The official presentation of Samsung Galaxy Note 3 It is already in full countdown and expectations around the new phablet of the South Korean company are in full swing. Despite this, the latest information could represent a small setback for the brand new device of Samsung since, apparently, you will have to say goodbye to the possibility that your camera has OIS – optical image stabilization system –, so it would be the future Samsung Galaxy S5 the first smartphone of the brand to incorporate it.
During the last months, there have been several leaks that had been affirming the possibility that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 was equipped with OIS, whose main function is to correct sudden movements when using the camera so that the capture of photos and videos is as sharp as possible. This type of stabilization relies on sensors and actuators that compensate for the user's pulse in real time, which is especially useful in low-light scenes and handheld recording.
Component supply
Unfortunately, and according to the South Korean media ETNews, the existence of certain component supply problems would have forced the Seoul-based company to discard such a possibility and opt for a later release for its devices equipped with the aforementioned technology - although it is worth noting the fact that the cameraphone Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom already has OIS –.
According to the same source, the root of the problem would lie in the parts shortage for autofocus system (AF), a key element that, when combined with the module of optical stabilization, increases manufacturing complexity. With only a few specialized suppliers globally, the bottleneck affects the availability and cost, which limits the ability to integrate OIS across the range in the desired timeframes.
In that context, Samsung would have decided not to face the possibility of running out of critical components for the system OIS and chooses to wait for manufacturers to increase their production capacity to levels capable of meeting demand. This strategy avoids compromising the quality and failure rate in such a delicate piece, and opens the door to introducing technology with greater maturity.
Beyond supply, integrating OIS involves challenges of internal space and consumption. Modules with movable lenses and gyroscopes require additional space and adjustments to the sensor, battery, and optical block design. For a device like the Note, which relies on a large battery and S Pen, the internal balance of the hardware is particularly sensitive.
What is OIS and how it differs from EIS
La optical stabilization (OIS) physically shifts the lens or sensor to compensate for movements. The result is a longer exposure time no shake, better performance in night scenes and more stable video. On the contrary, the electronic stabilization (EIS) It relies on software, crops the image, and compensates via algorithms. It's useful and less expensive, but can introduce artifacts and loss of detail, especially under demanding conditions.
If Galaxy Note 3 does without OIS, it is expected that it will opt for a combination of Advanced EIS and processing improvements: multi-frame noise reduction, HDR in photos and videos, and less aggressive sharpness profiles to preserve textures. All of this helps mitigate the lack of optical stabilization without altering the device's design.
New camera standard
After the delay, 16-megapixel cameras with OIS would become the standard for high-end devices that are launched Samsung in its next cycle, with which the future and still hypothetical Samsung Galaxy S5 could be equipped with such features – although the report ETNews refers to does not explicitly cite this. Thus, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 I would definitely have a 13 megapixel camera similar to that fitted to the brand's recently introduced high-end models.
Beyond the number of pixels, good photographic performance also depends on factors such as the lens aperture, pixel size, dynamic range, and processing. In well-lit scenarios, a well-calibrated 13MP camera can deliver outstanding results, while OIS makes a difference, especially in low light and moving video.
For those who prioritize video, the absence of OIS can be complemented by intelligent capture techniques: maintaining a shutter speed higher, use resolutions with better electronic stabilization and rely on the continuous focus stable than current AF modules typically offer. In photography, burst modes and multi-shot with fusion help refine detail without increasing noise.
Market overview and alternatives
Other companies already have optical stabilization systems, whose arrival to the smartphone world came from the hand of Nokia and his line Lumia. On that path they followed him HTC with its HTC One y LG with the brand new LG G2, examples of firms that have incorporated the OIS to its high-end devices. These moves consolidate the optical stabilization as one of the differentiating features in premium mobile photography.
In the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy S4 Zoom already makes use of OIS in its camera-centric offering, proving that the company has mastered the technology and can integrate it when design and delivery allow. For the more mainstream series, reserve OIS for a key release like the Galaxy S5 It is a form of prioritize business impact and guarantee stock.
For users interested in mobile photography, the Note 3 will continue to offer a solid experience with its 13 MP sensor, accompanied by software options and creative modes. Those looking for the extra bit of optical stabilization can consider the models with OIS already available on the market or wait for Samsung's next flagship, which aims to turn the OIS a key piece of his photographic proposal.
The evolution of mobile photography is constant, and optical stabilization is just one of its pillars. Samsung's move responds to both supply chain decisions as a roadmap designed to balance design, cost and real user experience. While the Galaxy Note 3 would be left without OIS, the brand is preparing the ground for its next high-end range to integrate it as a distinctive element.
Source: ETNews Via: AndroidAuthority.
