Both of these steadicams are waayyy too much, i've been using the Cam Caddie with great success. If you use it right the results are easily comparable and for $38 Cam Caddie is a godsend.
Probably not an issue for the rich folks who casually have money to burn.. But 5:54-6:16 would be a DEAL CLOSER 4 me as far as the Merlin! $800+ what, another 100 (or more) for a lens, then it just slides off, falls on cement & there goes my investment? LOL Hellll naw!
I bought whole Merlin system 3 years ago but found it is very hard to use. Now I am using Glidecam HD2000, it's much easier to use and more tough. I would not suggest Merlin to anyone shooting Wedding or Event.
I'd prepare the flycam 5000 anyday because it gives an acceptable results, the merlin isnt that much better but woah its just way to much money for abit of metal...
I got this Flycam 5000 and I'm using it with the arm and the vest and once I got it balanced it stays like that forever. There's something you're not doing properly to get it balanced obviously. My opinion is that this is a very good piece of equipment and also affordable.
Merlin for what it is is very expensive. It shouldn't take nearly 30 mins to set up after setting down. I can tune the Steadicam junior which is great in 3 minutes after setting it down. You are right using the fingers to pan and tilt is very tiresome and can be jerky as with the Merlin.
Hey, I was wondering how long ago you bought the Steadicam Merlin? You said it cost you $850, I recently got mine for $799 and it came with a really nice and convenient bag ($100 value) for free, plus free shipping and no taxes!
Semo2010, you have to understand that any stabilizer system is very picky with weight distribution. Anything from the type of battery you use, which lens you use, down to the focal length of the lens and where the focus is on that lens. Personally, I love the Merlin due to its flexibility (it can fold up to become a shoulder mount) and how fast you can set it up (I use a canon 7d w/ grip, 2 batteries, manfrotto 577 plate, tokina 11-16). I can set my Merlin up in less than 10 seconds.
great review, really informs you on the flaws without BS... Would this be good for the Panasonic GF2 for travelling photography/videography ? the reason I might need this is to walk with it in the streets and take photos like crazy without having to take a tripod with me and without having to find a thing to balance the camera on. Whats the fatigue like on Merlin? and will it replace a tripod for photography, bearing in mind that you will have to touch the camera for settings .. etc ?
I think this was shot with an octbank left of camera as the main light and a gridded light up high and behnd for hair..the background is gray but we just had the lights far enough off of it. Everything was lit with Dynalite modeling lamps although we use photoflex star lights now
Would you mind describing how to replicate this kind of studio setup? maybe detail exactly what size room and light, camera settings as well perhaps? I really would love to replicate exactly what you've done here, as simple as it may seem to you, it doesnt seem so to me.
very objective view, thanks. I own the flycam, but have used several systems and it is def the operator that makes a shot great! A real photographer could use the monopod and still get great shots, technology should only compliment your skill, not be your skill.
And yes... way too heavy without vest except for the very shortest shots. I would not get this for a still camera. but, for my Canon XH A1s, it's great.
It's just not true that it goes out of balance when you set it on the ground. If I mark on the quick disconnect where it was, it flies the same when I put it back in that location. I screw mine down where hte weights down slide on the sled ... why would you allow that?
Rig and vest for Flycam 5000 is great; you must not have taken time to learn it. Take all such reviews wih a grain of salt ... these systems are what you make of it.
@PlatinumProductionzz what is there to learn about it? You have one spring that adjusts. If you jump up and down with the vest and arm the camera still shakes like crazy. I was able to play with a Steadicam arm and goodness, you can jump up and down and the camera is very stable. They have maybe 2 or 3 springs with 3 arms. Much better design. All the flycam one does is allows you to take some weight off your arms...it does not stablize at all.
This unit is obviously not designed to that level, hence the cost. Jump up and down? Jump up and DOWN! Why the heck would I want to do that? This is not an expensive rig. It helps me keep my shots steady and smooth and avoids wearing my arms down shot after shot the director calls.
If you can afford a more exp[ensive rig, get it. But, don't make people feel this thing is useless. That's bull.
you didnt really talk about using the merlin with the arm and vest, is that usable unlike the 5000 vest. can you get all the shots u want using the merlin vest, baiclly its a s**t load of money for the arm and vest so i would want it to be worthwhile unlike the flycam 5000
Are you kidding ? The flycam 5000 is unbalanced after you set it down on the ground??? How can this be Possible without changeing anythink? Sounds incredible....
Der hat doch nicht wirklich gesagt das man die jedesmal neu einstellen muss wenn man sie mal kurz hinstellt oder? Klingt absurd.
