Camera Shake — Avoiding a Basic Problem

Camera shake, a common cause of blurred pictures, is such a basic problem in photography that many solutions and tips have been written to avoid it. Even camera and lens makers have pitched in to help solve this problem by installing stabilizing mechanisms into their cameras and lenses to offset unwanted hand and body movements.

Low Light, Shutter Speed and Focal Length

Pictures taken under low light that require the use of slow shutter speeds are the most prone to camera shake. Also, when using a telephoto, where every movement is magnified just like the images that it takes, small movements can contribute to largely blurred photos. When confronted with such a situation, one has to give extra attention to keeping the camera as still as possible.

The long and combined experience in photography has developed a formula or guide to avoid the effects of camera shake using shutter speed:

Minimum shutter speed = 1 / (focal length x crop factor)

The formula says that the slowest shutter speed that one should use to avoid camera shake is the reciprocal of the focal length. The formula was originally used for the standard 35 mm film and its equivalent, the full-frame digital sensor, but because of the popularity of smaller sensors (APS-C and micro four-thirds) the crop factor was added.

The crop factor for most APS-C cameras is 1.5, except for Canon, which is 1.6. Micro four thirds, which is the popular sensor size for the new category of mirror-less interchangeable lens cameras, has a crop factor of 2.

Photo by whologwhy

Photo by Fran Tapia

Camera and Lens Stabilizers

Modern digital cameras and lenses are equipped with a built-in solution to camera shake. Stabilizing mechanisms that neutralize slight camera movements are either built into the camera or the lenses. They allow photographers to use shutter speeds two to three EV (exposure value) slower than what they would normally use when taking handheld photos.

Being able to use slow shutter speeds effectively opens more artistic opportunities to photographers and can reduce the percentage of blurred or unacceptable images drastically. It can sometimes substitute for the use of a tripod when an exceptional photo opportunity arises, but no tripod is available, or there is no time for setting up. An example of this is producing silky smooth water flowing from waterfalls or streams, which requires using a shutter speed of 1/10 second, or even slower.

Photo by Kevin Botto

Classic Solutions

As new technologies develop, there will be more and more solutions to basic photography problems in the future. Recent improvements in image sensors that allow the use of higher ISO settings without the typical noise level are another step in this direction.

Yet, let us not forget the classic solutions to the camera shake problem. Using a tripod is still the best way to ensure that we get a sharp image. If the light situation allows, employing a fast shutter speed is also the best way to neutralize camera movement when shooting handheld. Improving the way we take pictures: a steady way of holding the camera, a stable stance to avoid body movement, getting rid of the jerk when pressing the shutter button, and more, are still good habits to cultivate, as the cause of camera shake primarily comes from the photographer—not the camera.

Photo by Lukas Benc

Interesting Photos

Camera shake, whether intentional or accidental, can sometimes make our photos artistically interesting. It can produce ethereal images, which, combined with motion and out-of-focus blur, can create abstract works of art.