Sometimes you just don't have room or space to carry a regular tripod along when away from home, but you may still need some steadying camera support for slow shutter speed photography. At these times The POD--a lightweight, hockey-puck-shaped device--can really be useful. Filled with weighted plastic beans that allow it to conform to any surface it is placed on, it can be used virtually anywhere.

It screws into the tripod socket of any camera and then can be flexed or contoured to obtain the exact camera angle needed. A hang tab protrudes from the side to assist in either fastening or loosening it from the tripod socket. It's made of water-resistant nylon and has a non-slip base, which will not mar or scratch furniture, car, or other surfaces used as support.

It's light enough to leave attached to the camera's tripod socket while using the camera normally at eye level. There are three colors and sizes of The POD, ranging from 8.8 to 12.3 ounces and each is strong enough to withstand the weight of an average person. In practical-use situations it is a very helpful camera support device when a conventional large or small tabletop tripod is not available. It appears to be durably made and very practical. This unit is available at www.thepod.ca.