Image stabilisation explained

Image-stabilisation technology is used to eradicate unintentional movements when taking a picture so that the final image is crisp and clear. Most image-stabilisation technologies employed in cameras use a movable lens that adjusts depending on the incoming light. Under normal conditions, the light from the image passes straight through the lenses in the camera. However, if the camera is moved while the photograph is being captured, an internal lens detects vibrations using gyroscopic sensors and can move and direct the optical path of the incoming light correctly to the final sensors.

The technique can be used to allow for pan and tilt (yaw and pitch movements) and this is particularly useful when taking images with long exposures. Indeed, image stabilisation can help exposures that are up to 16 times longer than a standard snap to stay in focus.