New Nikon Coolpix S550 – no optical stabilization – does it matter?
The image stabilization touted in that press release is the useless type: digital. It works by bumping up the ISO so a fast shutter speed can be available for a proper blur-free exposure. This usually results in blur-free but noisier images. It’s not bad but it has existed since the beginning of time; it just has a name now. Optical stabilization actually moves an element (or piece of glass) in the lens to compensate for the obtrusive hand movement. Mechanical stabilization moves the sensor to do the same thing. The camera will still function without true IS, and many successful images have been created without it. It can be very useful, but it’s not a big deal if it doesn’t have it.
