Quality of image stabilization provided by the Panasonic OIS system (1 Viewer)

Dear all,

Does anyone know of the degree or quality of the image stabilization provided for in Panasonic's OIS system? For instance, Canon's IS system rates its IS from anything from 2 stops of stabilization for the old lenses right to an incredible 5 stops for the 200mm F2L.

Further, has anyone compared how Panasonic's OIS system compares with other brands? I would especially like to know how the 100-300mm lens's OIS compares with similar zooms with optical stabilization e.g. Canon or Nikon's 70-300mm or 55-250mm.

I have read on DPReview forums that the Olympus IBIS gives less stabilization compared to the lens-based OIS. Anyone can enlighten me of the quality therein?

Thanks all :t:

Regards,

Hor Kee

I cannot compare with Nikon or Canon systems, but my experience with the 100-300 stabilisation is that it is not as good as Panasonic's FZ superzoom stabilisation, which I do have experience of.

I generally shoot at the long end with shutter speeds at 1/500th or faster to ensure no shake. Mind you, I use a G3 which does not allow "mode 2" stabilisation, where it only kicks in once you press the shutter. This mode is generally considered to be superior. The GH2 has it.

I'd say that the 100-300mm OIS is about the same as the canon 55-250mm IS.
The Tamron 70-300mm VC is better than both.

Thanks guys :t:

In addition, there is a new unknown in the equation: Pana has just come up with a new firmware for several of their lenses including the 100-300. This is supposed to be helping the ois for video -- I wonder how it influences the still photos if at all. See http://dpreview.com/news/1109/11091310panasonicfw.asp

Niels