Image stabilization questions

[Nicholas Steinwachs]

I don't even know if this is a stupid question, but can/do RED cameras employ image stabilization (in the lenses or otherwise) for handheld shooting? With the DSM cameras, I figured this might be a relevant feature, wheras for the RED One, it might not. I found a mention of it in a prior post, but nothing more in specs, discussion, etc. In climbing/outdoor action, there is a place for purely handheld shooting in terms of pure mobility and convenience. Also, a look of less production value adds to the perceived "accessibility" of the subject. I know, it's crazy... but sometimes a shoulder mount doesn't cut it (when you're crouched in a cave).

Any links on the matter would be appreciated. I'm saving my pennies for a nice Scarlet down the road...

 

[Stephen Strangways]

The RED ONE with a third-party Canon EOS lens mount by Birger does support the image stabilization built in to the lenses, and it is likely the Canon and Nikon RED lens mounts for the EPIC and Scarlet will also support image stabilization built in to those lenses. It will be quite useful for stills, and although some people do report using IS for shooting motion, I find it virtually useless as the IS in the lenses is very "floaty" as it was only designed for stills shooting.

 

[Nicholas Steinwachs]

Are there types of sensor-based IS that don't involve moving the sensor itself? For example, a real-time image processing algorithm that can use a "buffer zone" on 2k capture to "grab" only the non-shaking portion of the image? Obviously, this would introduce a bit more delay into the mix...

 

[IAN SUN]

The RED ONE with a third-party Canon EOS lens mount by Birger does support the image stabilization built in to the lenses, and it is likely the Canon and Nikon RED lens mounts for the EPIC and Scarlet will also support image stabilization built in to those lenses. It will be quite useful for stills, and although some people do report using IS for shooting motion, I find it virtually useless as the IS in the lenses is very "floaty" as it was only designed for stills shooting.

Are there types of sensor-based IS that don't involve moving the sensor itself? For example, a real-time image processing algorithm that can use a "buffer zone" on 2k capture to "grab" only the non-shaking portion of the image? Obviously, this would introduce a bit more delay into the mix...

Perhaps a combination of in lens IS and post stabilization to lock the image may eliminate the floating. Has anyone with a Birger tried this? This was one of my primary reasons for wanting a Birger, but the delays lost me.

 

[Nicholas Steinwachs]

The float isn't an issue for my purposes - I think that can be removed in post if needed.

I just don't want an earthquake-cam blurring my images.

EDIT: I just realized that anything other than optical IS won't prevent blur, so eh, I guess my question is answered.

 

[paulherrin]

you need to shoot it as best you can and use post stabilization. find a good rig setup that you can keep steady, it might just involve more compact weight, which will be tiring. shoot higher framerates to avoid motion blur.

edit: i meant shutterspeeds, though as it happens you will typically naturally use a faster shutter. not what i was thinking though, i was in a rush, sorry.

 

[Gunleik Groven]

you need to shoot it as best you can and use post stabilization. shoot higher framerates to avoid motion blur.

I guess you mean: "Shorter shutter" (even though that is commonly a byproduct of higher framerates...)

 

[paulherrin]

oh oops, lol, thanks gunleik - meant higher, faster shutterspeed, i was in a rush to type that.

 

[Nicholas Steinwachs]

Yeah, in outdoor sports, light is often difficult, if not impossible to get right. Still photography is pretty friendly, but when someone's ready to go, and you want to get the action on video, fast glass and IS are your friends, for sure.

I hear the RED sensors are pretty good with low exposure, anyway.

 

[Anthony Survant]

Nicholas, I actually do a lot of rock climbing too. I don't know of any lens / camera combo that I would personally be satisfied with. Have you considered some form of ghetto steadicam? Like a monopod with a custom counter-weight on the bottom... I think something like this may be a cheap and viable option for the Scarlet / Epic. I say this with the mindset that you'd want something as light as possible, to be mobile, to be cheap, and because the Scarlet and Epic announced weights and size would be very friendly and easy to balance.

Off topic: Checkout this cat-leap I caught on my iPhone... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5W6R8xEjRdA

I can't wait to see outdoor stuff shot on the next-gen Red's.