I recently started shooting with a Nikon Z 7 and noticed something interesting when reviewing some images from a shoot. There was a feature that I didn’t pay much attention to, but I think it’s really undervalued.
Before the Z 7, I was shooting with a Nikon D810 and primarily the Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8. My version lacked VR, and while some of my other lenses had it, I didn’t get into the habit of using it.
On the Z 7, stabilization is available for any lens, as it is built into the sensor. Having it always available has already expanded my handheld shooting envelope, allowing for some shots that would have otherwise required too high of an ISO. Additionally, this opens up a number of possibilities for stabilizing lenses that have never had the option of VR.
For example, this recent shot required me to dangle the camera out at arm’s length to get the appropriate perspective and was about 3 stops slower than the reciprocal focal length guideline. Despite those two factors, it is sharp, given the shallow depth of field. Don't take this as a technical test, as the light source created both fringing and a fine grid pattern that isn't present under normal light.
Given this was an adapted Nikkor 24 f/1.4, there would not have been a reasonable way to stabilize this shot before the Z 7, and my test shots with VR disabled were too blurry to be usable. I understand VR itself isn’t revolutionary, but to me, always-available VR is a huge convenience. It isn’t a replacement for a tripod, but for marginal situations, it can be a huge help.
Lastly, I’ve noticed an increasing movement against tripods in the places I enjoy shooting- for instance, Zion National Park banned some instances of tripod use and many buildings prohibit it outright. In these cases, VR is the only option for adding stability.
Have you shot with a body that has built in image stabilization? I didn’t consider it an essential feature on lenses before, but it’s already proven useful.
Cover image by Yunming Wang
All I know is that if a camera don't have Ibis and eye-af I am not buying. On a mirrorless you can actually see how valuable it is.
They have now become standard requirements on all "Pro" bodies. I think Sony missed the mark not having it on the a6400. I understand why to make a price point. But, I think it was a bad move.
Well if all you need is a kit lens you will be fine. More demanding users might be willing to pay more.
Fujifilm xt-3 is more expensive, but adds little except dual cards, and all the nice glass you can you can buy. Sony might try something in that price range.
It's not a "bad move" if there's a market for a $900 camera, but they couldn't afford to put IBIS in at that price point. Do any other $900 cameras have IBIS as good as Sony's?
All they have to do is release an A6600 for $1500-1800 that has IBIS and dual SD slots.
After that, all they have to do is actually release good glass for their APS-C cameras the way they do with their FF cameras.
I don't shoot much where eye-AF would come in handy, but I definitely see the potential for it.
Yes if you shoot portraits then it is nice but face detection will do most of the time. If you want shallow dept of field precise focus is critical. Looks like Sony's new update for A9 brings eye-af in to sports photography. That is amazing.
People, Dogs, Cats, Wildlife even Birds ... if you don't shoot any of those I agree. But then it's likely to be on a tripod anyway isn't it ;)
I shoot portraits exclusively and have had zero need for eye detection. None of my clients want only one eye in focus: "Hey, why is only half of Aunt Tilly's face in focus? Did your camera break? My cell phone always gets everyone in focus."
A number of Sony's APSC lenses have OSS built in negating the need for IBIS. Frankly for the money the 6400 is an astounding camera - the eye-AF and AF is virtually on a par with my pro-level A9 which says an awful lot.
According to what I have seen in tests of the 6400 there is a huge difference with A9, even if the tech is the same. But yes looks good. I only have FF lenses and they don't have any OSS, so for my part I don't want it. I think if all you need is the kit lens it's a bargen, the kit lens does have OSS.
Anyway I for my part commented on the Z7 article, saying IBIS is a must for me. Good Nikon have that built in. Now they are upgrading the firmware and maybe after a year we have a choice. That's good news to.
I am a fan. I can take smooth water waterfall pics without a tripod now (just a bit of overshooting to make sure I get a good one.)
It's sure nice to have. For smoothing water, it could be great combined with stacking some exposures.
I have a Fuji XT3 (without IBIS) and a Fuji XH1 which has IBIS. I love using the XH1 when I'm doing ANYTHING which doesn't involve a tripod!
I always noticed it with long lenses, but having it on any lens is very nice.
I knew the articles would start to surface from Nikon users about how awesome IBIS is, and both Canon and Nikon users about how useful some of the other features of mirrorless are.
FYI, Sony users are all rolling their eyes.
This happens every time a large brand name finally gets around to adding a feature that a smaller brand has had for years. I remember it happened numerous times when Nikon had certain features for years, and Canon finally added some of them. Now it's Sony that's the primary underdog, and they've had lots of features for a generation or two (or three) that Nikon and Canon are just now figuring out.
Just know that all of these cameras today are extremely capable, and we're back to the point where, unless you're really, really pushing the envelope in a particular direction, you'll get amazing results from any camera. Pick the camera that has as many useful features as you need, but also, pick the camera that just plain works for you and your mental workflow as a photographer, including the ergonomics and menus etc.
my Minolta A1 has IBIS (Sony bought them out & i now have a 7yo A99v with it). It was around almost 2 decades ago. i think Minolta bought the patent from Pentax... This 'game changer' happened decades ago. Really rolling my eyes! Why am i here? Could it be because of 'Click Bait'? Viewers really need to fight this infestation.
Many cameras are very competent. I think it is a mix of factors between which is the best for individual photographers. Smaller brands need to take some risks on features to remain viable, and I think it's great that photographers can choose between the different feature sets.
This article is pretty much pure marketing.
I remember many years ago, when Sony has IBIS in their aXX series era, Nikon and Canon claimed they would not put IBIS in their camera because they have OIS lenses and they work better than IBIS, now Nikon finally catches up and start promoting it like it's such an essential feature for any photographer.
