5-Camera Test: Who’s Got the Best Image Stabilization?

Nikon, Panasonic, Sony, Pentax and Canon all had their bets on this one: a test to see who has got the best IS implementation among the five. Image stabilization is a way for a camera to counteract motion blur by moving either the lens or the CCD image sensor.

The test was conducted by online tech magazine DigitalCameraInfo.com and had five models from different camera manufacturers: the Panasonic Lumix FX-50, Nikon Coolpix P3, Pentax Optio A10, Canon PowerShot SD700 IS and Sony Cyber-shot T30. All of them move the lens for image stab, except for the Pentax A10 which moves the CCD instead.

Five Cameras

Pentax Image Test

The verdict: The Pentax Optio A10 and the Sony Cyber-shot T30 produced better images, only because they were better cameras in the first place. The Nikon Coolpix P3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX50 though have good image stabilization and performed notably better with the feature on than when it’s not. Both the Canon PowerShot SD700 IS and the Nikon Coolpix P3 tamed motion blur, but were a bit out of focus.

The Pentax Optio A10 emerged the winner in this set, showing much better detail.

DCI concluded that this new feature of image stabilization in digital cameras improved each camera’s performance in still shooting, so it recommends that snapshooters should leave it on by default. “Stabilization contributes to image quality, but it’s only one element in a complex system that includes the lens, sensor and image processor,” it added.

[Via: DigitalCameraInfo.com]

Published by Chris Malinao

Chris teaches Lightroom as workflow software to photography students at the FPPF, Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation. He also teaches smartphone photography.