Merlin Or Glidecam 4000

withuk

withuk

Active member
Hi,

Just about to buy either a Glidecam 4000 or a Merlin stedicam for the HVX 200. At the moment my budget will only allow to buy the main part and I will have to buy the shoulder add ons at a later date.

Is it just me or do all the test shot videos indicate that the footage is actually smoother at flying with the Glidecam, even if it is harder to set up.

Also I've heard a few things about the merlin having parts made out of plastic and parts that will become loose with a camera the size and weight of the HVX 200.

Would be very grateful if anyone with experience using either one with the HVX 200 had any information or opinions.

Thank you.
 
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withuk said:
Hi,

Also I've heard a few things about the merlin having parts made out of plastic and parts that will become loose with a camera the size and weight of the HVX 200.
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That's correct with the "old" Merlin. The new version comes with a 6-piece metal gimbal which supports the HVX nicely. I have used it. If you have a Merlin sold prior to this month, you'd need to upgrade the gimbal (about $150). If you are loading up the HVX with accessories that bring it over 7.5 lbs, you'd have to use the Glidecam, which supports up to 14 lbs.
 
Thank you for the reply.

So to confirm, if I was to use just the HVX with P2 cards and no accessories, the shots that I can get from the Merlin will look smother and superior to the glidecam?
 
Side by side, both rigs with an experienced operator, you couldn't tell from the shots which was which..-

Until after a couple of minutes when the glidecam started to get heavy.

Of course the Merlin operator would also have had to wait for the Glidecam operator to get up and balanced.

The Merlin operator could also grab a tripod shot, and be back and balanced on the Merlin again, before the camera was even off the Glidecam.

And when the Merlin operator got tired, they'd just fold into "shoulder mode" for the shots without much movement.



Point is; both can get you similar shots in the right hands, however how fast and comfortably you can work is where the rigs really separate themselves.

And once you throw in the arm & vest options, the Glidecam doesn't hold a candle to the Steadicam. - Except in price, where the Glidecam costs almost as little as the Steadicam does!

- Mikko
 
withuk said:
Thank you for the reply.

So to confirm, if I was to use just the HVX with P2 cards and no accessories, the shots that I can get from the Merlin will look smother and superior to the glidecam?
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In my opinion, yes. It is also much easier and more elegant to use. The design and engineering of the Merlin is simply amazing. I also find I don't start to get tired with the Merlin/HVX until at least 20 minutes. Of course I am ambidextrous, so I can just switch hands and keep it just as steady ;)
 
Marketmd and Mikko, thank you very much for your replies! I am now going to take your experienced advice and purchase a Merlin with a view to get the arm and vest at a later date.
 
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Just wondering, if it is possible for the accessory plate on the Merlin to hold the Firestore FS-100 or would that pull on the camera and render the steadicam useless?

Also can you shoot from above on a 90 degree angle? and if not does anyone know as to how much of a tilt you can get on it?

Thank you for any replies!
 
You can tilt all the way round if you need to in all directions! (You just have to keep the gimble handle moving out of the way)

And the FireStore is too heavy to work properly on any handheld stabilizer.

- Mikko
 
withuk said:
Just wondering, if it is possible for the accessory plate on the Merlin to hold the Firestore FS-100 or would that pull on the camera and render the steadicam useless?
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Do you mean THIS accessory plate? (Jim Farrell). If so, it works well, just make sure you choose a short firewire cable and keep the tape or velcro holding the cable very tight to the frame.
 
just throwing my two cents in there. I have never operated a merlin or any steadicam product in my life, but have been using glidecams for over two years now, and i can definitely vouch for their ability to create stunningly smooth footage.

I've used the glidecam 2000 pro with a dvx100b and now the glidecam 4000 pro wit hthe xh a1, i recently purchased the smooth shooter and have had a blast with it. IT really produces.
 
Thank you for the replies!

Sorry to be a pain but a couple more questions,

Can I get just the Merlin and upgrade it at a later date with the vest and arm?

Is there an attachment plate for the top of my camera so I can fly with a low tracking shot?

Thanks
 
PaPa said:
just throwing my two cents in there. I have never operated a merlin or any steadicam product in my life, but have been using glidecams for over two years now, and i can definitely vouch for their ability to create stunningly smooth footage.

I've used the glidecam 2000 pro with a dvx100b and now the glidecam 4000 pro wit hthe xh a1, i recently purchased the smooth shooter and have had a blast with it. IT really produces.
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It looks great. How much for the whole package (2000 + S.S.)?
 
marketmd said:
That's correct with the "old" Merlin. The new version comes with a 6-piece metal gimbal which supports the HVX nicely. I have used it. If you have a Merlin sold prior to this month, you'd need to upgrade the gimbal (about $150). If you are loading up the HVX with accessories that bring it over 7.5 lbs, you'd have to use the Glidecam, which supports up to 14 lbs.
Click to expand...


Hi, don't suppose you know where I can order online the 6-piece metal gimbal or the Merlin with the metal gimbal. (without the arma and vest)

Thank you.
 
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Yes, after taking the advice of many on this site, I bought the Merlin. It's quick to set up, balances perfectly and glides very smoothly.

I would totally recommend this great bit of kit.
 
Hi Withuk, i bought it two weeks ago...and still don't have a clue in the ''How to balance it '' department...need help here...!!!
 
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i have a 35mm adapter. It seems like neither of these would really work. Anyone have any examples / ideas of what type of setup I would need

Replies would be amazing, thanks in advance.
 
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