Do you guys use image stabilizer when filming handheld?
 

Or do most of you guys prefer it off at all times?

I always use it when filming hand held.

Same here, I always use IS when filming handheld.

Only off if the camera is on a tripod, handheld it's always on.

I think you will find most people will normally keep OIS on when handheld and off when the camera is on a tripod. Not sure what happens with all the various Steadicam models and similar stabilisers.

OIS - Handheld
 

Only when I need to keep the camera fixated on an object. When doing handheld and you intend to do a pan or walking shot, I suggest to switch OIS off. The reason is that the OIS wants to keep the image "stable" and when panning it will result in jerky footage.
Steadycam or jib - I switch off OIS!

"When doing handheld and you intend to do a pan or walking shot, I suggest to switch OIS off"

That's interesting, in some occasions I would follow a person when holding the camera (a canon xh-a1) and always thought the OIS would be better for stabilizing the footage a bit. It actually never crossed my mind to switch it off in such a case.

It can be better - probably depends on the individual's technique. I sometimes try it both ways and use the better take if the situation allows. If "handheld" includes using some sort of brace, it is often better without OIS when I try it.

Bjørn, that's interesting. Never thought handheld panning could be better without the OIS.
I'll try this myself and see if I find any differences with or without the OIS turned on.

Very noticeable stutter (jerkiness) esp. if doing slow to medium pans.

It does depend somewhat on what sort of image stabilization you have.

If you're sliding the image around the sensor, you'll lose some sharpness...stabilizers that are in the optics tend to exhibit this sort of thing less, but when they reach the "end" of the range of movement, they can have a tendency to rather obviously "hit" the limit...

I think to some extent it's a videographer preference/camera model thing... As with most of this stuff, doing some testing in advance will help you determine your personal preferences.

I keep it off all the time, I go from handheld to tripod often, so try to go to the menu on the A1 to turn the OIS on and off is pain, I used to do it with my H1, it is just a switch on the camera but I use the H1 on tripod all time so it stays off.

On the A1s I assigned one of the custom buttons to switch OIS on/off - the other custom button is for Zebras. This is very helpful when going from Tripod to Handled as you can activate or deactivate with the touch of a button - no need to dig in the menu for it.

I'm kinda rocknroll with OIS I always keep it on. I've never found it to be much a problem. Plus if I have floor vibration while I'm on the tripod, or the shot is zoomed all the way in, it helps keep the shot steady. So, I say try it. See what happens.
Bill

need elaboration on this subject
 

hi all, I never understood the concept of turning off Imagine stabilization for any reason. Could somebody enlighten me?

I always have it on and I noticed something recently in my filming.

Using a tripod, I was panning inside a rather dark church with bright windows. The windows were "floating" around . Is it due to the Image stabilization? thanks so much!!