When you read reviews of Flip and other pocket camcorders -- particularly on places like Amazon, where the reviews are written by customers, rather than video professionals -- a common complaint is that the video is "shakey."  Unless you're shooting a remake of the Blair Witch Project, this obviously isn't regarded as a good thing.

If you read any book about shooting video, one of the first tips you'll read is to use a tripod, whenever you can.  That's one of the most important techniques professionals use for eliminating the shakes.  There is a bit  of a disconnect, though, between what video professionals do and what Flip users do:  Flip users usually want to travel light.  When you're walking around in the woods for your nature video, hauling along a tripod is less than convenient Also, a decent tripod has an associated cost that may be out of keeping with what you spent on your camcorder.

Certainly, there are techniques you can use, such as holding your camera with two hands, elbows braced against your rib cage. Doing a pan, you should point your feet toward the end of the shot, and begin the shot by turning at your waste, finishing strong. You can also lean up against a tree, or prop your camera on a fence post.

There is a very valuable accessory you can buy that gives you a little less stability, perhaps, than a tripod, but is still much better than nothing.  It doesn't have to empty your wallet, and it can be quite portable.  This accessory is called a monopod.

Contrary to the connotations of the name, monopods played no role in Invasion of the Body Snatchers.  A monopod, at its simplest, is a collapsible walking stick with a camera mount on its north end.  In fact, you can buy monopods that actually double as walking sticks, which makes them perfect for that walk in the woods.  And you don't have to break the bank.

If you buy a collapsible monopod, not only is it very portable, but you can adjust it to different lengths -- e.g., to use from either a standing or sitting position, as you might wish to do at a sports event.  If your still camera has a tripod mount hole on the bottom, you can use the monopod for either your camcorder or your camera.

If you click this link, you can view a range of monopods at Amazon.  Pick a price point, read the reviews, and get one of the best and most-neglected accessories to improve your videos.