To OIS ... or to not OIS?

[MombasaFlash]

Following on from comments in another thread (Camera Mount Recommendations) regarding use of OIS and difficulties with previewing .mts files (AVCHD) the pic below shows the clips being previewed in Final Cut which were later used to assemble the video illustrating the difference between OIS on and OIS off.

View attachment 798

OIS is intended to reduce handheld camera shake and as such should be disabled for tripod use. Some like to include helicopters (inc. drones) in the 'tripod category', presumably because the camera is screwed down onto the gimbal camera plate.

I have never looked at it that way because I have yet to see a helicopter that flies like a tripod. They all come closer to the handheld category to me with the image shaking around to varying degrees according to the heli balance and setup and the pilot's abilities.

As such I have always utilised the OIS with the Panasonic HDC-SD9, starting with the Raptor 50. However, very occasionally I would do a really smooth flight and this of course antagonises OIS because it has nothing to do and so throws a little tantrum, delivering an unwarranted kick to the video image. But for the majority of the time the OIS is given plenty to do and therefore concentrates on that instead.

The linked video does a side by side (although not split-screen unfortunately because I haven't got time to work out how that's done) comparison of two flights with the Octo yesterday. One with OIS disabled and one with OIS enabled. The differences are sometimes subtle and the whole thing was made more complicated by a stiff breeze above the rooftops.

Apologies for the dark and dingy complexion of OIS-off. That is Panasonic's fault for boosting the camera screen brightness by default. I forgot to reduce it to normal when setting up exposure.

 

[Macsgrafs]

Strange, I use the exact same camera & find OIS causes more problems than its worth! Especially when mounted under a trex600esp, but I must stress that my old cam mount wasnt the best (askman series) so its now modded for use under my CS8/Skyjib 8.

Ross

 

[MombasaFlash]

That video clip showing OIS On/Off has the HDC bolted onto the flimsy MK Highsight III camera mount under the Octo. Certainly nothing esoteric about that one !

I see you are in Devon, Ooo-Arrr. I'm passing there on the way to Cornwall next week for my nephew's wedding. Been madly debating whether to take the truck with ALL the heli's or try and squeeze the awkward-as-hell-shaped Octo into the car and get some aerials.

 

[Macsgrafs]

That video clip showing OIS On/Off has the HDC bolted onto the flimsy MK Highsight III camera mount under the Octo. Certainly nothing esoteric about that one !

I see you are in Devon, Ooo-Arrr. I'm passing there on the way to Cornwall next week for my nephew's wedding. Been madly debating whether to take the truck with ALL the heli's or try and squeeze the awkward-as-hell-shaped Octo into the car and get some aerials.

They no longer say oo arrr, its now "Yertiz dreckly"
If you bring your toys with you & can make it to Barnstaple, I would love to meet you, maybe exchange some B/S as we do

Regards
Ross

 

[jfro]

Camera, Lens, rig, dampening, wind conditions, & flying skills all seem to be elements in the OIS decision. To turn OIS on or off becomes a skilled experience decision and IMO, there is no black or white answer. Thanks for sharing the test.

 

[Bartman]

OIS is Onboard Image Stabilization? Canon refers to it as just Image Stabilization and I've never realy done a side by side to see if it's good or bad.
Interesting topic.

 

[Tabb Firchau]

OIS on panasonic GH2 is fantastic! I leave it on all the time and love it. If the vibes getting to camera are low enough I think a good OIS (like gh2, sony E lenses etc) can be very helpful. Too much vibration and it is no good.

Tabb

 

[jfro]

when to OIS

On a tripod I always turn OIS off. Hand held, I have it on 75% of the time for slower shutter speeds, (which most video is a slow shutter speed). That being said, many of the lens I use don't have OIS. On a steadicam, which I'm learning, I do it both ways and haven't made up my mind if there is a on or off all the time answer. Sort of like what's shown in the flying samples. I think it will really come down to an experience factor where depending on the rig, it will be sometimes on and sometimes off. When your wrong, fix it post if possible.

 

[MombasaFlash]

Entirely agree - when a tripod is being used. But then OIS was developed as a handheld camera aid. I have found that with the big heli and the Panasonic HPX 171 the OIS is not required as the gimbal damping/isolation is very effective and the heli itself does not wriggle around in the air so much.

But with the Raptor carrying the Panasonic HDC-SD9 it can wriggle and weave a bit, especially when trying to fly slowly, and THAT is where I liken it to a handheld camera and the reason why I generally prefer leaving OIS.

The Octo is a new experience and so far, although it has a high degree of built-in stability, it is still small and light and very sensitive to wind etc, and so the same sort of wriggling in the air is apparent in the video.


and the MK Octo, which are both small, light machines, that do not have very sophisticated camera mounts, they can wriggle and weave a bit and THAT is where I liken it to a handheld camera and the reason why I generally prefer leaving OIS with those two when carrying the Panasonic HDC-SD9.