Steadicam Merlin/Vest or Pilot?

Ted Spencer

Ted Spencer

Veteran
I'm getting close to making a move on a Steadicam for my HVX, and am trying to intelligently weigh the pros and cons of these two systems. Hopefully our erstwhile Steadicam advocate Mikko Wilson will weigh in here, as well as any others who might care to offer an opinion on this.

The details about the Pilot are a little sketchy on the Tiffen site comapred to the Merlin/Vest system, but here's what I can gather thus far as to the differences:

The Pilot costs $1200 more at B&H ($3800 vs $2600), but:

-Includes a 5.8" 16x9 SD monitor
-Holds up to 10 lbs (Merlin system holds 7)
-Merlin system looks less conducive to mounting a monitor due to the curved post shape

And that's pretty much it. I don't have too much of a problem with the price (although every budget dollar I don't spend on it can then go to other important gear), but I'm wondering what other factors might make the Pilot a more desireable choice. Is the arrm/sled/vest otherwise distinctly better in its features or functionality?

I'm also curious about the AA battery option. I already own a dozen high capacity (2200 MAh) AAs and a high-speed (15 min) charger, so if that option is really viable it could save me some money.

Any light that can be shed on all of this would be very much appreciated.
 
Hmm..
First a round of questions from me...

Why type of shooting do you do, what sort of Steadicam shooting do you plan on dooing?

What accesories do you (/plan to) carry on the rig?

Do you work with any other cameras?

What about monitors and/or broadcast batteries. Do you work with or have acess to any?



The Pilot and Merlin have the same arm and vest (except the post on the arm is *slightly* different), so the only real difference is in the Pilot Sled vs Merlin.

- Mikko
 
mikkowilson said:
Hmm..
First a round of questions from me...

Why type of shooting do you do, what sort of Steadicam shooting do you plan on dooing?

What accesories do you (/plan to) carry on the rig?

Do you work with any other cameras?

What about monitors and/or broadcast batteries. Do you work with or have acess to any?



The Pilot and Merlin have the same arm and vest (except the post on the arm is *slightly* different), so the only real difference is in the Pilot Sled vs Merlin.

- Mikko
Click to expand...

-I plan to use the steadicam primarily for narrative filmmaking, both my own projects and others'. So a variety of situations, but not event/wedding/ENG stuff.

-I might fit a shotgun mic (Rode NTG-1), or a pair of wireless lav receivers (Sennheiser G2 100). I will also eventually have a 35mm adaptor/lenses (probably a Brevis). I recognize this might not be suitable for Steadicam use in many cases, but certain lens/F-stop combos might be quite nice, so it would be cool to at least be able to use it when appropriate.

-I also have a Sony DCR-TRV950, an older SD Mini-DV cam that's quite light and compact. It might be nice to use it on the stabilizer too I suppose, but it will be primarily for the HVX.

-I will be acquiring an HD LCD monitor (like a Marshall), which might be nice in place of the Pilot's SD one. I have four Panasonic (and equivalent) 5400 MAh batteries.

Interesting to note that the Merlin vest is the same as the Pilot. So the only significant difference is the sled/LCD?

Thanks for your help
 
Last edited:
Sounds like you'll be flying in controlled circumstances, and possibly tweaking the set up and experimentsing a lot for different shots. I'd recomend the Pilot.

The Merlin's huge strength is it's size and flexibitly for "on the fly" shooting. Whereas the Pilot in adition to holding more, has more balance options to allow it to be tweaked to provide the best performace for any paticular shot. (It's really had to throw an eye-light onto the HVX on a Merlin, whereas you'd have no problem with a Videled on your camera on the Pilot.)

Sounds like you are in a position where you need a rig that has room to expand and grow with your productions; the Pilot is the best option for that.

- Mikko
 
Thanks Mikko. That's pretty much what I was thinking too. Now to find someone who's got them is stock at $3800 (B&H price) or better : )
 
You can probably get a pre-order in in many places, but you won't find them in stock for a couple more weeks. I understand that they are about to begin shipping shortly.

- Mikko
 
Mikko, would you happen to know if the new Merlin is being offered bare i.e. no arm etc. with the new up-rated gimble? i'm getting the run around here in the UK :(

Indy....
 
ive used the merlin quite a bit (hand held) recently. though it works reasonably well, the hvx skirts its max weight with cam and battery alone. an external lcd would be a non-starter. if you plan to gear up - id say its a pilot. no debate in my mind.
 
Hey Ted,
You might want to look at the FS-Pro SM1. for $2800 canadian you can handle up to 20lb camera + 8lbs counter weight below.
http://www.fsprostab.com/english/index.htm

I wish I had someone in Los Angeles that is experience with Stablilizers Come over and review mine.

I have no reference for comparison. (and I'm probably doing a few things wrong)
 
i use the magiqcam for big stuff. it's pretty much the same deal as the fspro mentioned above. i got mine used for $1200 a couple years back

so far ive used it with an xl2 and an hvx, each with batteries, mics and monitors. works like a champ. though setup isnt exactly a walk in the park compared to a merlin...
 
Mikko,

I know there are tons of operators, but for the most part they are busy and have no time to come out and check out a new system. Also who wants to check out a 2k system when they have a 30k system. ahahah.

I know that for a light camera this overboard, but I have the HVX w/ Redrock + monitor + batteries and after all its said and done, I'm carrying 16lb. That's without the remote follow focus.

I wish you were in LA. Then I could ask you to do me the favor to check out the rig and review it.


wgzn,

I knew about the magiqcam, but it only handles 15lbs with my current set up, it would already be maxing it out. Thats what I like about the FS-Pro. From looking at the professional rigs, its definitely not the best, and it takes more work to set up and adjust. but for $2200, its not bad at all. Like I said before, I really would like an experience operator to try it and give me his opinion. I'd even would drive to their house if they lived in LA.
 
You'll find most Steadicam operators are tech-heads (it's a pre-requisit for the job) who are always happy to try out new gear "off" days.

It never hurts to ask.

A good place to start might be by PM:ing DVXuser member & Steadicam Operator Charles Papert SOC. http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/member.php?u=2398
He's been known to review many various "low cost" rigs for various sites like DVinfo.net


- Mikko
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top