Steadicam Merlin?

taubkin

taubkin

Veteran
Hey, I was curious if you guys had any word on the steadicam Merlin. I've been hearing a lot of comments saying it was much more stable than the Jr, and I'm thinking with myself, how's this possible, other than it being considerably lighter...

Anybody had experience with it?

Thanks for the feedback!
 
I too have been curious about the Merlin. Anyone have any experience with this stabilization device?
 
Funny how the same questions show up on multiple forums around the same time (from different people..)

I played with the Merlin quite a bit at IBC.
It is much more stable than the JR, mostly becuase it's much more ridged in construction.
Also it's faster to set up and much lighter (the lightness also helps stablity) - not to mention it has a huge capacity growth too.

I like it, very neat little stabilizer.

It should also be shipping here sometime in the near future. The list price remains at $850

- Mikko
 
mikkowilson said:
Also it's fater to set up and much lighter (the lightness also helps stablity) - not ot mention it has a huge capacity growth too.

I like it, very neat little stabilizer.

It should also be shipping here sometime in the near future. The list price remains at $850
Click to expand...

how can the lightness help stability? (where bigger mass = biger inertion)
 
Yes that is the Merlin that we are refering to (Has someone actually got the wizard dooing shots for them?)

By using a very light unit, that only has mass at the key points (far from the CG) it will have a much greater stabilizing effect over the entire system.

Granted just pure mass anywhere adds stabilty, but image trying to stabilize a rock, then stabilize a feather, using only half the mass of the rock extended out.. it will hold better.
The effect of displacement outweighs the effect of mass when it comes to adding inertia. [pun intended]
It's one of those "work smarter, not harder" things..

..oh yeah, and also beacuse it's lighter you get tired slower, and this keeps your hand from getting the shakes (which also helps!)

P.S. I like your location; pal land, nice... ;)

- Mikko
 
DVX100a too heavy for Merlin

DVX100a too heavy for Merlin

Basic camera w/o ext. mike, Chroiszel mattebox, wireless receiver, fat batt. might just barely meet max wt. load of 5lbs.
 
DVX100a too heavy for Merlin

DVX100a too heavy for Merlin

Basic camera w/o ext. mike, Chroiszel mattebox, wireless receiver, fat batt. might just barely meet max wt. load of 5lbs.
 
You would be pushing it to get an accesorized DVX on the Merlin. - it'll fly a basic one though.

Really for the DVX for most users here, I'd sugest a Flyer, but there's a notable price difference.

- Mikko
 
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