Abstract: A small and compact operator held shoulder support to stabilize small video cameras.The major elements of this invention are: a camera mounting body which attaches to, and fits directly beneath, a camcorder, and a shoulder support member designed to retract within the mounting body for maximum compactness. The stabilizer includes a self-executing retentive mechanism utilizing a leaf spring and a cam which automatically and securely holds the support arm in either the extended or retracted position. This self-acting retentive feature relieves the operator from fumbling with locking screws or other devices common in other collapsible stabilizers. The camera mounting body includes finger grips on each side to facilitate the use of the operator's second hand to further steady the camera. Further, the stabilizer includes an adjustment screw to raise or lower the elevation of the extended shoulder support for better eye-to-eyepiece alignment.