OpticalImageStabilization
Latest
Google explains the Pixel 2's super-stable video recording
Google's Pixel 2 phones have a clever trick up their sleeve when recording video: they can use both electronic and optical image stabilization, delivering largely jitter-free clips even if you're walking down the street. But how does it meld those two technologies, exactly? Google is happy to explain: it just posted an in-depth exploration of how this stabilization works. As you might guess, Google uses some of its machine learning know-how to incorporate both anti-shake technologies where many phones can only use one or the other.
Samsung's new 13MP phone camera promises twice the stability, brighter shots
Optical image stabilization for current smartphone cameras leaves something to be desired; you still need a steady hand to avoid blurry photos. Samsung has just unveiled a new, extra-stable sensor that may be considerably more forgiving. The 13-megapixel unit corrects angular errors up to 1.5 degrees off-target, or roughly twice the jostling that existing cameras can handle. While that sounds like a small number, Samsung promises big results -- the camera reportedly takes low light shots that are eight times brighter than its predecessor. The company won't mass-produce the new camera until early 2014, but it has been developing the technology in concert with "leading smartphone makers." In other words, you won't have to live in Samsung's Galaxy to see the benefits.
Graphene camera sensors said to be 1,000 times more sensitive to light
While we're still scratching around with Ultrapixels and OIS, scientists in Singapore claim they're working on something that could change the entire field of photography. Researchers at the Nanyang Technological University have developed an image sensor made out of graphene that's 1,000 times better at capturing light than traditional CMOS or CCD sensors, all while using 10x less energy. These new sensors may initially be used in surveillance equipment and satellites -- when they do eventually end up in regular cameras, however, they're promised to be five times cheaper than the sensors they're replacing. Combine this with the work being done on graphene batteries, and we're that much closer to the perfect smartphone.
Samsung official reportedly confirms Note III in the works, muses on potential camera upgrades
Given the success of the original Galaxy Note and its sequel, there's little doubt a third installment of the super-sized handset line is on Samsung's to-launch list. Korean site ETNews claims to have heard the first legitimate confirmation of the Note III's existence, however, citing a Samsung official as its source. The insider apparently had much to say on plans for the camera, too. It's expected to be a 13-megapixel affair and could see other upgrades over its predecessor, including optical image stabilization and 3x optical zoom. According to the official, no final decisions on the camera have been made yet, but with less than four months to go until IFA (where the previous Notes have debuted), it's probably time to start nailing those specs down.
Engadget visits Nokia House wrap-up: Stephen Elop Q&A, Lumia 920 camera tests and more
It's been a whirlwind week of all things Nokia for our Engadget crew here in Helsinki, Finland. With a (nearly) all access pass to the company's glass House in Espoo, we brought you a very candid, very live Q&A with CEO Stephen Elop -- recorded for posterity with the Lumia 920 -- as well as in-depth proofs of that handset's game-changing rear camera module. From side-by-side low light comparison shots with other leading smartphones to optical image stabilization tests and even a peek behind the Finnish outfit's R&D practices, we've got it all. So, if you haven't had time to catch up with this flurry of pre-launch news from behind the blue velvet rope, now's your chance. Just click on past the break for the full recap.
Lumia 920 PureView trailer was filmed with a different camera, Nokia apologizes for the confusion
Nokia's video showcasing the Lumia 920's Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) might've given the impression it was filmed with the new PureView-toting device, but a reflection of a film crew spotted by PocketNow in the trailer (27 seconds deep) hinted that wasn't the case. The folks in Espoo have confirmed that the footage was indeed captured using a different camera. "Of course, hindsight is 20 / 20, but we should have posted a disclaimer stating this was a representation of OIS only," the company's Heidi Lemmetyinen penned on the Nokia Conversations blog. "This was not shot with a Lumia 920. At least, not yet. We apologize for the confusion we created." You can catch the offending video and a shorter, but accurate clip comparing a prototype of the PureView handset with a competing device after the break.
Samsung NV7 reviewed
When Samsung decided to target the more discriminating consumer with its NV-series (NV = New Voyage -- thrilling!) of "Lifestyle" digicams, it chose to forgo the rather staid aesthetic of most of its older models for more distinctive, high quality designs -- but as with so many other "fashionable" products, The Photography Blog reports that you're getting more sizzle than steak when it comes to the seven megapixel NV7. On first glance it would seem that this hybrid cam has the potential to be a real winner: besides the attractive looks and tight build quality, you're getting a Schneider lens with long 7x optical zoom, a welcome tag team of digital as well as optical image stabilization, and several manual control options for finicky photographers. Unfortunately, for all its attractive features, the NV7 just don't take a very good picture. While it supposedly handles chromatic aberrations well and makes good use of that optical stabilization, images tend to come out looking very noisy, even at a low ISO 100 (maximum ISO is 1000, but both that setting and ISO 800 and reportedly unusable). Other faults include the rather ineffective digital Advanced Shake Reduction option, a steep learning curve for getting accustomed to the 13 unlabeled soft keys bordering the 2.5-inch LCD, and the fact that optical stabilization turns off after every shutdown. But the main problem here is those grainy images, so unless you're willing to overlook picture quality for eye-catching design, it sounds like you're best off spending your ~$475 on a shooter that gives you better performance.
