Quick Question for the experienced photographer

How important of a feature is Image Stabilization? I am in a bind, I don't know how beneficial it is to have...any comments are appreciated, thanks.

In addition to my last post...I am wondering if it is worth the investment to upgrade from the A610 to the Pro1 or the S2 IS. This is why I want to know if Image Stabilization is a good feature to have?

Depends on how steady your hands are and what you shoot. I've been shooting for years and have well developed musculature in my wrists and arms from holding a camera all the time, so my hands don't shake much at all. People with shaky hands need IS (or a tripod). It also doesn't work with moving objects. Many people think it will help in shooting sports, but it doesn't. IS is for static objects, not moving ones.

If the 12x optical zoom of the S2 is important to you, that's the justification to upgrade... in which case the IS may be very useful. But I wouldn't suggest an upgrade just for IS unless your shooting habits dictate it otherwise, even at shorter zooms.

When I was a young photographer I could take sharp pictures at 1/15 second with a rolleiflex.
Today my hand shakes and 1/250 sec is not too fast.

If you use a long lens or slow speed you will get camera shake if you hand hold.
Stabilization helps by up to two speeds 1/125 equal to 1/500. But don't rely on it getting you out of trouble, Brace the camera, use a mono or tripod, and if you have it, still use stabilization.
More pictures are spoilt by camera shake than anything else.


Terry