Camera technology has leaped forward in the last decade. Digital cameras have become affordable – that's easily the biggest change. Autofocus has become almost universal – the second biggest change. We would argue that optical image stabilization, or vibration reduction, is nearly as significant.

It has made new pictures possible for photographers at every skill level: pros shoot more available light, and shoot long telephoto lenses with less support. Point-and-shooters essentially do the same – stabilization allows automatic cameras to select longer shutter speeds in preference to higher ISOs, and to leave the flash off longer. And without stabilization, there simply wouldn't be a market for pocket cameras with 10x zooms.