Abstract: A stabilizing mechanism for a hand-held device, such as a video camera, through which a user looks, includes a stabilizing rod which is coupled to the bottom surface of the device and extends over the shoulder of the user. The rod is preferably a light-weight, telescoping rod which can be pressed into a small pocket size device. In another embodiment, the stabilizing rod is coupled to the interior of the device and extends through an opening in the rear portion of the device. In either embodiment, the rod is preferably light-weight and telescoping, so that it can be substantially reduced in length. For either embodiment, the rod preferably can be rotated by an angle which is sufficient so that the rod can be positioned over either should of the use when it is held in operating position.

Abstract: A stabilizing mechanism for a hand-held device, such as a video camera, through which a user looks, includes a stabilizing rod which is coupled to the bottom surface of the device and extends over the shoulder of the user. The rod is preferably a light-weight, telescoping rod which can be pressed into a small pocket size device. In another embodiment, the stabilizing rod is coupled to the interior of the device and extends through an opening in the rear portion of the device. In either embodiment, the rod is preferably light-weight and telescoping, so that it can be substantially reduced in length. For either embodiment, the rod preferably can be rotated by an angle which is sufficient so that the rod can be positioned over either shoulder of the user when it is held in operating position.