Dear partners, when sourcing camera modules, have you ever been confused by the "OIS" parameter? What exactly is it, and is it necessary for your products? As a professional camera module solution integrator and manufacturer, we’ll explain OIS in simple terms to help you grasp its core logic and value quickly.
1. What is OIS Exactly? — Simply Put: A "Stabilizer" for the Lens
OIS stands for Optical Image Stabilization. Unlike post-correction via software algorithms, it’s a physical anti-shake structure inside the camera module — just like a tiny "stabilizer" for the lens, which can real-time offset minor hand shakes during shooting.
From our perspective as solution integrators and manufacturers, an OIS module consists of two core parts: first, a "detection unit" (gyroscope + acceleration sensor) that accurately captures the direction and amplitude of hand shakes; second, an "actuation unit" (usually Voice Coil Motor, VCM) that drives the lens or image sensor to move slightly in the opposite direction based on the detected shakes, offsetting their impact on imaging. The entire process takes milliseconds, completely imperceptible to the human eye.
2. Why Do You Need OIS? — Solving the Core Pain Point of "Blurry Shots"
For your end products (e.g., smartphones, automotive cameras, security cameras), OIS is not a "gimmick" but a key configuration to enhance user shooting experience, especially for three core scenarios:
- Low-Light/Night Shooting: In low-light environments, cameras need longer exposure time to capture enough light. Without OIS, slight hand shakes will cause blurry photos; with OIS, the lens can stay steadily aligned with the subject, ensuring clear night shots even with extended exposure.
- Telephoto Shooting: Telephoto lenses have high magnification, which amplifies the impact of hand shakes (e.g., 1mm hand shake may cause 1cm image shift at 10x zoom). OIS significantly reduces the blur rate of telephoto shots, making distant images clearer.
- Video Recording: OIS delivers smoother video footage, avoiding "dizzying shake" — crucial for scenarios like dashcams and vlog devices.
3. How We Ensure OIS Module Reliability as Solution Integrators & Manufacturers
Many customers worry: Is OIS easy to break due to its complex structure, and will it increase costs too much? This is where our core value lies — we help customers avoid these issues throughout the entire process from solution design to production:
- Customized Solution Adaptation: Based on your end product scenarios (e.g., slim design for smartphones, high-temperature resistance for automotive use), we select the right OIS solution (lens-shift or sensor-shift) and match corresponding motors and sensors to balance anti-shake performance, slimness, and cost.
- Precision Manufacturing Control: OIS requires ultra-high assembly precision (error controlled at the micron level). Our production lines are equipped with high-precision calibration equipment, and each OIS module undergoes individual calibration for anti-shake stroke and response speed to ensure consistent performance.
- Reliability Testing Guarantee: Before delivery, all OIS modules go through rigorous environmental testing (high/low temperature, humidity cycling), mechanical testing (drop, vibration), and life testing (tens of thousands of anti-shake cycles) to ensure stable performance throughout the product lifecycle.
4. Summary: Which Products Need OIS?
Simple judgment: If your end product’s core selling points include "clear photography", "excellent night shots", "telephoto function", or "video recording", OIS is a worthwhile investment. For entry-level products focusing on basic scanning functions, we also offer OIS-free solutions (supplemented by digital anti-shake algorithms) based on your budget.
As your partner, we not only provide OIS-equipped camera modules but also offer full support from solution selection and cost optimization to production and delivery. If you have specific shooting requirements for your products, feel free to contact us — we’ll match you with the most suitable OIS (or non-OIS) module solution.
