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iPhone 13 Models May Have In-Body Image Stabilization
Shake it like a Polaroid Picture
By Charlie Sorrel Charlie Sorrel Senior Tech Reporter Charlie Sorrel has been writing about technology, and its effects on society and the planet, for 13 years. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 22, 2021 12:17PM EST Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Phones Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Key Takeaways
The entire iPhone 13 lineup will get a stabilized sensor like the iPhone 12 Pro Max.Sensor stabilization is faster and more efficient than lens stabilization.Stabilized photos aren’t just for use in low light. Apple Apple may add sensor-shift image stabilization to the entire iPhone 13 lineup, according to MacRumors, citing a report from Taiwanese publication DigiTimes. Today, only the huge iPhone 12 Pro Mac has this feature. Sensor-shift stabilization, aka in-body image stabilization (IBIS), moves the camera’s sensor to compensate for your wobbly hands while you take pictures. It lets you snap photos that are sharper, even in very low light. And it may be in every iPhone 13. "Generally, better stabilization in cameras will give sharper images at slower shutter speeds," photographer Nathan Hill toldLifewire via Twitter, "as it helps compensate to any tiny movements while the image is being captured that would usually cause blur. Usually means improved low-light images on phone cameras." Anti-Wobble
There are two kinds of image stabilization. One moves the lens itself, the other moves the sensor. Both kinds have their advantages. On a camera with interchangeable lenses, in-lens stabilization can be tailored to that particular lens. In the end, phone cameras are already good enough for most people. They’re already better than the pocket film and digital cameras we all used to use. The iPhone doesn’t have such a requirement, and so IBIS is a better bet. In-body, or sensor stabilization, only has to move a small sensor instead of a heavy lens. Considering that it's compensating for tiny, fast movements, the differences in momentum can be significant. However you stabilize things, the result is the same. You can hand-hold the camera for longer exposures, without your shaky hands introducing motion blur. This is most useful at night or indoors, where light levels are low. To capture more light, the camera will open its shutter for a longer time. If you move while it’s open, then normally you blur the picture. Stabilization compensates by detecting your tiny movements, and moving the sensor or lens in the opposite direction to cancel them out. Not Just Low Light
Stabilization isn’t just handy for low-light shots. You also can use a slower shutter speed for special effects in regular light. The cliché here is a picture of moving water, a fast-flowing river or a waterfall. You can use a longer shutter speed to blur the water. Thomas James Caldwell / flickr Usually, you have to use a tripod so that the rest of the picture remains sharp, but with image stabilization, you can hand-hold such shots. Another nice example is a portrait taken in a busy street. You can allow the surrounding people to blur, while your non-moving subject stays sharp. This can look great. Simon Jowett / flickr Computer Cameras
The iPhone and other smartphones have a huge advantage over regular cameras because they have powerful computers built in. High-end mirrorless cameras do have a lot of computer power on board, but it is specialized image-processing hardware. Phones are general-purpose computers, and can, of course, run apps that take advantage of their hardware. It’s this tight integration of hardware and software that makes features like night mode, video stabilization, HDR, and portrait modes possible. Right now, purpose-built cameras still have advantages—more ergonomic design, bigger sensors, and better, interchangeable lenses—but those differences are constantly being eroded by smartphone makers. And, in the end, phone cameras are already good enough for most people. They’re already better than the pocket film and digital cameras we all used to use. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Why Pro Photographers Say You Should Be Excited About the New Pixel 7 Pro What Is Burst Mode and How to Use It iPhone 13: Release Date, Specs, Price, and News How to Use the iPhone Camera How to Take a Selfie on iPhone The 7 Best Low-Light Video Cameras of 2022 iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 13 Pro: Which Phone is Right for You? How to Use Google Pixel Night Sight Expert Tested: The 9 Best Smartphone Cameras of 2022 What Is a DSLR Camera? Understand Camera Zoom Lenses The 8 Best DSLR Cameras of 2022 The 7 Best Large Resolution Cameras of 2022 What Is a Prime Lens? Everything You Need to Know The 6 Best Canon Cameras of 2022 Camera Terminology for DSLR Camera Lenses Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies