The next recommendation I have is for a tiny collapsible camera stand made by Bogen Manfrotto which not only uses the standard screw but it folds up into itself flat so it keeps a pocketable compact camera pocketable even while having something that will keep the camera still in low light situations where you need to keep the shutter open for longer periods of time and a camera would be prone to taking a blurry shot due to movement while the camera’s shutter is open to allow more light in.
When taking photos in plenty of light any camera will do, but when taking pictures in low light you need to take advantage of whatever tools you have at your disposal to reduce camera shake which can lead to blurry unusable photos.
Of course you can use a flash but most photographers who want the most natural looking photos absolutely hate using a flash.
Here is an example of a photo taken with a flash-
and without-
Note how the colors are much more natural in the photo without the flash? The results are almost always more preferable to take a photo without using a flash. The way one can accomplish this without having a pile of blurry unusable photos is by using a tripod, or some other means to stabilize your camera.
The reason I always tell people that the absolute number one best bang for your buck investment in camera gear is the Bogen Manfrotto Modopocket because it, unlike a tripod adds an insignificant amount of bulk to your compact camera while still being sturdy, well built and totally stabilizes your camera in low light conditions where you prefer not to use a flash. For $17 you will get incredible dividends on the quality of your photos.
You know all those early morning shots? There is absolutely no way I could take those hand held. IMPOSSIBLE!
They either were taken using the modopocket or a tripod. the main benefit of the modopocket being that it is always attached to my camera so I never miss an opportunity because I would need to set it up. I simply unfold it from the base of my camera to which it always attached.
Here are some pictures taken with it-
You can see how I rested the camera with the modopocket attached right on the hand rail and set the timer to take the picture 2 seconds after I released the shutter as to avoid any camera shake at all.
here is a video I took with it, note how clear it is and stable without a any jittery movements which make video look crappy-
Here is a review I did on it after I bought it a couple of years ago (it hasn’t left my camera mount since I bought it)
Pros: Lightweight, Folds Small, Excellent Value, Good Stability, Great Design, Unfolds Quickly
Best Uses: Video, Macro Photography, Tight Quarters, Low Light, Travel, Night Shots, Portraits, Landscape/Scenery
Describe Yourself: Photo Enthusiast
I photo and vblog blog so having a portable camera at all times is critical. I can leave this attached to my Sony DSC H20 and still keep it in my pocket. For night time shots with long exposures it holds the camera securely. This is not to replace your full scale completely adjustable tripod but for the very little cost to be able to take macro shots in poorly lit areas or conduct impromptu interviews it is fantastic and must have IMO. I have an example of the unboxing and a video I took of it in my review here-https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2010/05/28/lobster-vs-crab-filmed-using-manfrotto-modopod/
You can buy it here for $17.05 which is almost half off it’s retail price.-
Good Morning Gloucester 