Steadicam Merlin demo video up on Steadicam.com

mikkowilson

mikkowilson

Steadi-Guru
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Nice demo, some impressively smooth shots, especially the one where he's actually running next to the skater.

Also it's shot in Philly I see. I recognized some of the people in the shots on South St. That guy with the guitar is always camped out in front of that Subway (which is 4-5 blocks from my apt. btw) He must have a deal with them...maybe he lures in customers with his guitar and he gets free hoagies? I'm waiting for him to start singing about cold-cuts one of these days...
 
i want one bad but $800+ - dAAmn!!

do you think it will go down at all after another trade show - maybe to $500 or 600?
 
That footage is from the DVD that acompanies the Merlin. Once you ware used to handling the merlin, the actual running is no more difficult to do. But I am still praticing and getting better I might add. Havent posted footage in awhile as my previous footage was meant to be a "how good can you get in a week" type thing. But weather is ok today, and Im stuck editing so I may just get out and post soemthing up today or tomorrow.

Most of the video is made with 2 Merlins, with an FX1 on one, and our good friend the DVX on the other.
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Interesting to note on this size web video was anyone actually able to tell which was which when the other cam was not in picture?
 
THE_Pookie said:
It's a sellers market for stabilizers.
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...And the Merlin actually costs prety close to the price to make. The process to bend the metal to that magic arc isn't cheap (either is the metal). Apparently Tiffen doesn't make that much on them.

The JR was cheaper, but not as good. And that was a marketing descision. Now they stepped up the quality, but that costs a bit too.


- Mikko
 
And it works with the HVX also so when I go that way this little gem can come along.
 
Nice I can't wait to get one!

ncje Please post some more footage when you get a chance. I was hooked on that thread.
 
Mikko, NCJE---

Asked before about practice time. Here's a new one: your very first shot with the Merlin. Better/worse than it would have been if you'd just handheld the camera?
 
Define "Better".

My *first* try with the Merlin was smooth as butter, but the horison was shot to hell and I over tilted when I tried to correct so framing was lousy.

Handheld I can frame 'perfectly', but there will aways be a bit of wobble and shake when I move.


First time I rode a bike it went very fast and efficentaly, untill I crashed. I can walk fine though. Guess which I prefer to do now?

- Mikko
 
Never mind, B&H had them in stock and, well... okay I bought one!

I have the month of April to practice. Going to Europe and Africa for three weeks in May on some projects. Should be fun!

FD
 
Just did some test balancing with the old TRV900 + extras (beachtek & WA). Eh, they had Merlins in stock in B&H on friday, at least one...

Next week the real balancing with DVX100 + mic + Senn G2. Must figure out how to use the reciever as a weight... How about using the mic as the front weight? Would also be a nice position for sound pickup. The only concern is the worse aerodynamics with G2 & shotgun with softie; fast moves might suffer, wind would effect the rig more. I'll see shortly...
 
Petrus before you clip all that to the dovetail, do the little balance trick with your finger, I think you will find its best to move the plate one hole to the right (giving mor e plate on the left).
 
HorseFilms said:
That's impressive. For results like that, $800 isn't much to ask.
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Theres a high learning curve to this merlin though. Don't expect to spend $800 and just have steady shots without lots and lots and lots of practice.
 
meh, my 175 dollar used glidecam 2000 pro gives the same results. just a little more difficult to balance, but same shiz. biznatch
 
But the Merlin is lighter, more stable, and less straining to use, not to mention MUCH easier to balance then the Glidecams. And it's smaller too. :)

- Mikko
 
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