Why shots work: Try a camera with image stabilization for handheld shots

Why do some photographs just work? By examining successful shots, and breaking down the factors that make them so effective, we can make improvements to our own photography.

While the most important thing when it comes to good photography is good technique, you also need the right tools with which to apply that technique. So here are five factors that make the above image work… 

1) Handheld sharpness
Thanks to advances in image stabilization technology, particularly in-body image stabilization (IBIS), it is possible to capture handheld shots at shutter speeds as slow as one or two seconds. This shot required an exposure of 0.8 sec, and stabilization has enabled the photographer to shoot sharp shots handheld at night.

2) Detail from front to back
There are certain types of cityscape night shots where you can get away with shooting with a wide aperture to enable more light to reach the sensor, but depth of field is naturally reduced. This image was shot at f/8, so the image quality is excellent and the depth of field is large enough for a sharp scene throughout.

3) Vibrant colors
Color is an important element of night photography, and to say that this scene is bursting with color is an understatement. With so many neon lights, the short traffic light trails and the hustle and bustle of New York City, it almost makes you feel like you’re standing right there on the sidewalk.

4) Shoot handheld with confidence
The Sony A7 III features 5-axis in-body image stabilization, giving the photographer up to 5 extra stops when shooting unsupported. So for those times when you could have added traffic trails to a colorful street scene but didn’t bring a tripod, you can shoot handheld for close to one second with the reassurance that IBIS will help you nail the shot.

5) Use a native lens
Get the best from the A7 III’s IBIS system by investing in one of Sony’s own lenses; with 70 E-mount optics, you’ll easily find something to suit your budget and the size
of your camera bag. Here, a Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM lens was used (at 24mm), butcMPB has many other options available, including 12-24mm, 24-70mm and 24-105mm zooms as well as 24mm and 35mm primes.

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