Sorry that this is a bit late, but here is really cheap alternative (to buying a tripod) for stabilizing a camera. And it only costs $1!

Check it out: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1041948/1_image_stabilizer_for_any_camera_lose_the_tripod/

$168 Manfrotto 055XPROB legs
$255 Kirk BH-3 ballhead
$50 Kirk custom plate (Canon 40D)

If I ever get grounded, full reviews will follow.

You’re right – a tripod is an essential tool of the photographer. I use the Slik Pro-330EZ tripod. It’s made of titanium alloy, has a nice quick-release plate, and supports up to 8 pounds (which is plenty to support most dSLRs). Best of all, it won’t break the bank at around $100; i.e., it is an excellent choice for those looking for a quality tripod but don’t want to spend about $500 for a Gitzo (which are at the top of the class).

Really enjoy your blog in general. As far as tripod recommendations, I would look at products from Manfrotto. They are very solid, generally reasonably priced for the quality, and available many places. Gitzo makes awesome stuff, but tends to be even more expensive than Manfrotto. Slik has a pretty good product on the lower end of the cost spectrum as well.

Francesco’s recommendation of using a ball head is right on. Great flexibility and less cumbersome for still photography.

I have a set of 4 year old Manfrotto 3221WN legs and a ballhead that I bought a couple of years back at a local camera store. Not a big name brand, but has worked great for me! You should be able to get into a setup like this for < $200. I take my tripod everywhere I shoot.

Good Luck,

Ed

One of the other main uses of the Grid in the viewfinder is to help with the Rule of Thirds.

I use a small tripod, something like the one here. Its adequate because I use a (point&shoot) Canon IXUS 750, and I can carry it around with me all the time because it is so small.

http://chrismarshall.ws/which-tripod

I use a Nikon D300 with battery grip. The thing can be heavy with a bigger lens on it. A cheap tripod does not cut it. If you’re serious about photography or really want better photos go with something more stable. IMO long exposure is not necessary for product shots if stabilized and exposed correctly.

It is incredibly easy to adjust and you can mount it on different tripods as long as they have a 3/8″ male attachment (start with a cheap tripod and upgrade along the way)

This is the one I use, Manfrotto 488RC2:

http://www.bogenimaging.it/Jahia/site/biit/pid/8605?detailPid=8420&actualPathCategoryKey=1CAT:AAA1:2CAT:BB24&kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&marketList=MARKET:MKT1|&productCode=488RC2&productDescription=MIDI%20BALL%20HEAD%20W/RC2%20R.C.SYST.&curBrandId=MAN

Yes, it is expensive. But it’s worth every cent and it will last for years.

Except for candids, all pictures on my website have been taken with that ball head and a Manfrotto 055B tripod.

When it comes to higher-end DSLR cameras, though, I’m completely inexperienced. I think it’s mostly that I don’t take enough pictures to warrant it, but then if I had one, I would probably take more pictures. Either way, I think you’re absolutely right: tripods are great, and they can seriously improve the pictures you take.

Basically I need something super portable :/ Perhaps a monopod.

The D80 lets you set as low as a 2-second delay which is great so that it gives the chance for any small shake form you pushing and releasing the shutter button to dissipate.

The shutter release is handy for similar reasons. When the mirror lifts it can shake the camera slightly. The release delay pauses the camera exposing for a fraction of a second to prevent that motion from interfering with your shot as well.