Adaptive modes of operation based on user intention or activity

Stabilizing an image capture device includes stabilizing the image capture device as the image capture device captures images; responsive to detecting an exceptional activity, stopping the stabilizing of the image capture device; and after the exceptional activity is completed, stabilizing the image capture device again. An image stabilization device for stabilizing an imaging device includes a processor that is configured to set at least one of a pitch angle or a roll angle of the image stabilization device to respective constant values and allow a yaw angle of the image stabilization device to vary; while the yaw angle is less than a threshold angle, maintain the yaw angle at a constant relative to a reference platform; when the yaw angle reaches the threshold angle, stop keeping the yaw angle relative to a reference platform constant; and set the yaw angle to follow a direction of motion of the reference platform.