What is an "image stabilizer", and why would I use it on my camcorder?

What is an "image stabilizer", and why would I use it on my camcorder?

Tim Smith (Camcorder Training Specialist) gives expert video advice on: What is the difference between an "optical zoom" and "digital zoom"?; Should I ever turn off my camcorder's image stabilizer? and more...

A few years back, companies started putting stabilization systems on their camcorders and now they're pretty much common on every camcorder. The idea of a stabilization system is to keep an image as stable as possible, especially when you're holding a small, light cameras that are difficult to hold steady. The only time you don't want to use a stabilization system is when you're on a tripod or the camera is not moving; that can tend to fool the stabilization system and give you some things you don't want to do. Most of the time however, it's a good idea to leave your stabilization on, particuarly if the camera is handheld.