I am going to buy a point-and-shoot digital camera to take some basic photos. Is it important to buy one with image stabilization?
Best answer:
Answer by fhotoace
If the camera does not have a viewfinder, it is nearly imperative unless you are an experienced photographer and can handhold shots without camera movement.
Holding the camera up to your face and using both hands to steady it makes IS a nice extra feature. Having to hold the camera at arm's length makes IS a necessity
Add your own answer in the comments!
Image stabilization is a feature in the camera that automatically detects and attempts to correct a blurry image due to camera motion. (when someone is not holding the camera still enough for the shot) If you are likely to be in these situations frequently, image stabilization is important:
ReplyDeleteWhen the person taking the pictures has difficulty holding the camera still.
Taking pictures while the camera is in motion.
Taking pictures at high zoom without a tripod.
If the camera is smaller than most other models in the store. (or ALOT smaller than the picture taker is used to)
One other thing that I usually mention when I am selling cameras is that many people move the camera too much by simply pressing the shutter button. This can easily be avioded by holding the shutter button down until after the flash goes off rather than pressing and releasing too quickly.
The best advice i can offer you is to make sure that you go to a store that has the cameras displayed for customers to try out. Take a few practice shots in the store with a few models that you like.
Talk with a salesperson and let them know what kind of pictures you will be taking and who might be using the camera besides you. The more information you provide them, the better recommendation they can make!
Other than that image stabilization is not all that important. It is a nice feature to have when you will use it, but not needed by all picture takers!