@imrstr The top plates are loose onto the post. I think minisled found solution. I didn't realize the top plates were that loose and changing dynamics everytime I take the flycam in my car.
@supersteadicam Ok so it just has to fixing the top plate and for release using the quick release Adaptor for Adding the cam. I think this should be help.
Other Flycams/Steadycams luke the Blackbird cost much more (too much)... so if this is the only Problem with it, i think the qick release Adaptor should help, or? :)
@imrstr I think the reason it is unbalanced is that the counter weights don't really lock completely. The way this is designed, the bolts can slide slightly on the sled which allows for just the smallest amount of weight change.
@FStoppers not ridiculous if you're using proper posture...i know 'cause i was once that guy and my shots didn't even justify it...thankfully i have gotten mych more proficient...by no means a master...but considerably more confident...
Great video and very clear ,made up my mind now.
IsisVisuals 2 weeks ago
oh i didn't know tom brady liked cameras
xxbluejay21 4 months ago
I think the glidecam is the best.
xxbluejay21 4 months ago
This is true about the flycams, they do not stay balanced for too long.
viniciusb 4 months ago
Both of these steadicams are waayyy too much, i've been using the Cam Caddie with great success. If you use it right the results are easily comparable and for $38 Cam Caddie is a godsend.
SoRealCereal 6 months ago
Probably not an issue for the rich folks who casually have money to burn.. But 5:54-6:16 would be a DEAL CLOSER 4 me as far as the Merlin! $800+ what, another 100 (or more) for a lens, then it just slides off, falls on cement & there goes my investment? LOL Hellll naw!
brandonelliot 7 months ago
I bought whole Merlin system 3 years ago but found it is very hard to use. Now I am using Glidecam HD2000, it's much easier to use and more tough. I would not suggest Merlin to anyone shooting Wedding or Event.
pepperImage 8 months ago
I'd prepare the flycam 5000 anyday because it gives an acceptable results, the merlin isnt that much better but woah its just way to much money for abit of metal...
jrm769 9 months ago
1:43, unbalanced? That's not true!
I got this Flycam 5000 and I'm using it with the arm and the vest and once I got it balanced it stays like that forever. There's something you're not doing properly to get it balanced obviously. My opinion is that this is a very good piece of equipment and also affordable.
Inlightphotostudio 9 months ago
Comment removed
Soul4Kee 9 months ago
@FStoppers Thats a really cool jacket what's the name and where'd you get it from?
lazarra101 10 months ago
Merlin for what it is is very expensive. It shouldn't take nearly 30 mins to set up after setting down. I can tune the Steadicam junior which is great in 3 minutes after setting it down. You are right using the fingers to pan and tilt is very tiresome and can be jerky as with the Merlin.
randallpaulcom 11 months ago
your using a 5000 on an SLR there is your problem. 5000 is for semi-pro digital video cameras, and the 3000 is for SLR's.
Vlogingdom 11 months ago
Hey, I was wondering how long ago you bought the Steadicam Merlin? You said it cost you $850, I recently got mine for $799 and it came with a really nice and convenient bag ($100 value) for free, plus free shipping and no taxes!
seniorjoe1992 11 months ago
i casn do the sam thing with a every day tripod
alienhddna 1 year ago
you never fucking stop to talk, show us a real test
snoozkilla 1 year ago
What camera did you shoot this vid on. It looks like 35mm movie film. Real nice?
kezadrone 1 year ago
Also, whenever you change any settings on any stabilizer, you have to readjust the settings to get the dynamic balance a stabilizer provides.
simplistek 1 year ago
Semo2010, you have to understand that any stabilizer system is very picky with weight distribution. Anything from the type of battery you use, which lens you use, down to the focal length of the lens and where the focus is on that lens. Personally, I love the Merlin due to its flexibility (it can fold up to become a shoulder mount) and how fast you can set it up (I use a canon 7d w/ grip, 2 batteries, manfrotto 577 plate, tokina 11-16). I can set my Merlin up in less than 10 seconds.
simplistek 1 year ago
great review, really informs you on the flaws without BS... Would this be good for the Panasonic GF2 for travelling photography/videography ? the reason I might need this is to walk with it in the streets and take photos like crazy without having to take a tripod with me and without having to find a thing to balance the camera on. Whats the fatigue like on Merlin? and will it replace a tripod for photography, bearing in mind that you will have to touch the camera for settings .. etc ?
thanks !
semo2010 1 year ago
I think this was shot with an octbank left of camera as the main light and a gridded light up high and behnd for hair..the background is gray but we just had the lights far enough off of it. Everything was lit with Dynalite modeling lamps although we use photoflex star lights now
FStoppers 1 year ago
What did you use in this video setup? I love black background setup and also the look of the light thats bouncing off you. Thanks!
cainhickscustom 1 year ago
Hey, great review! What camera was it shot with?
