Didn't realize you were so well set up!

FWIW, I used to use a small tripod (it extends, but I ended up always using it only 6" tall) for the camera but found it took too long to set up shots, as you say.

I finally closed the tripod up and simply use it as a handle. :^) At 1/250 of a second (the fastest I can shoot on my camera, I THINK), I don't get any blurring. It seems easier to hold it firmly with this "handle" for some reason.

This also allows me to get pretty close to the beads for close-ups, too. My manual isn't good at explaining concepts it thinks I already should know, so I don't know why "macro" works but "macro zoom" doesn't, focus-wise. But I still get pretty good close-up shots. :-)

I don't like using shiny background surfaces because the light bounces around more, but I know a lot of other use them with beautiful results.

And I only shoot from about a foot or so above the beads. In fact, the height I'm working at (on a work counter) is probably equivalent to me sitting down at a table or desk, if that makes sense. If you could create such a set-up at that level, would that help prevent fatigue?

So....maybe if you held your camera by the tripod or used a handle made for cameras, and used a plain white background, you could whip through a lotta beads for basic (and good) images.

You know, I don't know why I keep chiming in (since I seem to have the least experience!) but I guess I just want to help you find a way to shoot more beads so we can see them! :-D

hth,
Luann