Go to wally world and in their gun section is a telescoping rifle monopod (stick) the top unscrews and the threads will fit into the bottom of your camera. This unit fits great into a pack without taking up much room. A digital is the way to go. It allows you to erase and practice until you start getting good shots. 4 megapixel and up is what is required for most magazines. Just stick the end of the monopod into the ground.

Make sure that the tounge is not sticking out, and the blood is cleaned up and not visible.

Here is a pic that I took of myself this spring with the monopod.