Other example are like OVF vs EVF, and many other things...
IMO all these features are good to have, but not deal breaker...I switched from A7R3 to X-T3 which has no IBIS and it did not stop me from taking any photos.
>because they have OIS lenses and they work better than IBIS
An analysis i saw said the two together were better ... but that was in the old days of 3D IBIS stabilization. Now that Sony introduced 5D maybe the ballgame has changed...
Interesting Q did CaNikon buy the 5D patent or just the 3D?
Clearly it was in their marketing interest to poo pooh IBIS -- it helped sell a lot of (overpriced) lenses, to a {captive) audience.
> FYI, Sony users are all rolling their eyes.
FYI, Pentaxians have been rolling their eyes for far longer ;)
Is this a joke?
This reminds me of a quote that went something like, “Nothing actually exists until a white man discovers it.”
Truth!
This "game changing innovation" of nikon has been around for more than ten years...
Actually, my first dslr had it. It was a Minolta 5D. I think it hit the market in 2005.
When Sony bought Minolta in 2006 they took over this technology.
Though... They had already implemented steady shot into their video cam at this time.
"I understand VR itself isn’t revolutionary, but to me, always-available VR is a huge convenience."
Well, pretty much every lens ever made has had always available VR on most Sony and mft cameras for a long time.
The first body I ever used that had IBIS was the Olympus E-M10 II that I bought, and suddenly I realized that years of Canon and Nikon arguing that lens based stabilization was always better was a lie. Being able to stabilize any lens reasonably well is always better than not at all, and the Olympus stabilization does so well beyond reasonably well.
Yeap. I went from nikon to Olympus just for the ibis. And those years nobody else wanted to do 5 axis. So olympus was really eye opening. Even a 1/10s was ok most of the time. While I squint to use 50mm f1.4 at 1/30 on the nikon and they come out shaky.
Yeah, it is nice to have. I don't think I would jump systems just for it, but I definitely consider it a bonus.
I heard some cameras now can take a photo digitally. That's right you don't need any film.
No way!
Yeah, way. I read about it in Modern Photography.
That's another of Trump's lies - don't believe it ! Fake news !!
Oh look someone has to bring Trump into a conversation that has nothing to do with politics at all.
Why not put the subject in the title. Started reading only to learn it is in body stabilisation. Everyone knows that.
Because clickbait.
Nikon User: 🤯
Sony User: No shit Sherlock 🤦♂️
Canon User: 🙈🙉🙊
I honestly thought I'd blundered into an April Fool's prank. Game changing? what game, the ignore any tech if it isn't on your fav cam game?
Knowing something exists and having the opportunity to use it in the field are two different things.
If this is the first time you handle a camera with IBIS, then maybe you shouldn't be writing about photography.
As mentioned, I've owned and shot with VR lenses for years- getting to extend VR capability to lenses that never had it is beneficial.
A technology that's like almost a decade old (or maybe even older). At last, welcome to the bandwagon, albeit 10+years later.
God, I would hope you've realized how stupid all the CaNikon users have been all these years forking hundreds of extra for that I.S / V.R lenses. Not to mention, Sony base has been using much cheaper 3rd party lenses with stabilization for a while. LOLOLOL *really rolls my eyes*🤣
I wouldn't switch systems over this, particularly considering Nikon introduced VR and had it available in many lenses for years. Now that I get it with all my lenses as a "bonus", it is nice to have.
Furthermore, Sony certainly isn't passing the VR savings on via reduced lens pricing.
Wait, this wasn't an April fool's joke? My old Sony a200 had it(sub $500) In fact every DSLR I've owned has had it. Welcome to the 20th century Nikon. Watch out for that y2k bug.
Nikon's had VR for a while- they actually invented it. Bringing it to the body is definitely overdue, and I acknowledge how nice it is to now have it built in.
Don't start the Nikon invented the internet crap. The earliest use of IS was a P&S that was a collaboration between Nikon and Sony but the first incorporation into an SLR lens was Canon in 1995 Nikon not until 2000. Minolta was the first to offer in body sensor IS in the DiMAGE A1 at the time Nikon and Canon were AGAINST IT because they were raping people for expensive IS lenses which they already had designs for. Before writing something, maybe you should... I don't know... do a little research. That internet thing, I'm sure your camera shop guy told you Nikon invented makes it real easy.
No need to research it- we both agree the first camera with a form of IS had a Nikon nameplate. If you want to modify it with first lens IS, first in body IS, or other qualification, you're welcome to- but that's a claim I didn't make.
Furthermore, this isn't even a brand issue. It's great to see Canon and Nikon adding IS to the bodies- almost any photographer can benefit from the expanded shooting envelope.
Wow, just like your articles... "No need to research...". If it makes you feel better, spin it anyway you like but in your apples to oranges world, image stabilization was invented by Martin Philip Stevens in the late 1960's who invented a stablizing mount for film cameras(Sorry no Nikon label on it). The problem with giving Nikon credit for modern IS (besides the facts) is like giving Lee Iacoca credit for air bags in cars. In Lee's case he hindered the technology in the industry for 20 years until other car companies started luring consumers with them. He then decided to claim that he not only invented them but petitioned the court to make it illegal not to have them). Nikon and Canon unfortunately did the same thing with image stablization. Remember when Canon said Lens stablizing was so far superior they would never have in body IS on their DSLR's? Yeah, it's like that.
The second part we both agree on. I'm no longer a Sony shooter but love that they(and a lot of other brands)are pushing tech forward on cameras and forcing the big 2 to follow. Canon and Nikon need to take a look at their history. Pentax were the top selling SLRs from the 60's - 70's. until a small privately owned company (Nikon) and a small but established company(Canon) all but wiped them out by offering better technology through the 80's.