Anyone getting into the higher end type digital cameras needs to also consider a monopod or tripod for long range still shots. monopods have one leg and attach to the underside of the camera, targus makes one fairly reasonable at yopur local Wal Mart,target,etc. . For longer zoom pictures a tripod may be the answer,it all depends on your zoom. I have found that a monopod works best,especially when traveling. I have a 10x optical zoom and a extra telephoto lense that brings it to 17.5x total optical zoom. Maybe i am an amateur but at that zoom i cannot get a clear picture without some support. I have tried to manually hold it still all the pictures came out blurry. So i am a believer in monopods and tripods. They also come in handy when taking timed auto pictures using self timer. Check out some of my pictures taken of the local bountiful birds in my area, all using a monopod and a Sony H20 camera

Charleston Bird Pictures