We have a Canon SX40, and the image stabilization is very good even with a pitching, rolling
boat. I do tend to try to time my shot with the apex of a roll if possible. We have stolen some beautiful shots of distant
seals and puffins and other boats with that 36X zoom.
My only wish is for a weatherproof version of a
camera like this, so we wouldn't need to worry about rain and sea spray.