Camera supports compared

Use a wall or fence
You will often find a fence or wall nearby that can be used to hold the camera. If you're worried about scratching the baseplate of the camera place your coat or spare item of clothing down first. Alternatively carry a plastic bag with you to prevent the camera getting damaged when placing it on a wet surface.

Use your camera bag
If you are carrying a gadget bag or camera holdall around with you you may find it makes a perfect support. This Billingham model has a soft top that almost cradles the camera when you press down. This could be placed on the ground or on a wall to make a great support. Press down first so the camera is rigid before pressing the shutter release.

Use your car
There are two options here. One is to wind the window down and use the frame as a support. The other is to use the roof or bonnet as a support, but then you don't only have to worry about marking the camera, but you also have a more expensive body paintwork to consider. Use a jumper or other padded item to prevent any damage.

Table top tripod
All tripods have three legs which is where the tri bit comes from. The table top type are, as the name suggests, ones that are used on a table. The are small so fit into a gadget bag and are easy to carry around, but you couldn't use one in a field to photograph a landscape, or as a support when you want to join a group shot using the self timer. They also don't extend so the height is usually no more than 4 to 8 inches.

Compact tripod
A compact tripod is like a full size model with leg extensions but collapses to a very small size making it easier to carry around. The only drawback is they only extend to about 3 to 4 feet so you have to bend down to use one even when full extended. They are ideal for compact cameras and digital compacts but become quite flimsy when supporting heavier cameras and lenses in 35mm or medium format versions.

Full size tripod
The only bad thing about a full size tripod is the weight and bulk. The advantages are many. They extend to eye level, offer a rigid support and tend to stay standing when used in a gale. The built-in features are plentiful with things such as spirit levels, panoramic scales, leg bracing, quick release heads, reversible centre columns and quick release legs. This one is in its compact state but will extend to around five feet using three leg extensions, some go up to six or seven foot.

Monopod
There are times when a tripod will get in the way, especially when you want to take photos in a crowd such as at a parade, show or motorsports event. The next best thing that gives you the same height but without the bulky splayed legs is a monopod. This single legged item works like an individual tripod leg with the support bolted on top. They prevent up and down movement but you need to watch for the left to right problems. If you stand with your legs apart you can form a human tripod using the monopod as the third leg.

Clamp
This has a jaw that closes to lock onto a rigid support such as a tabletop, chair leg, fence or tree branch. It offers a very solid support providing the item you clamp to is rigid. The disadvantage is that the size of the item has to be thinner than the clamp's jaw and you are often limited to where you can position your camera.