I don't want to get off topic with supports, but I too use the XH-A1 for extended periods of hand holding in the woods and the outdoors chasing game and hunters around. Here is one idea I really like to try and it is cheap at $99 - http://www.dvcreators.net/products/s...movieframe.htm

and here is another option that is a bit more expensive...
http://link.brightcove.com/services/...tid=1283222054

The monopod works ok - I like to jam the handle against my shoulder, effectively making a tripod (my two legs, plus the monopod) for extra stability. But I only use it when I don't have room for a proper tripod.

That's exactly how I do it, too, and it's very stable.

Here's a picture for illustration of how I would hold it when shooting from the shoulder (I shoot a lot from the hip using top handle due to type of video work I do).

http://www.douglasthigpen.com/images/triumph.jpg

That's how I hold, too. Sometimes my left hand on lens hood, too.
I have been really frustrating with my shot ability, though.. I used CB150, but going from that to tripod is such a pain in the butt, so I am thinking about just sticking with normal handheld... Maybe I need more practice, I dunno... Is it pretty hard to hold the shot steady when you are almost all the way zoomed into the subject? I've been working out alot on my shoulder, arm, and wrist but it seems like it's really hard to master this...

JJ