In the free time I encountered, I finally had the chance to make some DIY tripods that I’ve been wanting to make for a while. They are handy, easy to make, and the materials needed are both cheap and easy to find at your hardware store.

The first one is a DIY version of the bottle cap tripod that is a bit more sturdy. The instructions can be found here, but I didn’t have them with me, so I just brought my camera and measured which screw I needed. All you really need is your camera to figure out the screw (or look in the instructions), a bolt (something I find handy), and a plastic bottle and its cap. The finished product is something small, yet useful that allows you to have a steady shot where ever you go (if there is a ledge or table).

The next tripod is one that relies more on science, and a science that involves tension to keep the camera steady. You can find the instructions here on Instructables (which has many DIY things that you may find handy), and also has the materials. Again, I didn’t have the materials with me, so I just bought the same size screw with a loop on the bottom, a nut, and a ball of thick string. Basically, you tie the two ends of the string to the loop, and step on the bottom, so you can have the camera eye level and still have a steady shot. It’s not as steady as a real tripod, but it’s also easy to make (even easier), and you can hold it in your pocket until you need.

I hope these help with whatever photography ventures you might find yourself in, as they have helped me. If you have used one of these tripods or have done something like it, sound off in the comments.

I don’t have my nice Sony camera that I love(d) anymore. I had a Black Sony DSC-T50, which although pricier than other cameras, I loved the touchscreen and overall style. Because I don’t have that anymore, I have been trying to find a replacement camera, one that’s cheaper, but not too bad that the shots are low quality. I came across this post, and I was pretty amazed. It comes in Black, has similar capabilities, and is cheaper. It has some things that I really like, such as better image-stabilization and long exposure abilities (I’ve always wanted to light paint), but it doesn’t have that same look, and has a big lens that doesn’t zoom much further than the Sony did.

I need a camera, I know that, but I have come here for help. I am wondering if I should save up to buy the Sony again, here are the specs, or should I buy the Lumix, here are the specs, sooner? I don’t really get what all the options mean, I just know the Sony is better in everything except one ISO option and the ability to take a really long exposure. I could always do that with my sister’s old SLR that I’m using.

So, I’ve decided to embed some external poll inside here, so people can vote without having to leave comments. If you have any information on the cameras or further suggestions or insight, please comment. Thanks.

[poll=2]