaky? When are you going to need shaky camera shots? And is there a proper way of doing them?

Let's find out...

What is shaky camera?

To understand what "shaky camera" is, let's look at it both from...

• your audience's eyes, and
• your perspective as video creator.

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To your audience's eyes, a shaky camera is footage that not only looks unstable, but feels intrusive as well. That's the "shaky camera effect" on human viewers.

Now, that could be bad—or good. But, it really depends on why you want "shaky camera", and how you're going to use it.

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To your point of view as video creator, shaky camera is a film technique at your disposal.

Yes, you may use it whenever and however you want. But, bear in mind—you're giving your viewers the look and feel, of unsteady handheld shot, on purpose.

So...

What is the purpose of shaky camera technique?

The purpose shaky camera film technique is to suggest a thought—or, make an impression—in the minds of your audience. The "thought" or "impression" could be one of the following...

1. Something is happening spontaneously—like a news coverage, which carries an impromptu feel to it.
   
   
2. Something is happening intensely—like fights or accidents, which can evoke panic.
   
   
3. How one character in your video is experiencing something—like the subjective 1st person point of view, or POV shots, in a narrative film.

In other words, you want to communicate an idea inside people's minds, when you use the "shaky camera film technique".

When would you want to use the shaky camera film technique?

There are times when you're more likely to use "shaky camera"...

- When you're shooting a news event, or a documentary.

Real life events are sometimes unpredictable, and moments worth capturing just happen.

When you really need to document them, sometimes you just can't fully avoid recording the video, without some camera shake. It's only natural. And it's better to capture an important life moment that way, than to miss it.

Also, camera shake gives a raw feel to your news, or documentary video.

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- When you're making a fictional short film, that has some action scenes in the story.

It's when the story, or script, contains scenes that naturally call for the use of "shaky camera technique".

Examples include chase and fight scenes. Also, the subjective 1st person point of view of a character—especially when that person is experiencing some trouble.

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- When you have no device dedicated to smoothening camera movements, and very limited time to shoot what you need.

Let's say you have those production limitations. However, your intent is—still—to produce a decent video.

You'll be compelled to shoot handheld, most of the time. Which, in turn, allows you to shoot faster and use the shaky camera technique.

It may be a raw shooting style, but it gets the job done.

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Now, here's when you might consider, NOT to use the shaky camera film technique...

- When your only reason for using "shaky camera" is pure style. Even though, you have some camera stabilizers to use.

Why? Is it bad to use the shaky camera technique, purely for stylistic reasons?

Not at all—if your main reason for creating a video is to satisfy your own production taste. That is, if you'll make that video just for yourself.

But, if you're concerned with making a video that connects with your audience, you'll use style to serve the story. Because the story is what your viewers relate to.

The story—or, content—dictates the style—or, the way of shooting, like the "shaky camera film technique". In other words, the style follows the story.

How do you do the shaky camera effect?

There are, at least, 3 key things you need to keep in mind—if you want to execute the "shaky camera effect"...

1. The shaky camera effect is all about the viewing experience of your human audience.
2. How they experience the shaky camera effect, when you give it to them, is crucial.
3. The way you use "shaky camera", directly affects their reactions to it.

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So, how do you treat the shaky camera effect?

Treat it like a spice for the food, that you're cooking or preparing. You need just the right amount of spice.

People who'll watch your video need to feel, that your use of this effect is just enough. And the intensity of the effect has to feel natural.

Your use of "shaky camera" should enhance chosen story moments, like a spice that enhances the taste of food.

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How does it translate to the actual use of the shaky camera effect?

• Avoid using "shaky camera" throughout the entire video.
  
  
• Carefully choose those moments in your presentation, where you'll use the effect.
  
  
• Make your shaky camera shots—or, series of shots—short.

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Why?

Remember what I said earlier—"the shaky camera effect is all about the viewing experience of your human audience"? Your audience will complain, if there are so many shaky camera shots in your presentation. And if the shakiness is so intense and distracting.

To understand this, you simply need to be in their cinema seats, and review your video from their perspective. Then ask yourself, "How do I feel about all those lengthy shaky camera shots?" Be honest about your answer.

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So, how do you execute the shaky camera effect?

1. Shoot handheld. Your body's natural movements—like walking—will create small camera shakes.
   
   
2. You can also create that handheld shot look, by using a shoulder rig of any form. This lets you better control the shake, when you move while shooting.
   
   
3. You may also add the camera shake effect in post. The steps on how you'll do this, of course, will depend on the specific video editing software you'll use.

How do you know when camera shake is too much?

That's how you know if camera shake is too much. You imagine how audience would react and feel about, all the shaky camera shots in your video. And that's empathy.

• When you watch your video presentation, do the shakes really communicate ideas—or suggest some mood—in your mind? Or they feel like randomly executed and pointless?
  
  
• If the camera shakes do say something, or suggest some mood, are they tolerable enough to watch? Or they make you feel dizzy?

Empathy seems like a rare human quality nowadays. But, it's simply a skill that video creators can practice, and develop—if they want to.

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Do you wonder why someone would overuse an effect, like "shaky camera"? What do you think?

To me, if I'm overusing an effect—like "shaky camera"—it's because I became self-absorbed. I became obsessed with whether or not, I could use the effect in my video.

I should—instead—focus on the story or content, which is what viewers care about and relate to. If I see opportunities for "camera shake", to really add to or enhance the content, then I use the effect.

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Key takeaways - How does image stabilization work

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So, how does image stabilization work for videos? Here's some key takeaways...

• Image stabilization is about making your shots, with or without camera movements, as clear and as stable as possible.
  
  
• Both your video shooting and video editing tasks can benefit from the different means of image stabilization.
  
  
• There are 4 ways of stabilizing your shots, to give your audience quality viewing experience. Those ways include in-lens image stabilization, in-camera body image stabilization, using camera stabilizers, and using video stabilization software in post-production.
  
  
• Whether you use image stabilization ways or not, you need to see your videos from your audience's eyes and your own perspective.