Gizmodo Gifts
I hate to declare my fanhood for anything, but I am a full-blown supporter of the Joby Gorillapod. The Gorillapod is a flexible and versatile "tripod" for all types of digital cameras. I use the word tripod loosely because it has the same functionality of a tripod by holding a camera upright for steady or timed pictures, but with the flexible and gripping legs it can attach to a wide variety of objects. There are a few different version including the original, SLR variant, SLR zoom-lens variant and the Solo. Prices start at $25. [Product page]
Even though I now realize that I am commenting in an advertisement spot, I have had one of these for a long time and carry it with me at all times in a tube that comes with my favorite scotch (Oban). This is an absolutely brilliant device and seriously allows you to get some insanely positioned photos. Even better if your camera has a remote.
Tricky tricky Gizmodo, slipping an advertisement in as a post. Careful, slopes are slippery.
PS - I had one of these before my backpack was stolen and loved it as well.
I love the Gorillapods. The big one can easily hold my d80 with battery grip, SB800, and 18-200VR lens. Only complaint: the design. Looks like you are trying to set up some triple anal bead action. I keep mine strapped to myfull tripod at all times but I always get a "WTF is that thing?" or "Dude gross don't take that out in public." I second the remote, and will add that having a right angle viewfinder addon goes a long way too.
@Keebler: It's tagged as an advertisement as part of the gift guide series. There's no subterfuge involved.
I second all the thumbs up. Mine stays pretty much permanently attached to my camera. It also works great as a shoulder/chest brace for hand held shots with longer exposure times.
But I'd definitely recommend anyone with an SLR get the top of the line SLR zoom model even if you have a smaller lighter camera like the Pentax or Olympus and think you can slide by with the standard SLR model.
You'll buy a zoom lens. That's why you got an SLR in the first place and with the gorillapod it's either doing it's job and holding the camera up or it's not and the camera is permanently pointed at your feet.
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