Steadicam Merlin Test shots

Nice old Bug, good shots. The skydive shot sent shivers down my back when you watch them make that inital jump. I've skydived myself and its such an incredible rush!!!!! Thanks for sharing.
 
I borrowed the Merlin from a friend for the weekend and I didn't have any previous experience with anything "Steadi." It's very simple to balance your camera and incredibly easy to operate even if you've never touched one before. A half hour of messing around and I was pretty damn good at it :)

Keep in mind some 35mm adapters may put it over the rated 5 lbs. maximum (DVX100B is 4.4 lbs with the standard battery). However, you may be able to go a little over the max weight and still be able to keep everything balanced.

Yeah, now I've got to get one of these buggers too!
 
man, that piece is sweet. Gets much less wobble than my glidecam2000 pro

but ill stick to it for what im doing, i dont mind a little wibble wobble in the shot :)

for creative purposes... i swear.
 
Nice. I was going to ask a few questions, but it seems you've already answered them for me; i.e. how much practice did you have, etc...

I was debating between getting a steadicam, or a Nikon D70 camera, and I think you just helped me make up my mind.
 
rat6666-

quick question...how heavy did that rig get? I am loving the reviews I've read about the merlin but I haven't heard anything about fatigue.

Any input?

Rick
 
Arn't pets horribel actors? They never move on cue!

Seriously thoguh, I am way impressed at that footage. The first minute or so of operating is very solid. First time? Definatly some talent there.


- Mikko .. has done his share of chasing cats with the rig.
 
how much did you pay for it? what's the link to it. also, does it get tiring to hold that up? because if not, I was thinking about using it for wedding videos.
 
Rick & LuckyProducer - As far as fatigue, yes it does get a little tiring to hold from time to time, but with proper rest periods for your "carrying" arm, it shouldn't be much of a problem to deal with.

I grip the Merlin's handle with my right hand, and my left hand cups the bottom/left side of my right hand. My left fingers control the gimbal which is just above the handle. Thus, my left arm takes up some of the camera weight from my right arm. A half hour of steady shooting is about what I can stand before taking a couple minutes for break. After that, I can be back in action for another stretch.

I've never shot weddings, so my input may not be as applicable as others here. Two factors suggest to me that the Merlin may not be the best choice for weddings:
A: The weight added by a lighting/battery rig may bring the DVX over the maximum 5 lbs. rating for the Merlin.
B: - The counterweight arm extends beneath and in front of the camera a decent amount. For close-in shots such as dancing at a reception, you may be susceptible to people's appendages bumping into the arm and throwing your camera way off the shot. However, this isn't much of a big deal if your situational awareness is anything but horrible :)


Mikko - That was my first time using it (apart from the prior weekend spent shooting hot air balloon footage, which I will post here soon). Thanks for the compliments! BTW, what rig do you fly?


Unix - that's my bedroom, hallway and kitchen :) It's my upstairs landlord's cat, Chubby, who I'm taking care of. He got hit by a car a couple weeks ago and is hobbling around in a splint while his leg continues to heal up. Poor Chubby.
 
rat6666 said:
Rick & LuckyProducer - As far as fatigue, yes it does get a little tiring to hold from time to time, but with proper rest periods for your "carrying" arm, it shouldn't be much of a problem to deal with.
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Thanks for the feedback.

1/2 hour stretch? That's not bad at all. You are right though...with the added weight a wedding shoot might necessitate...the battery pack, light etc., it might not be the best choice overall. But, I think for an early wedding, or for some pre-ceremony shots, you might be able to really get some beautiful shots.

I've heard nothing but good things about the Merlin. Now, after seeing your footage, I think this toy just surpassed the Century Optics 1.6x tele-adapter on my wish list!

Rick
 
I'm about to begin flying a brand spanking new Steadicam Archer (of which I recived the first box today, rest should be in tommorrow. :) )
I also Fly a Merlin that I've had since NAB, and I've been operating my school's Flyer for coming up on 2 years.

- Mikko
 
LuckyProducer said:
how much did you pay for it? what's the link to it. also, does it get tiring to hold that up? because if not, I was thinking about using it for wedding videos.
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I would suggest a shoulder mount for weddings before a steadicam. They give more of an ENG feel to the camera and disperse weight over the entire arm.
 
I like the "organic" movement provided by the merlin. I played with one at NAB and liked the feel o it but like anything it takes training and practice to become perfect.
 
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