Optical Stabilization

The optical stabilization works quite well.
It is heavier than my 24-85 but for a lens of these specifications, it is still a relatively compact package.
The lens has a 72mm filter thread and you can lock it in the 18mm position to carry it around.

Samsung HZ35W
Optical Stabilization Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55
Optical Stabilization Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5
Optical Stabilization ...

It incorporates Sigma’s efficient Optical Stabilization (OS) function and is a compact lens with an overall length of just 3.6 inches. This lens covers a focal length from 17mm wide angle and offers a large aperture of F2.

This is where optical stabilization built into many of the newer point and shoots comes in handy. Check to see if your camera has this feature. If not, ask for it in the next one you purchase.

6 DG OS LENS $399, which has OS - optical stabilization
If you're serious photographer, avoid the first (cheapest) one. Spend another $50 and get the second, at least. It's much better quality.

The best kind is optical stabilization; digital stabilization simply boosts the ISO, which can introduce digital noise, or grain, into your photos. If your camera has optical stabilization, keep it on all the time! ...

The top-of-the-line in Canon's A series of compacts, the A650 IS features a 12MP sensor like the G9, with a 6x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom and optical stabilization.

The sensor moves to compensate for camera shake. This means that you don't need to use lenses with built-in optical stabilization. Any lens you mount on the E-520 becomes part of an image stabilized system.

See also: Image, Photograph, Camera, Stabilization, Photography