Stedicam Merlin vs Flowpod
- Thread starter Zim
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mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
Well .. if you need a monopod, that can occasionally imitate a Steadicam, then the Flowpod woudl be the choice.
But otherwise the Merlin is definatly worth the price difference as a stabilizer.
- Mikko
But otherwise the Merlin is definatly worth the price difference as a stabilizer.
- Mikko
kgimedia
Well-known member
I have been back and forth on this issue for weeks now. I have narrowed to Flowpod or Merlin. I know many of the ups and downs. That being said I have to tell a story.
I was hundreds of miles from home on my way to a music festival. I stop at a friendly neighborhood Walmart for supplies a found a $20 monopod. While I know the pro gear is not found at Walmart, I had 2 DVX's 3 tripods and 3 days of shooting ahead of me. I thought "why not". I'm getting paid good money and by the 3rd day I may need help keeping my arm steady. Well before I could even pick up my press pass the monopod broke in a very shitty way. The cheap junk snapped when twisted to far. I was very tightly stuck to my camera. Long story a little shorter, it worked great. I was so amazed. My shots were most improved from a $20 Walmart monopd. After the festival I was scared to do anything as I had many other good paying events. It continued to perform amazing. Eventually I got the balls to use a drill and remove the monopod. The DVX was safe but I lost a great tool.
I explained that to define my dilemma. I make most of my cash from events. Having saved some of said cash I went looking for a good monopod and found that sweet one Manfrotto make with fluid pan head and feet. Then I see Flowpod. While from research I think the Merlin a is far stabilizer, I feel the Flowpod is the best fit for my current style.
Now my question. Does it work? It seems many of the responses out there are consistent that for Ad work or Features or any non run and gun the Flowpod is not the best. Am I wrong though in assuming that all of the things that make a traditional stabilizer unwieldy for event videography make the Flowpod the one. My ultimate goal is some sort of vest and support arm as well as a Merlin or better in the future.
I have read many posts and Mikko seems to know his ****. Based on my rambles what does the community think. Is the Flowpod worth it when factored as a monopod that is double in price to one of the best not "steady" monopods.
I was hundreds of miles from home on my way to a music festival. I stop at a friendly neighborhood Walmart for supplies a found a $20 monopod. While I know the pro gear is not found at Walmart, I had 2 DVX's 3 tripods and 3 days of shooting ahead of me. I thought "why not". I'm getting paid good money and by the 3rd day I may need help keeping my arm steady. Well before I could even pick up my press pass the monopod broke in a very shitty way. The cheap junk snapped when twisted to far. I was very tightly stuck to my camera. Long story a little shorter, it worked great. I was so amazed. My shots were most improved from a $20 Walmart monopd. After the festival I was scared to do anything as I had many other good paying events. It continued to perform amazing. Eventually I got the balls to use a drill and remove the monopod. The DVX was safe but I lost a great tool.
I explained that to define my dilemma. I make most of my cash from events. Having saved some of said cash I went looking for a good monopod and found that sweet one Manfrotto make with fluid pan head and feet. Then I see Flowpod. While from research I think the Merlin a is far stabilizer, I feel the Flowpod is the best fit for my current style.
Now my question. Does it work? It seems many of the responses out there are consistent that for Ad work or Features or any non run and gun the Flowpod is not the best. Am I wrong though in assuming that all of the things that make a traditional stabilizer unwieldy for event videography make the Flowpod the one. My ultimate goal is some sort of vest and support arm as well as a Merlin or better in the future.
I have read many posts and Mikko seems to know his ****. Based on my rambles what does the community think. Is the Flowpod worth it when factored as a monopod that is double in price to one of the best not "steady" monopods.
gco
Veteran
I think the price issue is confusing the matter.
The Flowpod is not worth $500.
I bought one used for $300, tested it and sold it because I knew it was not for me. For one, the balance method is crude. You loosen and tighten thumb screws and manually slide the plate to find balance. Be prepared to spend a few minutes doing this. It will balance. It does enable you to get some nice smooth gliding moves. You have to be cognizant of bumping into things as the weighted end extends down to your knees. It will of course extend to form a monopod when needed. It is not the type of rig that you can switch to/from a tripod quickly. Also, it is relatively heavy.
