Steadicam Merlin demo video up on Steadicam.com

[Noel Evans]

Papa I think you will find the Merlin whilst taking more time to master gives a far better result.

 

[HorseFilms]

Theres a high learning curve to this merlin though. Don't expect to spend $800 and just have steady shots without lots and lots and lots of practice.

That just goes with the territory. There's always going to be a lot of practice involved if you want to do anything in filmmaking right.

 

[Loulou P.]

That just goes with the territory. There's always going to be a lot of practice involved if you want to do anything in filmmaking right.

I am considering the Merlin. Would you recommend it to a beginner of sorts? And could you explain the dovetail? Thanks.

 

[Noel Evans]

I can help you there Loulou. With steadicam I too am a beginner, however I have been able to acheive some excellent results with the merlin and it just keeps getting better.

The dovetail plate attaches to your camera, it has many holes that are set up to attach to standard cameras so usually you find yours and attach. The dovetail then easily clips to the top of the merlin. The dovetail plate then can be easily removed from the merlin (2 seconds) then slid on top of the tripod adapter plate (2 seconds) so your from one to the other in moments.

 

[Loulou P.]

I can help you there Loulou. With steadicam I too am a beginner, however I have been able to acheive some excellent results with the merlin and it just keeps getting better.

The dovetail plate attaches to your camera, it has many holes that are set up to attach to standard cameras so usually you find yours and attach. The dovetail then easily clips to the top of the merlin. The dovetail plate then can be easily removed from the merlin (2 seconds) then slid on top of the tripod adapter plate (2 seconds) so your from one to the other in moments.

Thanks for that. I guess transferring from the Merlin onto a tripod implies having good balance if shooting straight through...

 

[Loulou P.]

But the Merlin is lighter, more stable, and less straining to use, not to mention MUCH easier to balance then the Glidecams. And it's smaller too.

- Mikko

But is the Merlin better than the Glidecam for say, shooting from a moving vehicle? The Glidecam I just discovered is incredibly cheap compared to $1100.+ (CAN) for the Merlin...

 

[mikkowilson]

But is the Merlin better than the Glidecam for say, shooting from a moving vehicle? The Glidecam I just discovered is incredibly cheap compared to $1100.+ (CAN) for the Merlin...

Yes Merlin is better. You get what you pay for.

- Mikko

 

[Loulou P.]

meh, my 175 dollar used glidecam 2000 pro gives the same results. just a little more difficult to balance, but same shiz. biznatch

I just doublechecked the price for a Glidecam 2000 Pro on a US website, and it's nowhere near the $400. + (CAN) retailing at home. I wonder why there is such a high mark-up here??? The same with the Merlin. And it's not currency exchange these days...

 

[Loulou P.]

Yes Merlin is better. You get what you pay for.

- Mikko

Thanks, Mikko. I guess I'll stick to my first choice. I was trying to be economical in case it's not for me.

 

[Noel Evans]

Economical is a good way to think, it can save you. But I cant believe you will do better in quality in hand held stabilisation than a Merlin. Lets face it your camera moves are one of the most critical components.