The Different Types Of Image Stabilization On Mobile Devices: Their Benefits And Drawbacks

The Different Types of Image Stabilization on Mobile Devices: Their Benefits and Drawbacks

Taking the best photos with mobile devices is becoming much easier, thanks in part to the various technologies developed over time, such as image stabilization. And it is true that many users choose a terminal solely based on the specifications of the mobile camera.

And there is no doubt that this is one of the components that has a significant impact on the image quality that a mobile camera can achieve. While there are additional factors to consider, such as the type of lens they use, the aperture, or the processing of the photo itself, this technology carries significant weight. As a result, we will discuss precisely what it influences and the various types found in today's terminals.

The image stabilizer for photos

The name itself implies the primary function that this technology must perform; it is responsible for stabilizing all photographs taken with our mobile device. In essence, it is responsible for mitigating any vibrations that may occur when an image is taken through a sensor, in this case the terminals. And all of this with the goal of removing any unwanted movement that could result in photographs appearing to be deleted or videos with strange movements.

Advantages of each stabilization system

At the moment, various types are available, ranging from electronic to optical stabilization systems. Additionally, the combination of the two resulted in hybrids. Although the most recent addition to the scene has been a stabilizer powered by artificial intelligence.

The first of these is typically integrated into the majority of terminals available today. Additionally, its operation is intended to be similar to that of the OIS, but without the hardware. Additionally, this technology utilizes the accelerometer on the mobile device to detect small movements, and the captured surface is slightly reduced to create a zoom effect. And in the videos, it manages to locate a point of high contrast to maximize its effectiveness.

However, it is not error-free, as it can result in a variety of undesirable effects such as image distortion. Additionally, when this is enabled in our terminal, some edges will appear in the sensor image, preventing the image from being seen in its entirety and thus cropped. Additionally, this results in decreased resolution and image clarity.

Additionally, the second type has distinct advantages that make it the most effective because it performs its function admirably. Additionally, because it is a hardware solution, the need for scene cropping during video capture, as with EIS, is completely eliminated. However, these systems are premium components that add to the cost of manufacturing these devices, which is why they are frequently found in high-end smartphones.

Later on, we will encounter hybrid technology, which will enable us to capture high-quality night images by combining the advantages of the two aforementioned technologies. Finally, the assistance of AI in stabilization results in a better image with no deformations when used in conjunction with the optics.

The camera technologies that exist

Fortunately, different types of these systems are available on mobile devices today, although the first to benefit were still cameras. However, as a result of various advancements over the years, it has been integrated into mobile cameras. However, certain types will provide us with greater precision, resulting in more satisfactory results for users.

Although it should be noted that this functionality, which is built into a large portion of today's smartphones, is typically used primarily for video recording and only in a minor way for photographing. Due to the fact that the second case is primarily used when attempting to capture images with little natural or artificial lighting, a more accurate exposure is required. 

EIS

One of the more common types found in Android mobile devices is the so-called EIS, which aims to perform the same OIS functions without the use of hardware. Additionally, as previously stated, this technology makes use of the accelerometer in our terminal to detect any unforeseen movements, no matter how minor. As a result, the software will be responsible for deciphering these movements and aligning each image frame.

OIS

Optical imaging technology, abbreviated OIS, is a hardware solution that, rather than relying on the mobile accelerometer as with the previous type, relies on the gyroscope of the microelectromechanical system (MEMS). Similarly, it detects movements in order to properly resize the camera on the mobile device. As a result, if we are holding the Smartphone and decide to move it to one side, this technology will detect the movement and move the camera to that side to stabilize the capture.

A hybrid technology

Hybrid image stabilization systems, or HIS, have begun to be implemented in order to combine the benefits of OIS and EIS in order to provide improved image stabilization when taking a picture. And, as its name implies, this type combines the advantages of the other two, prompting an increasing number of smartphone manufacturers to choose it for inclusion in their devices' cameras.

Stabilization by AI

Artificial intelligence has been the most recent development in mobile telephony, having been implemented in the terminal cameras. Although its primary purpose is to assist other technologies. Additionally, it is critical to understand that artificial intelligence is used to enable the camera to take different photos or record videos with a higher exposure, which is particularly useful in low light conditions. Simultaneously, it can result in a sharper, more detailed image that is free of blur.

Which Image Stabilizer Is the Most Effective?

Thanks to the advancements in these technologies, we now have better imaging capabilities with our terminals. As a result, choosing between any of these types has been significantly more difficult. However, when we consider all of the details, both positive and negative, that these types provide, we can see that the optimal one is superior to electronics, as we can achieve better results when taking photographs.

Although it is true that the ideal is to always have image stabilization, regardless of the technology used in our terminal's camera. However, if forced to choose, it would be the one mentioned previously. Because, despite the fact that the hybrid combines the previous two, it is still inferior to the others. Despite the numerous advantages it provides us with today.