After much grief, we’ve learnt that along with a good Camera and Lens, a decent Tripod is a must. We now use a Bogen Manfrotto 725B tripod with integrated ballhead ($112.90).

More than adequate for point and shoot cameras, the Bogen Manfrotto 725B can also take the weight of DSLRs like the Nikon D80 and the 18-135mm kit lens.