Here's a simple method for stabilizing your camera when you simply don't want to lug around a heavy cumbersome tripod into the woods or for any long distance trekking. I've actually constructed this and it works wonders in producing shake free images on the fly. And the best part is that it costs less than 1 US dollar to construct and it will fit into your pocket easily.
All it requires is a string about the length of your body, a single bolt, threaded to fit into the tripod mount on the bottom of your camera, and a large ring washer. You simply connect the bolt to one end of the string using whatever tie method you prefer, and connect the washer to the other. Thread the bolt into the tripod mount on the bottom of your camera and let the string with the washer simply hang free. Using your foot, you simply step on the washer and pull the camera taut while looking through the viewfinder. This simple stabilizing effect is good at reducing both horizontal and vertical shake. Here is a link that shows how to construct and use the little device.
String and Washer Tripod
Here's all the raw materials you need:Have fun
