Aside from some people getting theirs early and others being in time zones where "today" was "yesterday," the iPhone comes out today in the U.S. And of course, those who have theirs have already spent plenty of time comparing various features. This new video by Giga Tech highlights the differences between the iPhone 6S' and 6S Plus' respective video qualities when it comes to video stabilization. The larger Plus model features optical stabilization as its predecessor did while the smaller size of the smaller 6S only leaves room for digital stabilization — and the difference is quite dramatic.
Those who shoot video regularly with any rigs will know how important true stabilization is. So this doesn't come as much of a surprise. But for those that enjoy wishful thinking when they choose the iPhone 6S over the larger iPhone 6S Plus to save weight and the $100 that comes with it, this video will smash those dreams, as the difference is more than merely perceivable between the Plus' optical stabilization and the solely digital stabilization that takes place in the 6S.
While this difference is most apparent in 4K shooting, it's important to note that user reports indicate the difference is not quite as noticeable in 1080p shooting. That's most likely because shooting with the lower number of pixels required for 1080p leaves more room or "play" to use outer pixels for digital stabilization. Still, if you want the best camera you have with you to be even better, there's no question that the 6S Plus gives noticeably smoother video clips.
Didn't know this...glad I got the Plus!
Dammit this makes me want the plus!
I know. I don't want something that big. But I want that stabilization... Damn...
Exactly
This test shows an impressive difference in stabilisation. But I'm somewhat skeptical to be honest. How much possible room is there inside the camera housing to make any difference in optical stabilisation? Isn't the concept based on the internals moving to compensate for x/y-axis movement. If so, how much movement can be corrected inside a physical space of roughly 10mm?
Look I'm really happy to be proved wrong here. But for now, I have my reservations.
I think that certain parts in the video makes it clear that this won't compensate for walking or something like that. But there are a TON of "micro-tremors" and vibrations that we can't help and that our hands/arms, etc., transfer to the camera that can be well compensated for when introducing even a small amount of optical stabilization. And that's what I think is being shown here...quite well...
Just curious but could after effects correct the camera shake on the 6s? Also is there an app that can fix the shake?
Thanks in advance
In addition to the slight amount of digital stabilization that is likely applied to the 6S video, one could apply even more in post with programs like After Effects, Premier, Final Cut, etc.. But you would still lose pixel count, of course, which means your video couldn't reach full 4K resolution after applying such additional effects...