Just as many digital camera features, Image Stabilization is one of those the value of which depends on the individual photographer. Low light and long zoom (the Canon's $X probably does not need this) would be where it would be most valuable. I just brought it up as a consideration. Panasonic will put it on all its new models.
And one photographer's comment is here (look under April 16)
http://www.paintedstork.com/digiblog...1_archive.html

To me, short next shot delay and short time between click and shutter release would be more important. But I take lots of shots of kids who are always in motion..