Before we start, I will make clear that I’m not an expert in designing and developing cameras. So I don’t know if the solution recommended by FR-reader CUCKOO is realistic. I’ll just share it here so that we can think about it.

IBIS or OIS, which is better?

Just quickly, in the past we already had an IBIS Vs. OIS debate here (including CaNikon statements about the 3 reasons why OIS is better than IBIS).

Also, remember that OIS/IBIS compensates only for the shakiness of your camera, but not for the “shakiness” of the world outside. The best OIS and IBIS on earth can not freeze the movement of people and animals around you or of branches and flowers dancing in the wind.

With that said, OIS/IBIS is still very handy feature, and I consider it a pity, that Fujifilm did not implement OIS in the XF 16-55mm F2.8 and the XF 90mm F2. If these two lenses would have OIS, I think the Fujifilm X system would not need IBIS, unless…

• you shoot with adapted (and slower) glass
• you shoot video

A Possible Solution for IBIS on X-cameras?

Did you know that there is already this Fujifilm camera with IBIS? Sure, the XP120 is not an X-series camera, but it’s interesting to know that other digital Fujifilm cameras already have optical sensor shift technology.

Now, Fujifilm said it clearly: X-mount is not compatible with IBIS, because IBIS moves the sensor, which means the amount of light at the corners is reduced when the sensor is shifted. You’ll basically get more vignetting that Fujifilm could correct digitally, but they do not want to do it because “we don’t want to compromise our image quality.”

Ok… so Fujifilm does not want to digitally correct vignetting created by IBIS. But what about the solution proposed by FR-reader CUCKOO in the comments to this post (especially thinking at video with X-gear)? I quote:

“[For video] Fujifilm must swallow their pride and construct a stabiliser solution. If there’s a will there’s a way. For stills I agree with them 100%. For video I disagree 100%.

I think most (all?) videographers today agree that a stabiliser is quite essential to shoot video in many cases, especially if you’re doing it all by yourself, like many artists, YouTubers, one man bands and small production teams are doing it.

The most obvious way to implement a stabiliser would be to crop the readout area a little bit when IBIS is turned on. Enough crop for the stabiliser to work within the image circle. It shouldn’t be too much crop needed actually. This would be invaluable to a lot of video shooters. Turn off the IBIS to have full sensor again.

I recently got a Panasonic GH5 out of necessity. Its yucky colours leaves a lot to be desired. IBIS and no recording time limit however is more important. Colours can be improved a lot afterwards.. Shaky footage is more painful to improve in post.. and it cannot improved as well.. love-hate relationship with ge GH5.

To me, this sounds like a relative simple workaround. But as said, I am no expert, and FR-reader CUCKOO and myself might miss something.

Feel free to drop your considerations in the comments.

enjoy your Saturday :)
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