Fortunately camcorder manufacturers offer a wide range of methods to reduce the impact of sudden movements. The two most common features offered on the current video cameras are electronic and optical image stabilization. Electronic stabilization, also called digital stabilization, it is more economical means of steadying images. However, optical stabilization, or mechanical stabilization, as is described, tend to offer better performance. There are also other differences between these two methods of image stabilization that potential buyers should consider before you make a purchase. 
In order to "stabilize" a picture, video camera first "sense" movement, distinguishing it from the proposed relocation of the camera, and then compensate for image changes due to accidental movement.
With electronic stabilization, the image on the CCD compared from frame to frame. If the image moves from one frame to another, the video camera to stabilize the image by removing parts of the image around the outer edge, the part that varies from one frame to the next. When this part of the image are eliminated the completed digital extend the middle part of the picture. When a portion of the image is eliminated and the remaining pixels are left to fill the area, the quality of the resulting image is often compromised. Because the digital zoom function that is used in many camcorders have a similar effect of reducing image resolution, it should never be used in connection with electronic stabilization.
A video camera with electronic stabilization should be able to differentiate the movement of a subject, said a cyclist, riding across the visual field, relative to the relocation of an entire image or scene caused by chills. However, it is still best to turn off image stabilization when panning to capture motion intended to ensure that the camcorder does not attempt to stabilize such a motion.
Electronic stabilization works best outdoors and in situations where the lighting is very good. Because electronic stabilization adds no additional moving parts, video cameras with this type of property tends to be smaller and lighter weight, camcorders, which use optical stabilization.
Camcorders with optical image stabilization sense of movement through the built-in gyro sensor detects motion and signal adjustments to the camcorder lens which redirects the incoming light to prevent small movements. This is a more complex process, but did not result in loss of image resolution as all the image data is preserved. Optical stabilization is thus more effective in low-light situations, and when the zoom is used. Moreover, rarely the optical stabilization method leads to misinterpretation of the intention to sudden movements. On the other hand, there is a tendency for a more complex lens and other moving parts, video cameras, which use optical stabilization to be larger and consume more power than their electronic-oriented colleagues.
Image stabilization is an important factor for some buyers who want to produce films that are softer and missing much of the jerkiness present in handheld shots. The difference between electronic and optical stabilization may be significant. Thus, knowing what kind of stabilizer is present on a camcorder that you are considering buying is critical.
