AF On/* Button and IS

Hey All,

This may belong in the Camera section, but since it doesn't apply to just one body I thought I'd put it here. Mod, move if appropriate!

I've noticed that even though I have the * button set to activate AF, the shutter button still activates IS, as well as the * button. At least, it appears that way to me...

I'd like to know -- is that is the way it is with all Canon bodies? In other words, can I rely on holding the * button down to activate IS and only push the shutter button when needed, as in AI Servo mode, and can I rely on the shutter to activate IS when I let up on the * button for single shot AF?

Sorry if this has been discussed before -- I did a simple search and couldn't find a thread about this!

Given that IS requires up to a second to spin up and stabilise properly I think it is important that both the focusing operation and/or the metering operation cause the IS to work. The camera needs to be ready to take the shot, so if you're using either one of those controls the camera ought to be prepared for the shutter to be released, and thus IS should be engaged.

Well, that's my question, and my hope that it is reliably both-and, I just don't remember reading about it in the literature and I hate to go by guesswork/wishful thinking. Sometimes when I'm in the thick of chasing critters it's hard enough to remember which button to push for what!

It is with every model I've ever handled, which is the majority of the digital line, though I've never used the 1 series.