Didn't have my tripod, so I used the pavement and an 8-second exposure. This is one of the few remaining American Electric mercury vapour cobraheads in Ruston, near Tacoma, Washington.
I only have a mini tripod so most of my outside shots were taken without a tripod.
@Michael try using more light when taking pictures indoors but really see if you can get a new camera, a lot of newer camera take pretty good pics, be sure to try them out at the store too.
Tripods are well worth the money and they are easy to find under $20...I've seen many used ones at thrift stores for under $10. Long exposures (night shots) will often come out terribly if you even touch the camera, so I use the self-timer to actually release the shutter.
This is a superb! FIVE STARS!
@Michael try using more light when taking pictures indoors but really see if you can get a new camera, a lot of newer camera take pretty good pics, be sure to try them out at the store too.