GLIDECAM V-8 or merlin

vx1kOrnot

vx1kOrnot

Active member
I got a good offer that a person i know wants to sell his glidecam V8 for the same price as a Merlin he said he wanted to make space and did not use it very much do you think buying the v8 is worth it ? [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]
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I owned a V8 and now own a Merlin. I sold the V8 because I found myself doing more wedding videos than shorts and music videos. The V8 is too clumsy looking for weddings and it takes a bit of time to put on and take off. The Steadicam Merlin can be attached in seconds and is very versatile in tight settings and looks very professional to a large crowd of people at a reception. So think about what your application is going to be and see if you have the time for setup and balancing. If you don't have the time, get the Merlin.
Oh... and if you don't have the strength get the V8. You could physically last about 40 minutes with the V8 and only 10 minutes with the Merlin. I now have a HPX170 and I might be going back to Glidecam because of the weight. I used to use a DVX with the Merlin. Sorry for the run on sentences...
 
The V-8 is fine...as for looking too clumsy, who cares really....I'm sure I look super swave with my big earmuff headphones and battery belt. :)

The V-8...is that a single arm rig? Can't remember...

I use the X-10, it's awesome. It does take a little longer to balance than the Merlin, but I get better shots. And after doing it a few times, setup is a no brainer.

As a side note...I bump into all sorts of potential clients at weddings, and I've often gotten lots of contacts and extra business just because I look like I'm serious (loaded with gear, X-10, looks "just like" the stuff these guys see on sets, or on their "behind-the-scenes" DVD featurettes). So take that for what it's worth....sometimes it pays to not blend in quite so much. You never know who's watching you work at a wedding.
 
I can second the X-10 option. Just got one (still learning it) & loving the shots I'm getting with it. The first time I shot with it, all kinds of people wanted to take MY picture with the rig on. It gets attention.

I have the new 4000 HD, which is pretty easy to balance as it has new adjustment features.
 
ZazaCast said:
I have the new 4000 HD, which is pretty easy to balance as it has new adjustment features.
Click to expand...


Yeah, much improved over the 4000 Pro, the HD 4000 feels like an entirely different machine. Balancing is quicker and easier. A quick release plate is included, but it's a good idea to get an additional one to match whatever tripod/monopod you have so you can switch around if needed.
 
Zaza, I have the smoothshooter, is the X-10 (the dual arm) a lot better, cause I'm thinking of getting the X-10 upgrade for my smoothshooter, but would like to hear what someone thinks that used the smoothshooter singe arm, and then the X-10 dual arm?

thanks,
Derrick
 
Derrick_SA said:
Zaza, I have the smoothshooter, is the X-10 (the dual arm) a lot better, cause I'm thinking of getting the X-10 upgrade for my smoothshooter, but would like to hear what someone thinks that used the smoothshooter singe arm, and then the X-10 dual arm?

thanks,
Derrick
Click to expand...

I've never used the single arm...sorry.... but I can say, the X-10 is sweet! :thumbup:
 
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