Put down the pitchforks: OnePlus 2’s OIS is working just fine
A thread over on OnePlus’ very own forums has some users up in arms over the phone allegedly missing a very big and much touted hardware feature: OIS. As most of you know, OIS — or “optical image stabilization” — is a great new(ish) hardware feature on mobile phones that compensates for shaky hands or other jarring movements while taking photos or video. Take a look at any sample video footage from a phone or camera with OIS and compare it to one without and it’s immediately apparent. There should be no debate. But when it comes to the OnePlus 2, people love a good witch hunt. Here’s what happened…
OnePlus forum member Baymax (who actually begins his post by admitting he inaccurately reporting some stuff about the OnePlus 2’s Snapdragon 810 not using all its cores) now claims the OnePlus 2 isn’t actually using OIS when taking photos/video. This is a big deal as it’s clearly listed on OnePlus 2’s technical specs and lying about hardware features is a big no-no in the smartphone business (well, any business for that matter). Apparently, Baymax came to this conclusion after a couple of system info apps were reporting the phone’s OIS flags as false. As in, not actually working.
Of course, the logical assumption would be that perhaps the software wasn’t accurately reporting the right information (OxygenOS is far from bug-free), but we’re talking about the internet here. It didn’t take long for people to grab their pitchforks and immediately jump to the conclusion that OnePlus was lying about OIS the entire time. The usual curse words, flaming, and “Never Settle” jokes ensued.
https://twitter.com/Gamercore/status/643605519282794496
So how do we know OIS is working on the phone and we’re not being duped? Aside from the sample video footage we posted back during the OnePlus 2’s launch event — one video in 1080p/60fps, and another in 4K/30fps — one only needs to look at the lens while the camera app is open to see it moving around. It really is that easy. Again, this was immediately apparent to us from that early footage we posted weeks ago (but we suppose someone could make the argument that it was only software stabilization at work). Whether or not it’s as good as the combination hardware/software stabilization of other big name flagship devices, well, that’s a totally different story.
Focusing issues aside, the video is clearly stable, even while walking (that’s the OIS at work)
For comparison’s sake, here’s some footage from the Nexus 4 which doesn’t have OIS. See the difference?
So put your pitchforks down, but keep them close by. We’re sure you’ll be grabbing them again real soon. While, I’ll admit, I love a good witch hunt as much as the next guy, now’s just not the time. We’ve already reached out to OnePlus for comment and will update this post with their statement should they provide one.