OIS and monopods at DVinfo.net

Stephen Sobel · November 11th, 2008, 09:27 PM

I understand the need to turn the optical image stabilization off while using a tripod with the XH-A1. Is the same true when using a monopod?

Richard Hunter · November 11th, 2008, 10:45 PM

Hi Stephen. This is the way I treat it, based on my own observations.

Where OIS helps most is on simulated locked-down shots that are not really locked down. Handheld is the most obvious example, but long tele tripod shots can also show shakiness, and OIS helps here too. Monopod shots will benefit from OIS until you try to do a smooth sweep and then the OIS will make the movement jerky.

In fact, if you use anything that allows you to get smooth movements, the OIS will tend to make those movements jerkier. This includes good handheld technique by the way - if you are very steady with the cam, OIS can make those slow pans worse.

The biggest no no situation regarding OIS is when using a 35mm adapter. I tried using a Brevis Flip with my XH-A1 and did not realise I was supposed to switch off the OIS. The reults was that every camera movement was jerky and most showed some back-and-forth hunting that made me think the tripod was bending! Just switching off the OIS suddenly brought it all back to normality.

Richard

Michael Wisniewski · November 11th, 2008, 10:48 PM

I turn it off when I'm using a monopod, because I normally just plant it and shoot, but when I'm using the monopod as a cheap Steadicam, I sometimes turn the OIS back on, depends on the situation. I'm really hoping the updated XH camcorders give us the option to assign the OIS to a button!

Bill Grant · November 11th, 2008, 11:07 PM

Stephen,
As one of the comfirmed local idiots, I leave OIS on all the time. I will get the occasional correction when I'm on a tripod, but it helps so much when zoomed in or using a monopod. We are all dealing in subtelty that our clients don't notice or care about.
Bill

Paul W. Hazeltine · November 12th, 2008, 03:38 AM

To me it is such a shame that you cannot assign OIS on/off to a custom key rather than having to go into the menu.

Canon are you listening.

Paul W. H

Stephen Sobel · November 12th, 2008, 04:12 PM

I'm still not sure of what I'm going to do, as sometimes I just "plant and shoot" and others time I mix in some panning.

It certainly would have been nice to have a button on the outside of the A1!

November 11th, 2008, 09:27 PM	#1
Stephen Sobel Major Player Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 408	OIS and monopods I understand the need to turn the optical image stabilization off while using a tripod with the XH-A1. Is the same true when using a monopod?

November 11th, 2008, 10:48 PM	#3
Michael Wisniewski Wrangler Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Makati, Metro Manila Posts: 2,706 Images: 32	I turn it off when I'm using a monopod, because I normally just plant it and shoot, but when I'm using the monopod as a cheap Steadicam, I sometimes turn the OIS back on, depends on the situation. I'm really hoping the updated XH camcorders give us the option to assign the OIS to a button! __________________ "Ultimately, the most extraordinary thing, in a frame, is a human being." - Martin Scorsese

November 11th, 2008, 11:07 PM	#4
Bill Grant Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: Columbia,SC Posts: 806	Stephen, As one of the comfirmed local idiots, I leave OIS on all the time. I will get the occasional correction when I'm on a tripod, but it helps so much when zoomed in or using a monopod. We are all dealing in subtelty that our clients don't notice or care about. Bill __________________ Cinema Couture www.cinemacouture.com

November 11th, 2008, 10:45 PM	#2
Richard Hunter Trustee Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Lipa City Batangas, Philippines Posts: 1,110	Hi Stephen. This is the way I treat it, based on my own observations. Where OIS helps most is on simulated locked-down shots that are not really locked down. Handheld is the most obvious example, but long tele tripod shots can also show shakiness, and OIS helps here too. Monopod shots will benefit from OIS until you try to do a smooth sweep and then the OIS will make the movement jerky. In fact, if you use anything that allows you to get smooth movements, the OIS will tend to make those movements jerkier. This includes good handheld technique by the way - if you are very steady with the cam, OIS can make those slow pans worse. The biggest no no situation regarding OIS is when using a 35mm adapter. I tried using a Brevis Flip with my XH-A1 and did not realise I was supposed to switch off the OIS. The reults was that every camera movement was jerky and most showed some back-and-forth hunting that made me think the tripod was bending! Just switching off the OIS suddenly brought it all back to normality. Richard

November 12th, 2008, 03:38 AM	#5
Paul W. Hazeltine Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: West Kent UK Posts: 26	To me it is such a shame that you cannot assign OIS on/off to a custom key rather than having to go into the menu. Canon are you listening. Paul W. H

November 12th, 2008, 04:12 PM	#6
Stephen Sobel Major Player Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 408	I'm still not sure of what I'm going to do, as sometimes I just "plant and shoot" and others time I mix in some panning. It certainly would have been nice to have a button on the outside of the A1!