I can't speak for this camera in particular, but...
the difference between 1 chip and 3 chip is pretty noticeable. Just go to an electronics store and look at any 1 and 3 chip cameras and see for yourself.
The main thing with stabilization is what kind of things you are shooting and who is shooting them. THere are also ways to reduce the shaking, even if it doesn't work well.
If kids are going to be shooting it, then you might have a problem. If it will always be on a tripod, don't worry.
To reduce shaking, don't zoom the lens in. The tighter you zoom the more shaking you will see.
The way the stabilization works is that it actually zooms your image in slightly (making reduced image quality) and then when it detects shaking it moves the image around to compensate. My bet is that if they say it is poor at it then it probably just responds slowly and you can see it OVER compensating.
Go to an electronics store and see a camera with IS turned on an start shaking the camera, you will see it compensate for it.
I wouldn't be so worried about IS unless you will be zoomed in tight alot, you have the shakes really bad, you are caught in an earthquake, or your kids are going to be using it. But, that's my opinion because I can tell a BIG difference between the 1 and 3 chips.
Also, you could invest in a tripod! or monopod!
I am looking at a Panasonic PV-GS200 mini-DV camcorder. It gets real good reviews for picture quality due in large part to 3 CCDs. But, it gets poor reviews for image stabilization. Does anyone know if in this price range (less that 1K) there's a noticable difference between 1 CCD and 3 (which could suggest a different corder) and how critical image stabilization is if it doesn't work well (which could suggest this corder)? Thanks

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