Does the image stabilization on lenses work for video or is that just for still images? There can be quite a difference in price so I'm trying to determine if it's worth the extra cost.

Thanks, Marc

When handheld, yes it works. Using tripod, don't need it.

Jun

AFAIK they do work, but in video work they are limited use. Locked off shots in wind, they're good, but as soon as start to follow movement they're hopeless as they try to compensate for the movement.
Steve

Depends on the lens. Some have one mode only, others have a second mode which stabilizes vertically but not horizontally so they don't screw up pans.

Be careful if you're taking audio directly from the camera's built-in mic. Some IS lenses
will produce an annoying "clicking" noise that you might not hear while shooting but is
definitely amplified internally during recording. However if you're shooting double-system
sound then this isn't really a problem.

Depends on the lens. Some have one mode only, others have a second mode which stabilizes vertically but not horizontally so they don't screw up pans.

Yes, it's like that on pro lenses like the Canon HJ40, but the problem is very little action tends to take place in just one plane, most moves involve a pan and tilt combination, so most of the time it's pretty useless I find.
Steve

Thanks everyone.

I've found IS VERY useful for hand held shooting. I also have a Sigma 18-200 OS lens that works quite well also.

Sam, are you talking hand held shooting video?

Yes, Marc, IS is very useful for shooting VIDEO hand held. I wouldn't consider video hand-holding without IS/OS, unless using a SWA lens like the 10-22mm.

I shot this test the first day I got the camera, with Sigma 18-200 OS. No work of art, but it was all handheld as I walked thru Central Park.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQE9RjUu9DY

Thanks Sam, that was helpful.

Marc, I think you'll find it useful to take a look at this thread in the 7D section for some opinions on IS for Video.

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-eos-7d-hd/470397-7d-handheld.html

Thanks Andy... good thread.

IS works very well. I will re-iterate Chris Hurd with the sound of the IS/OS lens. It really varies allot. I bought a Tamron 17-50 F2.8 great lens, but a hell of allot noiser (sound) than the Canon that I also tested.

It's not a problem or me as I record dual sync sound. But if you are recording with a shotgun on the camera or on a camera rig then it will be noticeable depending on the lens manufacturer.

Test your lens.

Hope this helps.

J

For handheld, IS is essential. It removes the micro jitters that can otherwise ruin your shots. Without IS, you will NEED some sort of stabilizer, even with wide angle lenses.

IS is NOT essential for handheld work. If it was you'd be denying the existence of 100 years of documentary film-making. Desirable, yes, essential, no way.
Steve

I think Ian meant essential with regard to the 550d, which is very small and light, which as we can all agree makes a big difference to camera stability.

IS is NOT essential for handheld work. If it was you'd be denying the existence of 100 years of documentary film-making. Desirable, yes, essential, no way.
Steve

The documentary filmmakers used heavier, more ergonomic cameras. Even with a rig on a small DSLR, IS makes a huge difference. Try shooting with a bare 550D/T2i with and without IS - you'll know see for yourself.

IS is NOT essential for handheld work. If it was you'd be denying the existence of 100 years of documentary film-making. Desirable, yes, essential, no way.
Steve

Most of those documentary films makers didn't us a camera with a CMOS sensor.

That isn't a judgement or endorsement one way or the other, but any shaky movement can ruin a shot with these camera's. Its just one of the limitations that we have to learn to deal with and IS can make a big difference.

OK, I take your points. Still correct to say that it's not essential, but good points.
Steve

I sometimes use IS on telephoto lenses, such as the 300mm L, but always prefer to use a tripod for most footage. The onboard mic picks up every single squeak and click of the lens, so I'm glad that I use a dual sound system so that I can concentrate on the shot.
Even in situations where I'm not using the Zoom H4, I completely ignore the problems of the IS lens sounds, knowing that I can easily overdub with separate natural background sounds or narrative or music dropped in to the time zone.

With wide angle lenses I never use IS, and prefer just a steady hand for when I'm not moving around too much, or a tripod when I'm completely static.
When I need to move around a lot more than a static tripod, then I'll mount the camera on my Samcine shoulder & waist brace support - which also helps with smooth slow pans or when I want to move positions during an interview, etc.
For smooth walking/running footage, nothing beats a steadicam (I like to use the Hague HCS-Pro with the 5D Mark II, which works great for very smooth 'fly-through' footage, even on hilly outdoor terrain).

Anyone have any luck with the 18-135 IS lens for video? Certainly an inexpensive lens compared to the L series for sure but just how good/bad is it? Is it tolerable?
Use will be only for outdoor wedding video work.
I have access to L series lenses other times from my other still cameras...just not when I'm shooting a wedding. I would prefer not to have to buy another expensive zoom lens only for weddings.
Thanks, Craig