Electronic image stabilization (EIS)
Also known as: EIS, digital image stabilization, gyro stabilization
A stabilization method that crops into the sensor and shifts each frame in software to cancel shake, based on motion measured by a gyroscope.
Updated
What it means
Electronic image stabilization smooths video without any moving parts. The sensor captures a larger area than the final frame, a gyroscope logs how the camera moved, and software shifts, rotates and sometimes warps each frame to cancel that motion. What is left looks as if the camera floated.
Almost every action camera relies on it, under brand names like HyperSmooth, RockSteady and FlowState. The alternative is optical stabilization, which physically moves a lens or sensor, or an external Gimbal. EIS wins on size and toughness, but it always trades away some of the picture.
How it works in practice
The crop is the main trade-off: a typical stronger mode can cut the usable frame noticeably, which narrows the field of view and reduces the effective detail. That is one reason creators shoot 5.3K or 4K even when they deliver 1080p.
Modern systems also correct some rolling shutter skew line by line. Stabilization can happen in the camera, baked into the file, or later on a computer using the gyro data stored with the clip. Post stabilization lets you set crop and smoothness per clip but needs the in-camera option switched off.
What to watch out for
Dim light is the classic failure. Longer exposures smear each frame with motion blur, and when EIS steadies the frame the blur pulses on its own, a look often called shutter shimmer. The fixes are more light, a faster shutter where the camera lets you set one, or simply accepting a less stabilized look for night and indoor clips.
Strong vibration from engines or poorly fixed mounts creates jello that EIS cannot fully remove. Fix it at the source with tighter screws, a stiffer mount or a rubber damper, and keep the camera off long, flexible arms. And never stabilize twice: stacking in-camera and post stabilization often creates warping and swimming edges.
How RawClip handles it
RawClip does not stabilize footage, so EIS has to happen before upload, either in the camera or in your camera's desktop app. Upload the already stabilized clips, and the AI focuses on choosing the best moments and cutting them to music.