Tripod or mono?

[dewmuw]

I'm new to this whole photography malarkey - and currently have an Ixus 330 (although I'm already thinking of an upgrade).

By my question is this - when would one make use of a monopod instead of a tripod? What advantages are there?

[mjmcgarry]

The way I understand it is that a monopod is used more often to support the weight of a camera and a large lens. So, at a sporting event such as a football game where a large lens lets you get close to the action, a monopod is very usefull. It also lets you move from one spot to another with greater ease.

Tripods are better for keeping a camera still than a monopod. However, ther are more cumbersome to move. So in situations where there is little or no action and you need the camera steady for long exposures, a tripod would be better.

[Big_Mac]

a monopod is useful when you would not normally want a tripod, a walk in the woods, a sporting event, walking through a museum/art gallery, anytime where you would normally just carry your camera (and gadget bag). using a monopod will GREATLY reduce camera vibration, dramatically increasing sharpness on most shots longer than 1/30. It can also be nice if you've got a huge lens, so that way you don't have to support it all.

I would not want to try using a monopod for anything longer than 1/4 second, unless you want the blurry effect.