What's the best form for holding a compact digital camera?

Question

I love taking pictures, but I have very bad shaky hands. I know that with the nicer SLRs with big lenses, proper form is to cradle the lens with your left hand and rest the viewfinder against your eye socket, which holds the camera fairly still. But with the small compact models I use, the lens isn't big enough to cradle in my hand and the viewfinder doesn't stick out enough to rest against my eyebrow (plus it's not as accurate as using the LCD). I know all the tricks like holding my breath, keeping elbows in and against my body, etc., but they don't seem to be enough to eliminate blur for me. How can I hold the camera still enough to minimize camera shake? My camera has image stabilization but it isn't always sufficient, especially indoors without flash.

Answer 1

That's a problem with the smaller cameras. Smaller apetures lead to slower shutter speeds which pickup camera shake.

My suggestions:
1. Use a flash whenever possible
2. Find a stationary object to brace yourself against, chair, doorframe, whatever.
3. When you're inside and can't use a flash, set the camera on a stable surface (or use a mini tripod) and use the self timer.

Answer 2

Beanbag? Easy to carry and works when sitting on anything.

Answer 3

Maybe you could try a monopod.