What's the best steadicam type set up for the HVX?

Holy Harry

Holy Harry

Well-known member
I've read up on views of both these set-ups individualy, but side by side and dollar for dollar, which would you consider to be the best "steadicam" type device for a HVX c/w 5400mAh Li-ion battery?



A Steadicam Merlin with vest and arm - €2,850?

or

A Glidecam 4000 and SmoothShooter vest and arm - €2,000?


I would be using this combo for a minimum of 20 different one minute shots over an eight hour period, and may use it for a max of four 20 minute shots over the same time period.

I know the Merlin is considered to be an awesome design, and the design creates less pressure on the users wrist, but when you include the vest and arm and compare it to the Glidecam, does it matter all that much? Is it worth an extra €850 bucks?

Thanks folks!
 
Yeah the Merlin system is worth the extra bucks.

The arm alone on the Merlin totally unequivocally blows away the Smooth-Shooter arm.
From a purely technical standpoint the Merlin arm is dual section, the SS is single. That means more boom range and a smoother ride for Merlin.
The Merlin arm is way more compact and flexible. It even comes apart quickly for transport.
In addition the Merlin arm is Iso-elastic, meaning that it takes very little force to boom up and down, making it more precise to operate. The SS arm is not Iso-elastic, and as a result is more "bouncy".
Also, the Merlin arm is tools free, you just turn the knob to adjust the capacity. The SS arm needs a tool, and you have to un-dock the sled to make an adjustment - you can trim the Merlin arm in flight.

The Merlin vest is WAY lighter and more compact than the SS vest. I also personally find it much more comfortable.

Here's one of the big decision makers:
The Merlin arm & vest use an adjustable socket-block for the connection. The SS arm uses a couple of pegs to connect in a non-adjustable way to the vest.
The Socket-block is critical for good operating as it is used to trim the rig's float point to the individual operator so that you can stand up straight and operate without damaging your back or fighting the rig.

As for the sleds...
Merlin is waaaaay more adjustable, and fast and easier to adjust too, than the Glidecam sleds. The Merlin has a built in quick-release plate - and comes with a tripod adapter too - whereas the glidecam needs to be re-balanced every time you mount a camera, unless you buy a 3rd party quick-release plate (more money and weight).
The Merlin quick-release plate slides for fast rough balance adjustment [it's also marked so you can keep track of settings], and then EVERY other adjustment on the Merlin is by way of a trim-roller or adjustment ring/nob.
Whereas to make most all of the adjustment on the glidecam involve loosing up to 4 screws, sliding the part a little, tightening and then re-checking.

Whew, what else?
Aah yes, the Merlin can also be operated comfortably in handheld mode if you want - you can even fly it right off the arm mid shot if necessary. The Glidecam sled is not a handheld design (I'm not going to go into how tiring it is to operate hand-held here, a quick search will tell that).
Oh yeah, and the Merlin folds in seconds into travel mode that can also be used as a shoulder brace mode for the occasional handheld shot. - And when you unfold it back into flying mode, it's still in balance!



So yeah, there's certainly $850 bucks worth of features and intelligent design the Steadicam Merlin system over the Glidecam Smooth Shooter.

- Mikko
 
Wow Mikko... you've stunned me! Thank you so much for such an in-depth response.

My only concern with the Merlin, other than the price difference, was that the HVX is at the upper limits of it's max load. But based on everything you've just said, the Glidecam has too many inferior vitals to make it a runner, so looks like the Merlin it is.

Thanks again!
 
The stock Merlin can hold cameras up to 5.5lbs, which is perfectly the HVX's weight, it flies very well.


However, the Merlin Arm & Vest comes with an upgrade kit that increases the Merlin's payload capacity from 5.5 to 7lbs (as the arm helps take the weight, why not make it carry more?) That extra couple of pounds gives you capacity for a good selection of basic on-camera accessories. [no, that doesn't include a 35mm adapter, 8 filters and a mattebox!]

Also, don't forget that if you need to, you can mount accessories down below on the Merlin in place of counterweights with the "Accessory plate" (that is sold separately). Great for stuff like radio mic receivers. The Merlin even has (undocumented) strategically placed holes/notches to allow you to run a cable up through the spar with a few minutes work!


- Mikko
 
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Mikko, you are an angel with steadicam wings!

I thought I'd researched the Merlin thoroughly, but I missed the upgrade kit -so that's it - I'm sold.

I am SO looking forward to this!

Thanks Dude!
 
Have fun, don't let the initial setup drive you insane (you'll get there after a bit of practice), and fly safe!


- Mikko
 
i would suggest getting the merlin itself first. try it out, get used to it. its takes practice!
as do ANY of the stabilizers...

unless you are shooting all day with it (which will get super tiring) - you can get great results without the vest/arm
 
Mikko-

A quick question that only a full time steadicam op would know. I bought
a vest on Ebay (made in India) which appears to be identical to the Varizoom DV sportster. The sportster and my vest are both supposed to be rated at
7 pounds. Is the rating for the camera only or the camera and sled?

My HVX with no accessories and Glidecam type sled total about 12 pounds. When put on the arm, it nearly bottoms out, so I would have to have to hold the camera up (not much effort needed to do this though ). What is normal? How much would a single arm normally drop down when the camera/sled is placed on it?

P.S. apologies for the momentary thread hijack!
 
