Merlin Madness and DIVORCE

[Haleyvision]

Got a Merlin, IM GOING CRAZY!!! Whats the SECRET? Did I waste 800 bucks??

[Haleyvision]

Theres a Magic point where it will sit still ...unless you move it...I found it once....but Its SO fragile. Set up is frightening. Will garrett perfect this...or am I a Physics flunk out?

[JFEditorIV]

Haha. I just got one too. Stay with it. I found the sweet spot once after working with it for 2 weeks. I notice that it changes once I stop shooting and I have to adjust again. Those sliders drive me crazy but the more you play with it the more you become familiar with what affects what. That will help you be quicker with the setup on the fly when you need it.

Also, bend your legs when you walk, wear sneakers, nothing like a boot with a small heel, and mind the surface you walk on. Flat surfaces are best obviously. You have to remember that the merlin is not an excuse to stop trying. Incorporate the merlin with the techniques you already know about how to keep a DVX steady. Why not use everything to your advantage? The weight adjustment/balance is half of what it takes to mastering the merlin. Don't shoot with even the slightest wind.

Lastly, use your second hand to hold the guide. You can use your hand to help with the balance and its presence won't be detected if done carefully. The other need is to hold the guide as a way to prevent unnecessary side-to-side movements and to give it a little encouragement when you want it to turn left or right. Ease it to a stop and compensate by moving the handle forward or backward when gravity and momentum want to pull the camera to one direction, ruining your shot. A way to test the effectiveness of your operating technique is to import it into your editing software and speed it up. All the flaws and steps you take will be perfectly visible and it will help you get better.

I had to tell myself that this isn't the perfect solution that it seems when you read about it but the opportunity and the camera operating skill you gain is worth the $800.