HeroSkye 1 year ago
would either of these work with a Sony PD170??
bgamer1085 1 year ago
Would you mind describing how to replicate this kind of studio setup? maybe detail exactly what size room and light, camera settings as well perhaps? I really would love to replicate exactly what you've done here, as simple as it may seem to you, it doesnt seem so to me.
MortalOnlineBeta 1 year ago
Nice comparison vid. The Varizoom Flopod is also a great steadicam option that costs half of what the Merlin does.
TRE1275 1 year ago
Excellent review! Thank you very much.
photomanrick 1 year ago
Thank you for this review :)
ralevdotcom 1 year ago
very objective view, thanks. I own the flycam, but have used several systems and it is def the operator that makes a shot great! A real photographer could use the monopod and still get great shots, technology should only compliment your skill, not be your skill.
USAleX 1 year ago
You misspoke at 3:05, saying "the flycam will stay in balance all day"
outkasst88 1 year ago
And yes... way too heavy without vest except for the very shortest shots. I would not get this for a still camera. but, for my Canon XH A1s, it's great.
IsleyTribute 1 year ago
It's just not true that it goes out of balance when you set it on the ground. If I mark on the quick disconnect where it was, it flies the same when I put it back in that location. I screw mine down where hte weights down slide on the sled ... why would you allow that?
IsleyTribute 1 year ago
Rig and vest for Flycam 5000 is great; you must not have taken time to learn it. Take all such reviews wih a grain of salt ... these systems are what you make of it.
PlatinumProductionzz 1 year ago
@PlatinumProductionzz what is there to learn about it? You have one spring that adjusts. If you jump up and down with the vest and arm the camera still shakes like crazy. I was able to play with a Steadicam arm and goodness, you can jump up and down and the camera is very stable. They have maybe 2 or 3 springs with 3 arms. Much better design. All the flycam one does is allows you to take some weight off your arms...it does not stablize at all.
FStoppers 1 year ago 10
@FStoppers
This unit is obviously not designed to that level, hence the cost. Jump up and down? Jump up and DOWN! Why the heck would I want to do that? This is not an expensive rig. It helps me keep my shots steady and smooth and avoids wearing my arms down shot after shot the director calls.
If you can afford a more exp[ensive rig, get it. But, don't make people feel this thing is useless. That's bull.
IsleyTribute 1 year ago
you didnt really talk about using the merlin with the arm and vest, is that usable unlike the 5000 vest. can you get all the shots u want using the merlin vest, baiclly its a s**t load of money for the arm and vest so i would want it to be worthwhile unlike the flycam 5000
DestonProductions 1 year ago
i own the flycam 5000 and i completely agree with you. Lol. great review.
kelvintwt 1 year ago
Are you kidding ? The flycam 5000 is unbalanced after you set it down on the ground??? How can this be Possible without changeing anythink? Sounds incredible....
Der hat doch nicht wirklich gesagt das man die jedesmal neu einstellen muss wenn man sie mal kurz hinstellt oder? Klingt absurd.
imrstr 1 year ago
@imrstr The top plates are loose onto the post. I think minisled found solution. I didn't realize the top plates were that loose and changing dynamics everytime I take the flycam in my car.
supersteadicam 1 year ago
@supersteadicam Ok so it just has to fixing the top plate and for release using the quick release Adaptor for Adding the cam. I think this should be help.
Other Flycams/Steadycams luke the Blackbird cost much more (too much)... so if this is the only Problem with it, i think the qick release Adaptor should help, or? :)
imrstr 1 year ago
@imrstr I think the reason it is unbalanced is that the counter weights don't really lock completely. The way this is designed, the bolts can slide slightly on the sled which allows for just the smallest amount of weight change.
FStoppers 1 year ago
great stuff, thanks.
Ive been wanting to find a steadycam setup for my D300s.
TaylorVerde 1 year ago
Great review, I actually witnessed you using the Stedicam Merlin the last night of the Charleston Fashion Week
carovet01 1 year ago
@carovet01 ha oh yeah? That video was a lot of work but I think it turned out okay...you always look ridiculous using a flycam or steadicam
FStoppers 1 year ago
@FStoppers not ridiculous if you're using proper posture...i know 'cause i was once that guy and my shots didn't even justify it...thankfully i have gotten mych more proficient...by no means a master...but considerably more confident...
this is a great review.
magetv 1 year ago
awesome review...
mazdaxela 1 year ago