Each compoent of a stabilizer system is (should be) rated to how much it in paticular can hold.

Overall ratings are for the weakest link.
For example, my Steadicam Archer:
Sled capacity: 25lb camera
Arm capcity: 50lb

That means that the arm can hold a 50lb sled. The sled balanced with a 25lb camera doesn't actually weight 50lb. (somewhere just under 40lb I think). But the overall spec. of the Archer system is a 25lb camera.

Similarly the Merlin (with upgrade) can support a 7lb camera. So the Merlin w/arm and vest can support a 7lb camera. However the arm & vest can actually carry a 15lb sled .. and hence the Steadicam Pilot sled which can hold a 10lb camera, bringning it's total weight to 15lb and the max capacity of the arm.

So the rating of an arm, means how much you can put on the arm. The rating of a sled or the whole system normally referes to the largest camera it can carry.


Fred, it sounds like you are overloading your arm & vest (yes, the vest can be overloaded too, thoguh you don't notice it untill it breaks). You need to lighten your sled, get a stronger arm & vest, or simply continue to hold up the camera yourself which greatly defeats the purpose of the arm.

- Mikko
 
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So if the arm were the proper rating, it would drop only say an inch when the camera/sled is mounted? And to drop the camera down I would have to physically push it down - correct?
 
I'm looking at the Merlin with arm & vest too. It looks like a great value. Its 7 lb load capacity worries me a bit though. With the HVX weighing 5.5 lbs without a battery (and a 5400 MHA battery weighing what...a half pound?) it would seem that a Marshall LCD monitor (1.8 lbs) and its battery would overload it by a by pound and a half or so. Has anyone tried this to see how strict the 7 lb max is?

The other low cost stabilizer that looks interesting to me is the indicam Pilot (www.indicam.com), which has an upgraded dual-articulated arm that will evidently hold an HVX with accessories easily. It's also a good deal less money than the Steadicam. I've spoken to Terry Thompson, who runs the company, and he seems like great guy who knows of what he speaks. I'd be interested to know if anyone here has thoughts on the pros and cons relative to these two possibilities.

Thanks
 
The Ind!cam is a decent system, and Terry is a good guy.

His gimble is one of the smoothest gimbals out there! (Really)
The rest of the rig is pretty basic. It does the job ok, but it's definitely built simply and at a low cost (which is fine, it's essentially a home-built system!). The sled's adjustments are pretty crude, the arm is ok, and his vests are adequate for the loads the system carries.

But in harsh reality, the Merlin w/ Arm & Vest, does spank the pants off the Ind!cam system hands down. The difference in the arms is something you have to try to understand how vastly superior the new line of Steadicam arms is.

Not sure why you want to carry an additional monitor on the Merlin?
And if you do, I'd recommend you use the Merlin Accessory plate to mount the monitor down below (in place of counterweight) where you can see it better.

The HVX weighs in at 5.5lb WITH the battery and a P2 - so loaded to shoot.

Of course if you are really wanting to carry extras on the HVX, then the next choices up are the Steadicam Pilot and the Steadicam Flyer, but they also cost more.


- Mikko
 
Thanks for the quick reply, Mikko. I thought the Marshall would be pretty much invaluable in stabilizer shots. Not so? Do you find the built-in LCD adequate with the Steadicam? If so then the Merlin/vest system would indeed appear to be the choice, even at its considerably higher price.

In your experience with the HVX/Merlin/Vest have you found that just the stock HVX can do pretty much what you want for these kinds of shots?

I got the 5.5 lb weight (specified as without battery) from the HVX's manual. Are you sure it's actually 5.5.*with* battery and card(s)?

Thanks again
 
I haven't weighed it myself, but; The HVX loaded to shoot does balance on the Merlin, and the Merlin tops out at 5.5lbs. www.merlincookbook lists the HVX to weigh 5.4lbs, and those weights are all "loaded to shoot" weights (I know, I wrote some of them).

Yes the HVX's own LCD is just fine for most Steadicam shots. All you are normally looking at is framing anyway. There are a couple of situations where they can be obscured by the camera, but with a bit of forethought, the operator can simply move a little to a better viewing angle without affecting the shot. A monitor on the rig somewhere below/in-front of the gimbal is beneficial to operating, especially a bigger rig, but certainly not necessary on the Merlin.

The Merlin is a fully featured Steadicam, it can do all the same basic stuff any Steadicam can do in vest mode, and if handheld mode, it can do a lot of stuff that the bigger rigs can't! (Try passing an Steadicam Ultra2 to a friend through a window!)


- Mikko
 
Thanks again Mikko. Looks like it's the one for me. Having the name "Steadicam" emblazoned on it will be an asset where clients' value-perception is concerned as well.
 
Hello mikkowilson,

I also intend to purchase a MERLIN steadycam but without vest and arm.
I have heard and read that the same item purchased with the vest and arm is able to wear up to 7 lbs and the courant item only 5,5lbs.
Is there any possibility to extend the weight to 7 lbs with the courant item; does TIFFEN sell the extended item separently?
Appologize my english, I'm living in Belgium.
Thank you for your answer.

NORSEY
 
Norsey,

First off, quickly, note the spelling of "Steadicam" it's an "i" not a "y"..

I do not know if the gimbal upgrade kit is available seperatly for the Merlin or not. Contact Tiffen Europe directly for that information: http://www.tiffen-europe.com


- Mikko
 
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