If cameras are a priority, one of the first specs to check on a new phone is the image stabilization. You’ve probably been told optical image stabilization (OIS) reigns supreme, but this isn’t the case if you’re taking a lot of videos. Instead, we would argue, electronic image stabilization (EIS) actually works better for video.While OIS is superior when it comes to still photos, the same can’t be said for videos. Videographers will benefit from OIS, true, but EIS actually does a better job with moving pictures in sequence. Both stabilization methods help to minimize any shaking of the camera body, but because of the way they each work, EIS is a better choice for videos.
What is OIS?
In phones, OIS works by suspending the lens over the camera module using springs and electromagnets. The phone detects the frequency and amplitude of any shaking, then uses the electromagnets to match it and adjust the angle of the lens. The lens moves in the opposite direction of the shake, allowing the image to re-center itself on the image sensor.All this occurs before the image hits the image sensor, which means there is no image degradation. OIS uses your phone’s gyroscopic sensors to assist in detecting shake. The gyro-sensors measure movements and send this data to a “microcenter,” which then moves the lens to offset the motion.
OIS does the same job that EIS does, but OIS is related to the hardware of the smartphone. In the case of OIS, the actual work happens before the image hits the CCD. There is a variable angle prism placed near the front of the lens to bend the shifted image back to the centre. This is done by matching the amplitude of the shake and then rotating the plates of glass to change the angle of the prism. Thus, when the image hits the chip, it is already stabilised.
What is EIS?
EIS (Electronic Image Stabilisation)
The primary role of both EIS, as well as OIS, is to stabilise the footage. EIS does so by using the software magic. In the case of EIS, the image is stabilised by using the light-sensing chip, the Charged Coupled Device, of the camera. Once the image hits the CCD, and if the system detects there is a jerk, it responds by moving the image slightly. For instance, if the camera has shaken to the left, then the image will move slightly to the right, eliminating the shake.
Pros & Cons of EIS
+No Extra Hardware needed, so lightweight and affordable
–Significant loss in the overall output of the footage
Pros & Cons of OIS
+Good image quality and stability even in low light scenario
–Adds more weight to the camera and is more expensive too