Q: Is digital camera image stabilization important?
Image stabilization, sometimes shortened to IS, helps prevent blurry photos from camera shake. IS can be optical, digital, or dual. Image stabilization is especially important for cameras with large zoom lenses.
Optical image stabilization is the best type of IS because it involves actually moving the parts of the camera to compensate for camera shake. Many recent point-and-shoot models now contain IS, although not all of them offer optical IS.
Before making a final determination on whether you need IS, it's a good idea to learn about all of the different types of IS.
Find more answers to common camera questions on the camera FAQ page.
