Exciting News: HVX Will Work on Steadicam Merlin!

As long as the cable remains (snugly) on the rigand doesn't cross the isolation of the gimble, it will work perfectly.

It is of course true that you have to take everything, including cable, into account when actually balancing the rig, but that's easy. :)

- Mikko
 
By using a vest system, the hand control the direction and the position of the camera, not to support camera weight. That alone can release huge tireness of the hand.

Regards
Leigh

R Gale said:
I just ordered the Merlin, and am now considering gym memberships!
Is the floating effect really best at full arm extension?
I would think one could only do that with a vest system, or you'd get tired way too quickly.

Would the ability to switch from left to right hands (for different shots) help in coping with fatigue? Thanks.
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Hi Mikko:

I was suggesting that I used the Steadicam DV a lot for elevator shots mixed with "dance moves". Taking the camera from floor level to high above my head, this is the extension I was speaking of that will fatigue anyone very quickly.

I do agree, the complexity of moves that you perform is inversely proportional to how quickly you will fatigue using a unit like the Merlin. Personally, I like to really try to find amazing and creative ways to use the Steadicam, not just for the typical run of the mill "smooth walk alongs" that seem so common.

I defnitely switch hands all of the time, it's a good way to buffer the muscle fatigue to both sides of your body.

You have a Flyer, don't you? I seem to recall a discussion somewhere on DVX User a while ago. How do you like the Flyer? Is it a major step up or really just a minor improvement over something like a Merlin or DV?

Best,

Dan
 
I operate a Flyer that my school owns (and has very few other users for :) )
I think it's a fantastic rig that can't be beat. The only thing better with the biggers rigs (Archer -> Ultra) is that they are bigger, the Flyer performs just as well, but with smaller cameras.
Ok, the big rigs have some other features, like 24v, tilting & motorized topstages, longer, telescoping posts, and a little more stable because they are bigger, but those are irrelevant.

It is a big step up from the handhelds, in cost and learning curve. But if you operate a lot, it's well well worth it. You can shoot all day (I've done a 19 hour [rig on and off, I was also lighting] with an FX1 on the Flyer without any trouble. I really could wear one all day. That beeing said, the Merlin performs just as well with the lighter cameras too - for your average handycam, it's prety much impossible to beat. Plus it has the added benefits of beeing small and nible enough to move much more freely. Like the floor to overhead shot you mentioned, that isn't possible with a full rig (Except the Alien Revolution, but that's over a hundred grand for the whole kit!)

- Mikko
 
Merlin + DV Sportster (sometimes)?

Merlin + DV Sportster (sometimes)?

Hey, what do you guys think of getting (to use with the Merlin) something like the Varizoom DV sportster, that $800. vest/arm, specifically to reduce fatigue for long days of shooting.
(It works with the JR, so it should work with the Merlin, since the Merlin has the same hole in the bottom of the handle.) Since the arm is not double-articulated, I would not use it for running, or fast moving shots, but just for the slower stuff. For running / fast tracking shots, and other fancy stuff, I'd use MY arm. :)
Any thoughts? Thanks.
 
hello I am thinking of getting a melin , with my dvx 100 + ultra wide angle fisheye the dvx is not more then the hvx so u think it can hold the weight of the cam and the lens??
 
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