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Photography vocabulary · Lenses & Focus

Image stabilization

Meaning in photography, with examples

nounCommon term

In photography, image stabilization means: A system in a lens or camera body that reduces blur caused by small hand movements, so you can use slower shutter speeds handheld.

In Turkish: görüntü sabitleme, titreşim azaltma, sabitleme

How it is used

Brands use different names, such as IS, VR, OSS and OIS. Stabilization in the camera body is called IBIS (in-body image stabilization). It is rated in stops, e.g. “up to 5 stops”. It helps against camera shake but does not freeze a moving subject.

Example sentences

  1. Thanks to image stabilization, I got sharp shots at 1/8 second handheld.

  2. Image stabilization won't help if the dancers are moving; you still need a faster shutter speed.

Common collocations

  • in-body image stabilization
  • lens image stabilization
  • turn on image stabilization
  • stops of stabilization
  • motion blurThe streaky, blurred look of something that moves while the shutter is open, or of the whole image when the camera moves.
  • shutter speedThe length of time the shutter stays open to let light reach the sensor, such as 1/1000 of a second or two seconds.
  • tripodA stand with three adjustable legs that holds the camera steady, especially for slow shutter speeds, low light and careful framing.
  • telephoto lensA lens with a long focal length, usually 70 mm or more, that makes distant subjects look bigger and closer.

More terms: Lenses & Focus

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