How does image stabilization help when shooting handheld in low light?

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How does image stabilization help when shooting handheld in low light?

Asked on Oct 22, 2025

Answer

Image stabilization is crucial when shooting handheld in low light as it reduces the effects of camera shake, allowing for slower shutter speeds without introducing blur. This technology is particularly beneficial in low-light conditions where longer exposures are necessary to capture enough light.

Example Concept: Image stabilization works by compensating for small movements of the camera, either through lens-based optical stabilization or sensor-based in-body stabilization. This allows photographers to use slower shutter speeds than would typically be possible without stabilization, resulting in sharper images in low-light scenarios.

Additional Comment:

Image stabilization is especially useful for handheld shots where tripods are impractical.
It is beneficial for both still photography and video to maintain clarity and reduce motion blur.
Different systems (optical vs. in-body) may have varying effectiveness depending on the camera and lens combination.
Combining stabilization with high ISO settings can further enhance low-light performance.

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