OIS (Optical Image Stabilization): what it is, how it works and what it does

Definition and Principle

Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is a hardware mechanism designed to reduce blur caused by involuntary camera movement during image or video capture. Unlike digital stabilization, which crops the image, OIS acts physically on the optical system or sensor to counteract vibrations.

Architecture and Operation

The system operates using motion sensors (accelerometers or gyroscopes) that detect micro-vibrations. This data is sent to an actuator that shifts specific components of the camera assembly. Based on the technical specifications of modern devices, there are main variants in its implementation:

• Sensor-shift OIS: The entire image sensor moves on multiple axes to compensate for movement. This technique is observed in high-end main cameras, such as the 48 MP lens with f/1.8 aperture and 24mm focal length, which incorporates sensor-shift OIS.
• Lens-shift OIS: An optical element within the lens is shifted. This is common in telephoto lenses, such as the 100mm periscope (4x optical zoom) with f/2.8 aperture, which uses 3D sensor-shift OIS to maintain stability at higher magnifications.

Applications and Scope

The presence of OIS is critical in low-light scenarios and when using optical zoom. In the analyzed camera systems, OIS is specifically applied to:

1. The main (wide) 48 MP camera, facilitating capture in night mode and portrait.
2. The telephoto (tele) 48 MP camera, allowing sharpness to be maintained in shots with 4x optical zoom.

It is important to note that not all sensors in a multi-camera system include this technology. For example, the ultrawide (13mm, f/2.2) and macro (12 MP) cameras in the cited devices do not specify the inclusion of OIS, limiting their effectiveness in extreme movement or low light compared to stabilized lenses.

Limitations and Interpretation

OIS does not completely eliminate motion blur if the displacement speed exceeds the actuator's response capability. Its effectiveness depends on the precision of the motion sensors and the speed of the shifting mechanism. When evaluating a product, the mention of OIS next to a specific lens indicates that this optic is designed to offer greater tolerance to shake and better results in video and static photography compared to lenses without physical stabilization.

Technical Evidence

Reference specifications confirm the implementation of sensor-shift OIS in the 48 MP main camera (f/1.8, 24mm) and 3D sensor-shift OIS in the 48 MP periscope telephoto (f/2.8, 100mm). Other sensors, such as the 48 MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 13mm), do not list this feature.

Sources: phonescoop.com, gsmarena.com.