MSP Explained: What Is Image Stabilisation in Phones– OIS, EIS, HIS, and More

Have you ever noticed that even if your hand shakes a bit or the subject moves slightly while taking a photo, the image still comes out clear and stable? That’s thanks to the image stabilisation technology in your smartphone. You might have heard terms like Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) or Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS). But what do these terms mean? In this week’s edition of MSP Explained, we’ll break down the concept of smartphone image stabilisation, its types, and more. So let’s dive in.

What is Image Stabilisation?

As the name suggests, image stabilisation is a technique to stabilise a camera system. It minimises the blurriness, occurring due to small movements or shakes while using the device by using hardware or software-based mechanisms.

This is particularly useful when taking photos in low light or using the zoom function, as it helps keep the image steady and clear. Today, smartphone brands are using different types of image stabilisation in their devices like OIS, EIS, and more. So let’s take a look at each one of them in detail:

Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS)

Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) is a mechanical system that physically adjusts the camera’s lens or sensor to counteract movement. This is achieved through the use of gyroscopic sensors that detect motion and shift the lens accordingly.

Photo Credit: MMBTC

This is one of the most popular smartphone image stabilisation systems out there. Let’s try to understand this whole mechanism with an example:

Imagine you’re taking a photo of a flower in low light. As you press the shutter button, your hand shakes slightly, causing the camera to move. Without OIS, this movement would be captured by the camera sensor, resulting in a blurry image.

However, with OIS enabled, the system detects hand movement using gyroscopic sensors. It then activates tiny motors that shift the camera lens or sensor in the opposite direction of the shake. This shift compensates for the camera movement, keeping the image focused on the flower.

Pros

  • Sharper images
  • Better low-light performance

Cons

  • More expensive

Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS)

Unlike OIS, the Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) relies on software algorithms. It analyses the video frame-by-frame and adjusts the image to compensate for movement. While not as effective as OIS in extreme conditions, EIS is still useful and can be combined with OIS for even better results.

While this mechanism is primarily useful for video footage, it can also be helpful while taking photos in HDR or night mode, as in those modes, you have to keep your hands steady until the camera completes its process. Let’s try to understand this tech with an example:

Imagine you’re filming a video while walking through a park. As you move, your hands naturally shake, causing the video to appear shaky and unstable. Without EIS, the smartphone’s camera captures the video frames and then uses algorithms to analyse the footage. It then identifies the areas of movement and compensates by slightly cropping the edges of the frame.

As a result, the main subject at the centre stays stable. However, it can reduce the video’s resolution since the edges get cropped out. However, the changes will not be as apparent for casual users.

Pros

  • Software based
  • More affordable

Cons

  • Jelly effect

Hybrid Image Stabilisation (HIS)

As the name suggests, HIS combines the strengths of both OIS and EIS. This hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds, providing excellent stabilisation in most shooting scenarios. By using the mechanical adjustments of OIS, along with the software corrections of EIS, HIS offers a more comprehensive solution for stabilisation.

Pros

  • Combines advantages of OIS and EIS
  • Higher overall image quality

Cons

  • More complex implementation

Sensor-shift Stabilisation

You must have heard that iPhones offer amazing video stabilisation. That’s primarily because Apple uses sensor-shift stabilisation technology. It is an advanced form of OIS where the camera sensor moves to counteract motion.

This mechanism allows for even finer adjustments than traditional OIS, resulting in improved clarity and stability. Apple introduced this technology first with the iPhone 12 Pro Max, and later, it was used in other variants like the iPhone 13 and 14 series.

Phones with OIS

Phone Price
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Rs 107,500
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra Rs 94,999
OnePlus 12 Rs 64,999
Realme 13 Pro Plus Rs 32,999
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion Rs 24,499
Samsung Galaxy M55 Rs 19,999
OnePlus Nord CE 4 Rs 24,999
Moto G85 Rs 19,999
Vivo V30 Rs 29,999
OPPO Reno 12 Rs 32,999
OnePlus 12R Rs 39,999

Conclusion

So, this was all about image stabilisation on smartphones. Now, the question is, which type of image stabilisation is right for you, and what should you keep in mind while buying a new smartphone? Don’t worry; the answer is quite simple:

  • If you frequently take photos in low light or shoot videos while moving, opt for a device with OIS.
  • If you’re tight on budget and want smooth video recording capabilities, a phone with EIS will do the job.
  • For the best of both worlds, consider a phone with HIS.