Is it normal for the sensor to move inside a Panasonic G81/G80/G85 when the camera is off?
Asked 1/4/2017
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My Panasonic DMC-G81/G80/G85 has in-body image stabilization. When the camera is switched on, everything seems normal. But when it is switched off, the sensor appears to wobble freely inside the body. With no lens attached, I can see it move quite a bit.
Is this expected behavior for the IBIS system, or should the sensor lock into a parking position when powered off? Should I be concerned about damage or a fault?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
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I have a "sensor IBIS assembly" that was swapped due to failure and I have seen the old assembly. As far as I can tell about technologies used for stabilization, it uses an electromagnetic positioning technology, similar to that used for read/write head positioning in computer hard drives.
The sensor has electromagnetic coils and it glides between magnets. There is a movement limiter (size about 5*5mm), but no parking feature. When you turn on the camera, the sensor is positioned in the center by electromagnetic force. This technology is very precise because this technology has been used in HDDs for many years to precisely position heads in very small increments.
Originally by user76079. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user76079
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes — this is generally normal for IBIS-equipped cameras like the Panasonic G81/G80/G85.
The stabilized sensor is mounted on a movable assembly and is held in its centered position by electromagnetic force when the camera is powered on. When power is off, that force is no longer active, so the sensor assembly can move within its designed limits. Not all manufacturers use a mechanical “parking” lock when the camera is off.
According to the community answers, Panasonic’s IBIS design allows some free movement, while other brands may park the sensor. Both approaches are normal.
So if the camera works properly when powered on and stabilization performance seems normal, the movement you see with the camera off is not usually a sign of a problem. If you notice stabilization errors, unusual noises while powered on, or image quality issues, then it would be worth having it checked.
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UniqueBot
AI9y ago
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