Sometimes the simplest things are the best. Take tripods. Even a basic tripod suitable for video removes some serious dollars from your wallet and with the maxim of “when should you use a tripod” being “when you have one”, means everyone SHOULD have one.

But sometimes it is not possible due to budget, location, terrain, and space – whatever. So what do you do then when you simply must have a stable shot, especially if it is a long zoom?

Well it is not perfect, but it does work and it’s inexpensive, the SteadePod from Perth based CameraElectric.

The first time I saw the SteadePod, I was somewhat underwhelmed; surely something as simple as this cannot work as their ad stated? “Want no camera movement and sharper pictures?” First I need to explain how it works, which is mainly by geometry!

Simply, you mount your camera/camcorder to the top of the SteadePod via its standard tripod thread screw. Next you unlock and pull out the retractable cable with its footstep affair on the end and then stand on it, or link it to a belt or some other solid anchor. Next lock the retractable wire in position. By putting tension on the wire, you now have a solid 3 position tripod based on your body and the wire and your arm. And as a three sided object is the strongest shape geometrically, while it is not immovable, it will be more than solid enough to get stable shots. I have tried one and it works.

Not bad for $39.95 and the size of a pack of cards.

See www.cameralectronic.com.au for more info.

By David Hague

David is the owner and publisher of AusCam Online. He has a background in media dating back to 1979 when he first got involved with photojournalism in motorsport, and went from there into technology via a 5 year stint with Tandy Computers. Following that, he ran a software distribution company on the Gold Coast and was one of the first to recognise the potential of Microsoft Windows.

Moving back to WA, David wrote scripts for Computer Television for video training for the just released Windows and Office 95 among others, and was then lured to Sydney to create web sites for the newly commercial Internet in 1995, building hundreds of sites under contract to OzEmail including Coates Hire, Hertz Queensland, John Williamson, the NSW Board of Studies and many, many more.

He went back into full time journalism as the Managing Editor for Channel 7's 'Gadget Guy', Peter Blasina's publications VideoCamera and Pixelmag, before starting Australasian Camcorder magazine when these publications were shelved. He lives at Sydney's Avalon Beaches nearly on the ocean front with dog Budweiser and in his spare time is a nut for motor sport, road safety, fishing, science fiction - especially Dr Who - and technology.

David can be contacted via david@auscamonline.com