Manfrotto ModoPocket
Billed as the "World's Smallest Tripod," the ModoPocket is actually a quadrapod, but definitely just plain tiny: 1.5 x 2.5 x 1.25 inches and 2 oz. Mostly I have been using it to take indoor group photos with the self-timer, using face recognition to trigger the shutter when I jump into the group. Shoot it again? Much easier to repeat the composition than if the camera is propped on a book and/or tilted with a coin (either way, that method often results in a photo that includes the table in the shot). The ModoPocket simplifies these tasks, makes them more easily repeatable, and provides good stability. The photos posted on Amazon show how easily it tilts up or down, or turn it 90 degrees and it tilts side-to-side. It also folds very thin (0.25 inches), so it can be left permanently attached to the camera. In addition to shooting, I use mine as a work stand while I edit photos in the camera, and use it for easier viewing and huddling-around-the-camera (aka "chimping").
With bigger point-and-shoot cameras like my Canon G10 (which weighs about one pound), I've found the previously-reviewed Gorillapod just jiggles too much. A fold-up plastic tripod like the Assia PocketPod is more stable, but clumsy. A full-size tripod or even a mini-tripod always needs to be attached/detached (unless you're lugging it around that way). In addition to the fact that the ModoPocket can live on the camera permanently, one can actually attach a tripod directly to the ModoPocket without taking it off the camera.
Yes, there are compromises -- it's not very tall, it's not great at handling uneven surfaces (to be expected from something so tiny), it's definitely suited to a particular niche (not hardcore DSLR guys). But it's very well made, easy to use and works great. I'm a minimalist and would never want to travel with a lot of gear. Looking back on all the impromptu photos I took with the camera on the ground, propped on a wall or table, I definitely would have preferred this.
-- Evan Marks
Manfrotto ModoPocket
$30
Available from Adorama
Also previously available from Amazon
Manufactured by Manfrotto
Favorite (15)
John Hritz
I have to say I prefer the GorrillaPod which was reviewed earlier in this space. Its a bit larger, but more versatile.
http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/001485.php
Dan
Can you elaborate on how you use the face recognition feature to trigger the shutter during the self timer? I take a lot of family shots using the self timer and I'd love to know how to do this!
Charles Rivet
I just love this little unit. Granted, there are more versatile devices, but this one fits in the same camera pouch as my P&S and is, therefore, always available.
Evan Marks
Dan,
Canon calls it "Face Self-Timer," one of four different self-timer modes, and says that "the camera shoots 2 seconds after a new face is detected within the composition," and it can be set to shoot 1 - 10 shots using that function. (Whoa. I didn't realize that until just now.) It seems to be a new feature in some models as of 10/08.
MaxHedrm
FWIW, Thinkgeek doesn't have it & Amazon says that it usually ships in 1-2 months. So I guess it isn't exactly available for the holiday season.
Steven Leckart
Thanks for letting us know. We've added a link to another supplier and updated info regarding the Amazon availability, as well.
Best,
Steven Leckart
Pearl
Thanks for the tip!! This is a great stand for jewelry artisans like me. We need to take closeups of our creations. I use a tabletop tripod about 8-10 inches tall and it's too big at times.