Nikon p510 VR question

Hello

quick question if anybody can help.

Purchased P510 over the weekend on the back of seeing some fantastic images at the further lengths of the optical zoom capabilities of this camera, the pics that i have seen seem to be tack sharp !! but i am missing 3-4 out of 5 shots because of camera shake ( in good light) . i am using auto iso and to me holding the camera very steady !

Are the shots that i have seen mainly on tripod, is it a standard that i should be using a tripod because i didnt really want to use a tripod at the max zoom capabilities. Am i expecting too much?

The reviews i have read say the VR sytem is good, is it me?

I was deciding between a canon sx50 and p510, has the canon got a better IS system with its new system? poss should have paid the extra and gone for the canon??

Any views anyone please.

Thanks in advance

Lee