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SRLworld has an interesting camera accessory, since it requires a SLR camera, I'm guessing you activate it via the extend-o-pole or something... Great for short folks/peeping toms/paparazzi... (cost seems to be $58) - "With the Slik "S pole digital" you can capture shots from over fences and above barricades, and never be limited by crowds. Especially designed for digital SLR cameras, the Slik S pole digital is very compact and can be easily carried with your camera bag. Here you have a thick tube with screw to attach camera and extended tubes thin. This design allows an easy grip with the pole and comfortable to hold also. The Slik S pole digital stands 30cm and can reach 60cm when extended." [via] - Link. & SLIK (Japan).
So, we have tons of SLR camera projects for remote triggers/camera controls & we have our video cam stabilizer project... this sounds like a re-MAKE in the making...
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Another possibility is to use a camera infrared remote control to trigger the camera, as many cameras have a sensor- to make it work you might have to put a small metal reflector in front of the IR sensor, or a prism, so the IR sensor on the camera can "see" downwards to where you are.
One-for-all remotes can learn the Canon IR signals for the 300D, not sure about other cameras/models.
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I'm not sure exactly what the point of this gadget is, other than as an extension for a tripod or monopod. Used by itself it just seems to be a stubby monopod. Why use this when you can get one of the many real monopods that are ~1.5 feet closed and extend to around 5 feet? As an extension it seems like it would be pretty wobbly.
I've made several superlong monopods out of painter's extension poles (http://tinyurl.com/ymytxb) with a 1/4-20 bolt fixed to the end. You can drill a hole and epoxy a bolt in or use one of these (http://tinyurl.com/ym95o3) If you screw a tripod head to that then you can easily position the camera pointing toward your subject.
The main reason for using a DSLR with this is that that they most likely accept a wired remote switch. You can make these easily enough--a momentary-on pushbutton switch on one end and the appropriate plug on the other (2.5mm stereo audio miniplug for my Pentax.) You can also buy somewhat over priced ones from the cameramaker.
I use this arrangement for taking pictures at carnivals and county fairs. It steadies the camera quite effectively when used resting on the ground and, at arms length, I can shoot down from 12-13 feet. Ann added benefit is that it's so outlandish that people figure you must have permission and they ignore you. The drawback to this is it doesn't fold up that small, but if it did it wouldn't be nearly as outlandish!
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