Lightweight Steadicam-like Device for GH2?

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Dan Clark

Active member
Hi. While in Belize a week ago, I took some good video with my GH2. That is, it was good when my Manfrotto 560B video monopod was firmly planted on the ground. However when climbing the steps of Mayan ruins or any other time the monopod was off the ground, it was very shaky horizontally. So I'm looking for a Steadicam-like device that works well, is reasonable cost (say $300 or less), and is lightweight and portable (probably an oxymoron for most stabilization devices).

I looked at the Manfrotto ModoSteady, but the reviews aren't great. Any opinions on the ModoSteady for GH2? Other options for the GH2?

Thanks and regards,

Dan.

p.s. Since the 560B monopod has "fluid" tripod feet, it stabilizes fairly well laterally. Given that it is very light and portable, I was very happy with the results. Linky: http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-560B-1-Fluid-Monopod-Replaces/dp/B002NZH40O
 
Have you checked out the Glidecam series of stabalizers?
The HD 1000 fits the GH2 weight well and its at $350.
There's also the Steadicam Merlin but thats $800+
Check out this CheesyCam article on two lightweight stabilizers that can work for the GH2.
I dont have any of these save for ones I've built myself but the Glidecam have been known for the best bang for buck.
The Flycam is good too so I've heard but you get what you pay for...
 
Save your money and get the merlin...you will not regret it... I tried all the others and returned them. Or depending how log your shots are you can get good results with a mono pod 516b... Awesome for runnin and gunnin!
 
Great feedback

Great feedback

Thanks for the excellent feedback. Lots to think about. I'd like a Steadicam, but they are pricey. Interestingly, there is a Merlin on sale locally for $500. I might be able to get it for $400 or $450.

Regarding the "516" monopod, I assume you mean the 561BHDV: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/737980-REG/Manfrotto_561BHDV_1_Fluid_Video_Monopod_W_Head.html. It turns out that I have that monopod too. I decided to take the 560B to Belize because it is much lighter. That said, I like both monopods. With tripod feet extended and on the ground the work great.

Thanks and regards,

Dan.
 
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galbach said:
Save your money and get the merlin...you will not regret it... I tried all the others and returned them. Or depending how log your shots are you can get good results with a mono pod 516b... Awesome for runnin and gunnin!
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+10. The Glide cam hand design is awful! If your not careful it will knock against the under side the glide cam plate. Really sucks. I have used the Merlin on a couple projects and fell in love with it. Save up and go for it.
 
Is the Merlin worth the price? Thinking about investing in just the device (no arm or vest... too expensive for me atm) to fly my 60D with my 11-16 Tokina lens, and maybe my 30mm depending on how smooth it is.
 
I bought a Glidecam and promptly sold it years ago. Then invested in a Steadicam Merlin and I'm a satisfied customer. I posted up my Merlin "recipe" here.

Steadicam has created a very useful spreadsheet that will help you get close. You basically just plug in your camera's weight and its center of gravity and the spreadsheet will calculate everything for you.
 
drewski310 said:
I bought a Glidecam and promptly sold it years ago. Then invested in a Steadicam Merlin and I'm a satisfied customer. I posted up my Merlin "recipe" here.

Steadicam has created a very useful spreadsheet that will help you get close. You basically just plug in your camera's weight and its center of gravity and the spreadsheet will calculate everything for you.
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After seeing your setup with GH2/Nokton 25mm F0.95 and viewing this video I think I will get one also , thanks for the info.

Update, I just purchased a used Steadicam Merlin on ebay so I will use your tips on your GH2 / Nokton 25mm F0.95 setup when I get it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=170620968588&si=p3ja6K7WZ0NLgqmrAulO6Ow9GYY%253D&viewitem=
 
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joe1946 said:
After seeing your setup with GH2/Nokton 25mm F0.95 and viewing this video I think I will get one also , thanks for the info.

Update, I just purchased a used Steadicam Merlin on ebay so I will use your tips on your GH2 / Nokton 25mm F0.95 setup when I get it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...88&si=p3ja6K7WZ0NLgqmrAulO6Ow9GYY%3D&viewitem=
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Awesome. One of the strengths of the Merlin is the ability to make very fine adjustments. As you get close to the balance point, the ability to make very small adjustments is the difference between a successful shot and total frustration. It was just so much easier (but still not easy) to get the balance. If you've never used a stabilizer, it's not something you can just pick up and create awesome footage...takes a lot of practice and patience, but the results are worth it.
 
BTW did you ever try the GH2/Merlin combo with an IS lens like the 14-45mm @14mm and IS on ? I was wondering if IS and the Merlin would work better than with IS off.
 
How about the Camera Motion Research Blackbird? Anyone tried it with GH2? I don't see it mentioned very often on the net, but when I do it always seems to be positive. I'm always curious to hear more about it because I'm leaning toward getting it when I'm ready for a stabilizer at some point.
 
joe1946 said:
BTW did you ever try the GH2/Merlin combo with an IS lens like the 14-45mm @14mm and IS on ? I was wondering if IS and the Merlin would work better than with IS off.
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It's my understanding that you are supposed to turn off any image stabilization when using a Steadicam or other type of device, otherwise the built-in stabilization will work against the Steadicam, especially during pans.
 
joe1946 said:
After seeing your setup with GH2/Nokton 25mm F0.95 and viewing this video I think I will get one also , thanks for the info.

Update, I just purchased a used Steadicam Merlin on ebay so I will use your tips on your GH2 / Nokton 25mm F0.95 setup when I get it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=170620968588&si=p3ja6K7WZ0NLgqmrAulO6Ow9GYY%253D&viewitem=
Click to expand...

You're the guy that outbid me; congratulations. Hopefully I can get one too. I've been looking for months trying to find the Merlin for less than 550
 
drewski310 said:
It's my understanding that you are supposed to turn off any image stabilization when using a Steadicam or other type of device, otherwise the built-in stabilization will work against the Steadicam, especially during pans.
Click to expand...
I will most likely just use it with my Voigtländer Nokton 25mm f/0.95 and if I use my IS lenses I will turn off IS like Garrett Brown said in his FAQs.
5. Why do I need the Merlin if my camera has EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization)?

EIS is meant to counteract the small angular vibrations that occur when you hold an object somewhere other than at it’s exact center-of-gravity (which of course is buried inside your camcorder!). Of course as soon as you begin to walk or attempt to move your camcorder with your arms, the size of the unwanted angular moves becomes way too large for EIS to counteract and spoils the smoothness of your shots.
 In two important ways, Merlin beats the drawers off of 'Steadishot' and other electronic image stabilizing features. The first way is that Steadicam in general, (and Merlin in particular) provides superior stability against both small and large angular influences by shifting that famous “C.G” from inside the camera body and placing it at the center of a ‘gimbal’ that isolates the entire structure against angular shakes. 
In addition, Merlin turns your camcorder into a poised, balanced, angularly inert object that can be oriented––panned and tilted––with gentle finger pressure, and moved energetically through space without angular influence. In other words, Steadicam is inherently a more elegant, smooth and precise way to hold a camera than handheld. Your camera can be as still as if on a tripod. Or your entire range-of movement––your full arm reach, bending-to-the-floor and lifting-overhead, your the full freedom to walk and run––will be accessible to your lens without the ‘handheld’ bumps and shakes.
 Expert Merlin shooting takes practice, but you will take pride in your growing skills and eventually deliver work that can be indistinguishable from Hollywood dolly-and-jib shots!
Click to expand...

http://www.tiffen.com/steadicam_faqs.html
 
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