Is the SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization feature just a mere sales pitch?

[PamJazz]

I've been reading up on Canon's latest camcorders and I came across this supposedly new feature:

SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization. The high-resolution images of high-definition video demand a steady hand. It's easier to get those clear, steady images with the HG10, thanks to Canon's innovative SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization. It combines gyro- and image-sensors to give image stabilization through a wider range of camera motions. Some image stabilization systems correct one type of camera motion or vibration better than another. But Canon's SuperRange OIS corrects for a wide range of camcorder motion: the fast vibration you'd experience while recording from a moving car; the medium-speed motion of hand-held recording; and the slower motion of body sway.

For all your photography and recording buffs out there, do you think this makes a difference or is this just a mere sales pitch?

[Wills]

Came across that one, too. Optical stabilization supposedly keeps your shot steady without a loss in image quality. What's good about this SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization feature is that it's not limited to videos only. If you want to use your unit to take still photos, that can also come into play and can come in very handy. Compared to just using mere electronic image stabilization, you can get sharper, clearer digital photographs and of course, clearer, sharper videos as well.

Another advantage is that the camcorder shake is correct almost instantaneously. Hence, if you are shooting at long focal lengths, the end results will still be of good quality