Questions on Merlin and Glidecam 2000 pro stabilizing systems

Question for anyone with glidecam/handheld stabilizer experience on set:

How many setups can you typically accomplish in an hour? It sounds like skilled operators can rehearse the shot 2 or 3 times, then nail it. Is this accurate? I got a project coming up with a whole bunch of rapid moving shots, and I'm hoping I can grind them out relatively quick.
 
Hey Derrick,

It depends on a lot of factors, many of them having nothing to do with you. The shots themselves, their complexity, the setup required for each, lighting, rigging, actor prep, rehearsal, the experience and speed of the crew, and much more. You should always be working on rehearsing your part as much and as soon as possible. Of course, stay out of the way of anyone buzzing around doing their job between setups. You may need to take a rehearsal or two just in your head.

Certainly as your skill improves, the time it takes for you to "get it" when shooting decreases. This will make you more efficient, but there is no hard number to rehearsals. Preparation is key.

Best,
Afton
 
Just on the weight issue...would the Merlin take a DVX or HVX with the clamp-on Chrosziel 4x4 mattebox and filter? I can't find exactly how much the mattebox weighs, but it's not too heavy I don't think...

I've already read someone say the Merlin won't take the HVX with the FS-100, but could you still shoot with the FS-100 and put it in your pocket or something? Or is this getting too cumbersome?
 
Don't know about the mattebox on the DVX, but it will be far too heavy on the HVX. I suspect it probabaly wouldn't work on the DVX either.

The Firestore could be carried in pocket, but you'd want to find a very very flexible firewire cable and be very carefull in it's routing.
I'd seriously recomend simply using P2 cards for your Steadicam shots.

Both of these acessories are really outside of Merlin's range and would really be much more suited to a bigger rig like the Flyer.

- Mikko
 
Thanks Mikko! I thought I might be pushing my luck there.

A Flyer would be lovely, but unfortunately I don't have that kind of cash. Which system would be best in the ($2k price range) for carrying a DVX with clamp-on mattebox? I don't have an HVX at present but I'm hoping to upgrade sometime, so whichever steadi-system I buy also needs to be able to cope with the HVX with a mattebox on it (and if possible the FS-100 as well, since I think I'd get that over the P2 store).

I also think I need a vest and articulated arm because I'm not kidding myself that I'm strong enough for much work with a handheld-only unit. I'm going to be out on walking tracks shooting in the forest etc, and some of the shots could go for a little while.

The reason I liked the look of the Merlin is because it seems like a really high quality item, and quicker to set up and balance than the other options. I will need to change from tripod to steadi-whatever and back again without taking hours to set up each time.

I'd really appreciate your suggestions.
 
I've been doing some more searching online...has anyone heard anything (good or bad) about the FS PRO? Their website (http://www.fsprostab.com/english/index.htm) contains a testimonial from one DVXuser who seemed happy, but when I searched the forum here I couldn't find any other posts. It's in my price range, but I'm not educated enough to know if it looks like a good unit or not.
 
the glidecam is gawky enough without a mattebox; putting big accessories on it would be like competing in a televised dancing contest with a wooden leg.

Do people actually stick 35mm adapters and matte boxes and monitors on these little guys?
 
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