When it comes to photography, I do my best to avoid blurry or fuzzy pictures. My college professor would be proud. But we all suffer, on occasion, from shaky hands.

 

A new device that’s coming to the market may just help solve the problem. Social product design company Quirky is rolling out a nifty new tripod that helps users take steadier pictures without the hassle of carrying of a bulky, oversized device.

 

The device, called DigiDudes, shown at left, is a small key chain character that unfolds into a tripod. Users screw off the character’s head and pull out the retractable legs and attach it to a camera or camcorder.

 

Each gadget comes with a standard screw mount that users attach to the bottom of their camera. Yes, there is a purpose for that little screw hole.And when the photo shoot is over, users put the DigiDude’s cap back and the device transforms back into a cute keychain.

 

Consumers can choose from one of five character tripods: Pinky Scorsese, Snot Buster, iChomp, G-bling-Money-Son, and BoltBot. The DigiDude is available for pre-orders for $20 online, but there is a catch. Consumers have to wait until the first 250 units are sold before Quirky begins shipping the devices. So far, 73 orders have been placed, the Web site said.

 

DigiDude is the eighth product designed and developed by Quirky since its launch in June.

 

Quirky engages participants to collaborate in product creation - from ideation, design, naming, manufacturing, marketing, and sales. Anyone can participate online by submitting product idea for $99, or by voting, rating, and influencing other people’s  product ideas. The company allocates 30 cents of every dollar from the sale of its products back to the community and its influencers.

 

Each week, users post ideas, which are rated by the Quirky community. The community then surveys submissions during a seven-day evaluation period and selects one product for development.