When using telephotos to shoot birds and macro flowers, or when the light is not ideal, when we use an SLR camera or high pixel camera, we need to consider the problem of camera jitter. For example, the jitter caused by the reflector, the jitter of the shutter mechanical structure, and the jitter generated when pressing the shutter, as well as somebody jitter when holding the camera.

The false image caused by camera vibration is difficult to correct in the later stage. Therefore, we should avoid camera shaking as much as possible in the early shooting process.

When you don’t prevent the camera from shaking, it will destroy your shooting effect, but it is an easy problem to solve. Most cameras now can prevent camera shake, but photographers can still take some measures to limit or even eliminate the shake that completely blurs your photos.

Here are 8 simple ways to prevent camera shake from damaging your photos, including using a tripod and important tips on shutter speed.

1. Reasons for camera shake

(1) Jitter of reflector of SLR camera

In the SLR camera, the reflector is a very important mechanical result. During framing, the reflector is put down and the reflected light is sent to the viewfinder for framing. When the shutter is pressed, the reflector bounces up and enters the CMOS for photosensitivity. In the process of rising and falling, there will be some jitters.

In normal shooting, these jitters have little effect, but in macro or ecological photography, a little jitter is a big enemy.

(2) Vibration of mechanical shutter structure

Most cameras still use mechanical shutters. When the shutter is opened and closed, there will be some vibration.

(3) Jitter of pressing the shutter

Because pressing the shutter is an action that requires force, if the action is not gentle, the camera may shake.

(4) Shaking for physical reasons

This is a physiological phenomenon that is difficult to overcome because people are breathing all the time, and the camera will shake during this breathing process. Therefore, there is a safety shutter for photography. Generally, the estimation of the safety shutter is about the reciprocal of the lens focal length. For example, when using a 200mm lens, the shutter should be faster than 1/200 seconds.

Of course, if it is a half-frame or M43 camera, the lens should be multiplied by the conversion coefficient. For example, when 90d uses a 50mm lens, the safety shutter should be 1/80 second. High-pixel cameras are more sensitive to jitter, so they generally have to double the calculation.

2. Methods to prevent camera shaking

(1) Pay attention to the safety shutter

As mentioned above, the safety shutter is designed to resist body shaking. Experienced photographers can lower the safety shutter after a long period of hard training and control breathing when pressing the shutter. However, to be on the safe side, we still need to set the safety shutter. Especially for high pixel cameras, the safety shutter should be set more conservatively.

(2) Use a tripod

Tripod is very important to eliminate body shaking. So a serious photographer, almost every photo, is done on a tripod. Tripod is very important in the whole photography system. It’s worth spending more money to buy a relatively good tripod. Stability and safety are the quality elements of the tripod.

(3) Remote Publishing

A remote release allows you to trigger the shutter without physically pressing the shutter button and causing small vibrations that can cause shaking. Some cameras also allow you to trigger the camera using a connected smartphone or tablet device, which is the same as the remote release button to stop vibration. If you do not have a selfie, you can also use the selfie of the camera. Even if you are still touching the camera, the timer should mean that the camera stops moving at the beginning of the exposure.

(4) Standing posture and breathing

The way you hold the camera can make a big difference in the amount of blur your motion creates. Hold the camera with both hands close to your body and make sure your feet are shoulder-width apart. If using a screen for composition, keep your elbows tucked away as you are more likely to capture a stable image. Being aware of your breathing can further reduce shivering. Some suggest taking a deep breath, holding it, photography, and exhaling, while others prefer to do it the other way around.

(5) Use objects as support

You may find that leaning against a tree or wall helps stabilize the image. However, if you do this, be sure to use a built-in level to ensure your horizon stays straight, as tilting can cause an unstable image. If you struggle to find support, see if your camera bag can help.

(6) Adopt a camera with body anti-shake

At present, many mirrorless cameras are equipped with the function of the body of the five-axis. That is, intelligent analysis of the body of the five directions of jitter: up and down, left and right vibration control technology added to the XYZ triaxial rotation of jitter calibration. Generally, it can have 4-6 levels of anti-shake function, or be very practical.

(7) Use a lens with an anti-shake function

There are also many lenses with an anti-shake design, which is similar to the principle of the body anti-shake. Good lenses can also achieve a level 5 or more anti-shake ability.

(8) Time-lapse selfie

A remote control (wired or wireless) is very useful, but not always available. If you get stuck, activate the time-lapse selfie and it will release the shutter automatically and reduce the vibration. A delay of two seconds is sufficient in most cases.

If possible, use a time-lapse selfie with the mirror lock or exposure delay mode to prevent blurring caused by shaking the mirror.

3. Conclusion

Although modern camera technology is more and more sophisticated, as a photographer, as far as possible to cultivate the iron hand, and pay attention to the safety shutter problem, to avoid the jitter problem as far as possible in the early stage. Coupled with a variety of equipment to prevent jitter, it is good to add well.

Although some screen jitter can be recovered through some plug-ins in the later stage, there is no thorough solution after all. Maybe the AI image analysis and correction technology will bring us surprises in the future. But why not do what you can do early? That’s part of the fun of photography.