C100: Stedycam Merlin for c100
- Thread starter tom1
- Start date
Eric Coughlin
Veteran
Sell the Merlin and buy a Glidecam HD4000.
Why ? Could you be more clear .
Eric Coughlin
Veteran
Because the Merlin has a steeper learning curve (anytime gear takes longer to learn to get the same results, that is a flaw in the gear (not saying you can actually get the same results, because it's totally inferior to the HD4000)), is harder to balance, can't take the weight of a C100 unless you really strip it down, etc. Weight capacity of the Merlin is 5 lbs. My C100 Mark II with a standard battery, top handle, side handle, and 18-35 lens, weighs about 7 lbs. Glidecam HD4000 weight capacity is 10 lbs. It can easily handle a C100.
A C100 Mark I is a bit lighter, and say you put a light lens like the 17-55 or 11-16 on it, along with taking off the top handle and replacing it with a Rode Videomic Pro (since the Mark I has no internal mic), maybe take off the side handle, and by that point you may be down to around 4-5 lbs, but why make all those compromises? Even then, you're still at the top end of the weight capacity of the Merlin.
I tried the Merlin and could never get it to work well. I then bought the Glidecam HD4000 and now get great shots with it.
I shot this with the Glidecam HD4000. I'm a big fan of it!
A C100 Mark I is a bit lighter, and say you put a light lens like the 17-55 or 11-16 on it, along with taking off the top handle and replacing it with a Rode Videomic Pro (since the Mark I has no internal mic), maybe take off the side handle, and by that point you may be down to around 4-5 lbs, but why make all those compromises? Even then, you're still at the top end of the weight capacity of the Merlin.
I tried the Merlin and could never get it to work well. I then bought the Glidecam HD4000 and now get great shots with it.
I shot this with the Glidecam HD4000. I'm a big fan of it!
Drew Ott
Wish I were banned.
Eric is right. I used a Merlin for 6 years and became pretty good with it. Then I used a Glidecam for the first time and I was like "wtf this is so easy!" This is painful for me to admit because I used to be a Merlin fanboy. And also you can balance the Glidecam on your knee and set it down on the ground easily for static shots.
I got merlin for 2 reason . Reliable brand and you can run longer . At now I balanced merlin with sony fs100 + samyang e 12mm with great results . Any way I will have to do step towards glidecam or gimbal because I am going replace my fs100 for mk2 , and I do not think merlin will be able to mange with c100 or mk2 . This is big pain when you have to change habits , I spend with merlin many years too . A few months ago I was thinking to get ronin-m , but every time when I watch sample I see steps , with big ronin I do not see this issue , but it is just too heavy . What I really like with gimbl is wind proof , they are much better when it comes to shoot outside , merlin is useless in this area .
Get the Glidecam DGS if you have the budget for it. It's the upgraded version of the Glidecam HD 4000 and feels much safer to place a big camera on. I believe HD 4000 requires you to use a base plate on the unit and then you can put the camera on. The base plate can sometimes become loose making it feel unsafe to put a large camera on. The DGS has a built on base plate and also allows you to film low to the ground.
Also, I hate the Ronin M. If you operate alone and do weddings, the Ronin-M holds you back because you can only set it down on the stand. That becomes very annoying if you need to take the camera out or the unit becomes too heavy and the stand is in another room during a live event. The Ronin M is a huge time waster when doing live events alone, you will miss key moments if you have to walk all the way back to the stand just to take the camera out.
Also, I hate the Ronin M. If you operate alone and do weddings, the Ronin-M holds you back because you can only set it down on the stand. That becomes very annoying if you need to take the camera out or the unit becomes too heavy and the stand is in another room during a live event. The Ronin M is a huge time waster when doing live events alone, you will miss key moments if you have to walk all the way back to the stand just to take the camera out.
In place where are live is very windy , For such a whether ronin should be better , however , mostly I work alone that is why I will go with glidecam . Merlin has one more disadvantage I never was able to get (shoot) camera move from top ceiling to down . Ok is there any more advantage of Glidecam DGS over Glidecam HD 4000 . Is there better quality ? How long are you able to shoot glidecam + c100 without vest and arm ? I know it is individual . I am just wonder how much less time I will carry new setup . At now I can fly with merlin over 10min ( fs100 + samyang 12mm )
Eric Coughlin
Veteran
I think I was doing around two minutes on the C100 + Glidecam without a vest. After that it gets pretty tiring. I typically shoot with the vest these days since I have it and the shots tend to be better with it.