The Merlin is worth at least $700.
At least that is what I bought a used one for and I haven't yet felt like I got ripped off. The balancing method is much better, more practical and efficient. You use built in thumb rollers to adjust the plate. You do need to learn and understand the principles behind dynamic balance--not difficult. All of that info is available on Steadicam's website and on this website. Otherwise be prepared to spend more than a few minutes attempting to balance. It does enable you to get very smooth, dynamic, gliding moves. Its far easier to navigate obstacles with. You can easily switch to/from a tripod and get it back in balance very quickly. The adapter plate that enables you to switch between the Merlin and tripod is less than rock solid when on the tripod. Also, it is relatively light weight.
Bottom line:
You are essentially deciding between a $300 (or less) piece of equipment and a $700 (at least) piece of equipment. About 2 1/2 times in difference. If you could test each, your decision would be much easier. If you decide to try the Flowpod, don't waste your money and buy a new one. Rent, borrow or get one used so you can get your money out of it if you decide that it's not what you need.
All of this from a new user with very limited experience.
The Flowpod is not worth $500.
I bought one used for $300, tested it and sold it because I knew it was not for me. For one, the balance method is crude. You loosen and tighten thumb screws and manually slide the plate to find balance. Be prepared to spend a few minutes doing this. It will balance. It does enable you to get some nice smooth gliding moves. You have to be cognizant of bumping into things as the weighted end extends down to your knees. It will of course extend to form a monopod when needed. It is not the type of rig that you can switch to/from a tripod quickly. Also, it is relatively heavy.
The Merlin is worth at least $700.
At least that is what I bought a used one for and I haven't yet felt like I got ripped off. The balancing method is much better, more practical and efficient. You use built in thumb rollers to adjust the plate. You do need to learn and understand the principles behind dynamic balance--not difficult. All of that info is available on Steadicam's website and on this website. Otherwise be prepared to spend more than a few minutes attempting to balance. It does enable you to get very smooth, dynamic, gliding moves. Its far easier to navigate obstacles with. You can easily switch to/from a tripod and get it back in balance very quickly. The adapter plate that enables you to switch between the Merlin and tripod is less than rock solid when on the tripod. Also, it is relatively light weight.
Bottom line:
You are essentially deciding between a $300 (or less) piece of equipment and a $700 (at least) piece of equipment. About 2 1/2 times in difference. If you could test each, your decision would be much easier. If you decide to try the Flowpod, don't waste your money and buy a new one. Rent, borrow or get one used so you can get your money out of it if you decide that it's not what you need.
All of this from a new user with very limited experience.
kgimedia
Well-known member
I am in Philadelphia, which I consider a major market, and the Flowpod or Merlin is not available for rent or borrow anywhere I can find. I make good money but not enough to waste. I think after months of searching online and reading all the great posts here, thanks Mikko for taking time to post so much, I am going with the Merlin and the Bogen / Manfrotto 561B Fluid Video Monopod with Fluid Head. I wanted the Flowpod for both and to save some change but it seems like this combo makes the best sense. Hopefully the Merlin tripod adapter will work with the Monopod.
What about the Glidecam 2000 Pro and Glidecam X-10? Any one have any expereince using them with the DVX 100B? Does the Glidecam 2000 work better than the merlin. It is definitely cheaper, and I heard that the Merlin has a plastic gimbal which may cause problems. the videos on the Glidecam website are impressive, but I wonder if they are representative?
Thanks, Steve
Thanks, Steve
mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
kgimedia; yes the tripod plate from the Merlin will work with any tripod/monopod.
The partly plastic gimbal on the Merlin works just fine, however it has now been replaced by a stronger metal one to increase the capacity of the system.
- Mikko
The partly plastic gimbal on the Merlin works just fine, however it has now been replaced by a stronger metal one to increase the capacity of the system.
- Mikko