Pixel 2 Fused Video Stabilization Tech Detailed: How It Combines EIS And OIS

Smartphone cameras may be improving rapidly, but the resulting videos are only as good as the stabilization tech accompanying them. While many companies are introducing optical image stabilization on their smartphones, Google took things a step further with its Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL phones, offering something it calls Fused Video Stabilization. Fused stabilization aims to make up for the deficits of both electronic stabilization (EIS) and optical stabilization (OIS) by combining the best both have to offer.

Videos recorded by hand using a smartphone camera usually present one or more issues, such as distortion from a rolling shutter, shakiness, motion blurs, a wobbly effect called Jello artifact, and focus breathing. Some of the problems are typical to OIS, such as the Jello artifact, while others are more common to EIS, such as reduced FOV and a higher demand on phone resources.

Google has addressed these problems by combing the best properties of both OIS and EIS, hence the 'fused' name. Videos are made smooth and clear via a three-step process that starts with motion analysis and ends with frame synthesis. Focus breathing and rolling shutter are scrubbed from videos, machine learning is used to anticipate camera movements, and more.

The result, says Google, are videos that look more natural than what you'd get without the technology, and they have less motion blur. Despite everything the fused stabilization is capable of, Google explains that its technology is efficient, making it possible to run the fused tech in all video modes, including ones as high as 4K resolution and 60fps.

The final videos that result from using both OIS and EIS are quite astounding, at least compared to other handheld smartphone videos. While you can certainly record quality videos with a phone using a motorized handheld camera stabilizer, Google's tech eliminates the need to carry that accessory around. Not only does it prove highly capable for handheld recordings, it is also able to smooth out videos recorded in very shaky situations, such as on a motorcycle.

Hit up the link below for detailed info about the fused stabilization technology.

SOURCE: Google Blog