Best steadicam (stabilizer) for DSLR

[mjeppsen]

Will a Merlin hold the weight of a nikon D4 or canon 1D plus medium weight lens? We are talking about 3-4 pounds and have it nicely balanced.

Hey macgregor, I've shot quite a bit lately with DSLRs and FS100s on an older Steadicam Flyer. Works well, needs around 5lbs or so on the top and bottom to feel right.

I've shot with the Glidecam 2000 and 4000 also, and they are really great for quickie handheld (no vest) shots. The Glidecam Smooth Shooter vest and arm is clunky though, if you're looking for a full vest solution, I'd recommend springing for an older used Steadicam. Better arm, better vest.

 

[Pyland]

If you're looking for a good non arm/vest system, look at the BarberTech SteddiePod. It costs significantly less than a Merlin and is a lot more versatile as well. It takes me approximately 4-5 minutes to balance a DSLR, it's great for tight spaces, very forgiving, and very user friendly. Barry did a review on it, using an AF100, and having switched over from a Glidecam 4000 (Which I have as well). The SteddiePod has saved my bacon several times, and I've seen it crop up at Weddings and such. Search on DVXuser, there are a few people that use it, and posted their thoughts on it. I know it doesn't look like much. I discounted it for years, but when curiosity got the better of me, and I actually tried it out at NAB, I was sold and haven't regretted it since.

 

[AdvanTech]

If you're looking for a good non arm/vest system, look at the BarberTech SteddiePod. It costs significantly less than a Merlin and is a lot more versatile as well. It takes me approximately 4-5 minutes to balance a DSLR, it's great for tight spaces, very forgiving, and very user friendly. Barry did a review on it, using an AF100, and having switched over from a Glidecam 4000 (Which I have as well). The SteddiePod has saved my bacon several times, and I've seen it crop up at Weddings and such. Search on DVXuser, there are a few people that use it, and posted their thoughts on it. I know it doesn't look like much. I discounted it for years, but when curiosity got the better of me, and I actually tried it out at NAB, I was sold and haven't regretted it since.

I don't see how you can compare a steddiepod to something like a Merlin. They're different types of systems that clearly do different things. I looked at all the handheld demos of the steddiepod and didn't for a second feel like the camera was floating through the air, seemingly removed from the operator's movements.