I have already searched for OS in GL2 but cannot find answer to the question on my mind...why do you need to disable the optical stabilzer when your GL2 is on a tripod? is that really necessary? it would be tedious if you will turn OS off when in tripod then before quick releasing you will turn it on again? really confused on why canon put a note in the manual regarding this. TIA

This is one of the best threads on this subject, there are many others.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=5067&highlight=optical+stabilizer

Grazie

Thanks Grazie, appreciate this, but still didn't get any concrete answer to satisfy the mind boggling question i have(on my head)

during panning is there any effect why canon want to disable the OS in GL2?

The OS wants to get all shaky movement out or your picture. But if you make a pan on a tripod, you are deliberately making a movement, but the OS sees it as a movement too and wants to reduce it, so that's why you shouldn't do it.

I have noticed that several canon mini dv camcorders with OS post 8mm days, that seem to have the stabilizer turn off if you are zoomed out and are holding the camera really steady (elbows on arm rests, camera on knee, etc etc. Both the GL1 and the GL2 have this what I consider a problem. Does any one know it other camcorders (ie the Panasonic 30) have this issue???

Johnnston

P.S. It is not the long zoom that naturally does this it is an actual turning off of the stabilizer.

I have asked the question of Canon uk as to why it is advisable to turn off stabilizer when on tripod. This is their answer:-
quote:
"As the image stabilizer responds to movements of the camera, when the camera is on a tripod, it will not be of any use. You should then turn it off to save battery life. It will not harm the camera if you leave it on."
unquote.

Bit of a weak answer, but I think it boils down to the fact that the IS will try to resist any movement!

Mel.

I've tried it both ways - having the VAP on and then off - both times on a tripod. Now I always leave it on. Why?

Well, because not all tripods are rock solid. Not all floors are either. And there was one instance where I was called to the front (filming a stage play). I whipped the cam off the tripod and ran down the centre aisle, and then had to film the entire presentation of awards hand-held.

So? Well, that was the last time I have the OIS turned off, I can tell you. You really appreciate the loss when the technology isn't working with you.

tom.

I have asked the question of Canon uk as to why it is advisable to turn off stabilizer when on tripod. This is their answer:-
quote:
"As the image stabilizer responds to movements of the camera, when the camera is on a tripod, it will not be of any use. You should then turn it off to save battery life. It will not harm the camera if you leave it on."
unquote.

Bit of a weak answer, but I think it boils down to the fact that the IS will try to resist any movement!

Mel.

save battery life?? but is it an OIS meaning the gyro sensors on the lens itself so why does the battery consumed if it is turned on? I think what he is trying to point is with regards to an EIS.

so tom...you always leave the OIS on? then 'll try dping that as well. thanks

Yes, an OIS does use battery life. It takes power to run the computer to compensate for movement and the mechanism that shifts the optics. How much is another question.

Bottom line is taht IS, opticalor digital, produce artifacts. With OIS the main artifact is a slight lag, overshoot, and correction when intended camera movements (e.g., pan, tile) starts and stop.

The shooter has to judge whether or not this artifact is worse than the shake from a poor support or unstable floor and use OIS accordiingly. There is no hard fast rule on this, although with a good tripod on a sturdy floor, you can generally do better with OIS turned off.

OIS off does save some battery power, as does not using the LCD screen. However, for a serious shooter with adequate batteries, the savings is not likely to be a significant issue in most cases.