Why does a Micro Four Thirds camera jerk slightly when taking a photo?
Asked 5/5/2012
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I tried a couple of Olympus Micro Four Thirds cameras and noticed a slight jerk or vibration in the body each time I took a picture. I’d expect that from an SLR because of the mirror movement, but these are mirrorless cameras. What is actually moving when the shot is taken? Is it the shutter, image stabilization, or something else?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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All SLDs, other than the Nikon 1 J1, have a mechanical shutter. This is most likely what you hear each time a shot is taken.
Most of them use the mechanical shutter at the beginning of the shot and all of them use one at the end. The latest models omit the front curtain to improve shutter-lag but that is because they found a way to reliable discharge the sensor fast enough.
On Olympus and Sony SLDs there is also a stabilization system which moves the sensor. It makes a gentle noise throughout the exposure but you won't hear it unless you are in a quiet environment.
Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1620
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes — a mirrorless camera can still produce a small jolt when taking a photo because it usually has a mechanical shutter. Even without a mirror, the shutter curtains still move quickly to start and/or end the exposure, and that motion can be felt in the body.
In many mirrorless cameras, the mechanical shutter is used at the end of the exposure, and often at the beginning as well. Some newer models reduce this effect by using an electronic first curtain, but there is still typically some shutter movement.
On Olympus bodies, in-body image stabilization can also move the sensor. That usually creates a gentler sound or faint sensation, especially in a quiet setting, but the more noticeable “jerk” at the moment of capture is most likely the mechanical shutter.
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