anotherview wrote:
Tripods still have their uses today, but less so than before, given the innovation of image stabilization.
Higher ISO settings with nominal noise allow faster shutter speeds when hand holding the camera.
In fact, as discussed elsewhere on UHH, a photog can set both aperture and shutter speed with ISO set to Auto now that image noise has dropped dramatically.
That is true for many situations, but there are still times where a solid support is necessary. For example, time exposures of moving water. As you get into more creative photographic techniques, you will find that even with the technology, a solid tripod is a necessity.