Steadicam Merlin Demonstration

[dieterbohlen90]

Very cool video!

[TheJediCharles]

UGH! Death by annotations! Jeez, tuck them in the corners dude.

[DannyWelchvid]

glidecam all the way.

[trev79]

Looks like its floating on air

[iMitchyB]

Nice video! Very convincing.

[MrSchMikaels]

you SHOULD buy the Hd-2000 over the merlin.. so much better.

[mastersgta1]

@MrSchMikaels

The weight range is too narrow because the pole is fixed. Dynamic balance could also be a problem if you have a camera that is in weird shape.

[DavidLTG]

how to make this is ther any tutorial fo rthis?

[EPR89]

@DavidLTG It says pretty clearly that this is a bought product.

[dsnchz]

Using car steering wheel --> search ''Summer in Madrid''

[gilbf00]

que bruxaria e essa? muito bom esse equipamento!!!

[didanhtennis]

Very nice. Thanks for posting.

[ntrung]

Can I mount a 5DmarkII on it? is there a weight limit? tks.

[mastersgta1]

@ntrung

The heaviest you can mount is about 5 lbs.

[GoosBerryFilms]

Oh my god a young finalcutking :D

[elskater10]

I life in spain, what is the price in your country, anda wat is the name of this model

[keywoni]

(continuing).

(get one). Yes. (make your own if you really want to. If you don't know what dynamic balance is or think a STEADICAM is a fig rig (you are dead wrong), go to a best buy and get some so called stabilizer that simply isolates the camera from your hands.

[keywoni]

IF: you are a professional: you CAN justify the $800 price. do you make movies? yes. do you make MONEY with those movies? yes. is it enough to buy this? yes. do you want it? yes.

STEADICAM MERLIN IT IS.

IF: you are a hobbyist: you CAN'T justify the cost because you obviously say '$800! THATS INSANE I CAN BUY TWO DYSONS WITH THAT MUCH'. do you make movies? yes. do you make MONEY with those movies? no (do it DIY). yes. do you make it for a living? no (DIY). yes. do you think $800 is expensive? no

[gyurxi551]

I made my self DIY stabiliser, it is too perfect, the gimbal and the bearing rotates very smooth. That is why when the LCD is open, the wind uses it like a sail on a ship. How can you compensate it?

[HelloNewYorkCity]

@gyurxi551 attach a piece of cardboard on the other side of the camcorder, make it around the same size. it works for me.

[BIMMERKIN]

хочу такую вещь cooool

[Moviefan7359]

That's a cool piece of technology there, dude. I've gotta invest in this sorta stuff myself.

[agetro82]

looks like its floating

[randinordnes]

can you use cameras like canon 60d on this?

[dightkuz]

lol dude goes heavy breathing after running just a few metres.

[mastersgta1]

@dightkuz

Try running a few meters holding a bucket of water without spilling it... that's what steadicam operating feels like when you don't have a harness....

[HelloNewYorkCity]

@mastersgta1 and not only holding a bucket of water to your chest without spilling it, you have to hold it AWAY from your face, tiring your forearms.

[shapeworkstudios1]

guys this can be done in diy for like 20$ just as good

watch?v=4pLBUC-O1js&feature=re­lated

[matreyia]

man, i still can't get mine to stay stable with the canon 7d

[moedem]

too expensive,ok if you can afford one,if i was given the money for one i would make my own for 40 bucks and spend the rest of the money in a whore house making steady doggy style movies,and get paid for movies cos im an up and cumming porn star ya heard

[mastersgta1]

@moedem

I thought porn stars make quite a bit... you're probably not very good tbh.

besides, why do you need a steadicam for doggy style porn? Just so that you can chase the whore running away?

Your comment confuses me...

[ChubbyWingsLive]

I agree with the comment by MrsPalmer, I use a Cam Caddie and all my videos are incredibly smooth. I paid $38 for mine and it seems to be just as effective as the Merlin.

[mastersgta1]

@ChubbyWingsLive

Try jumping with a Cam Caddie in front of a mirror. lol

The steadicam is just in a class of its own. You really can't compare the two. Try shooting some telephoto shots with your camera ZOOMED ALL THE WAY IN. See if you can get ANY smooth shot AT ALL. Try a steadicam for real, then you'll know why it's such a big deal. The gimbal eliminates ALL your ANGULAR motion. It's a magical experience.

[ChubbyWingsLive]

@mastersgta1 I see what you're saying though I have been able to obtain some amazingly smooth movement using the Cam Caddie even with lights attached. When the Merlin is used right it is also highly effective though most people don't use it right.

[bouchandre]

@mastersgta1 I think that the best way to compare the 2 would be to have them both and to try out what there capable of. Watching videos on youtube is a bit unaccurate because it also depends on the skills of the operator.

[canturgan]

@bouchandre The word is inaccurate not unaccurate, use the spellchecker. Has anybody tried the youtube steadycam? it's in the video editor, works pretty well.

[BtBxDoNe]

How much does this stabilizer cost?

Is it compatible with the Nikon D3100 and the Nikon D7000?

[mastersgta1]

@BtBxDoNe

How heavy are those two unit? These things goes from 4 ounces to about 5.5 lbs.

[bernhardtsen74]

@BtBxDoNe about 800-900 american dollars!!

[NaturesCycles]

They are way too expensive for most folks.

[profittlich]

so why should I get this over the hd-2000 which is cheaper?

[mastersgta1]

@profittlich

Weight range, accuracy and flexibility.

[MrsPalmerTV]

If interested buyers can't shell out $800 any time soon I would suggest checking out the Cam Caddie, I got mine a few months back and the results are easily comparable to some camera stabilizers going for close to $500. It's the shit

[TheOfficialSnowFlake]

@1:01 it looks so fake lol

[Satchel334]

Very cool! I'm thinking about buying a Canon 7D and a Merlin!

[RANMARU611]

Are You Japanese?

[BoyleTonight]

Is this Freddy Wong's old channel?

[mastersgta1]

@BoyleTonight uh... nope

[DirtyJewbz]

@BoyleTonight are you stupid?

[BoyleTonight]

@DirtyJewbz wow, you didn't get that that was a joke? I don't know who's stupid or not here..

[DirtyJewbz]

@BoyleTonight Am I stupid? Yes :)

[SeanTheOriginal]

It's sad how something so simple costs more than most camcorders do.

[BrianSmithNow]

This is the video that compelled me to actually buy one. Though I still can't quite get it as steady as you have it in the mirror.

[HussamAbuHanna]

wow seems so smooth, but it is way too expensive, i saw similar products but cheaper, will they be as good?

[studiocolours]

is it avalable in india ?

[studiocolours]

hi

is it avalable in india ?

[lionsgateproduction]

Awesome Job!!!

[powiewowie2]

OH MY GOODNESS YOU'RE A FAN OF THE BIG PHAT BAND 8DDDD

[Sam0raiX]

that is so crazy....

[samirachiko]

Hi!! How about using this steadicam with a canon 5d mk2?? I mean, can I use it with a 5d mk2?? Thanks.

[ThisPersonSaid]

I suggest spending the money on a half decent camera first.

[Goldernie]

DO WANT!!!

[VendavalEste]

Can never get this thing to work.

[nesmouse]

What model? I need it.

[OrisLover]

Cool dude.

[thijsdemaa]

wow, just looks like its floating in the air...

[cuthbertallbad]

Can`t get steadier than that. Great.

[FernandRaynaud]

The principle is simple, all "counterweight arc" stabilizers work the same, but the way the Merlin is built saves you a lot of time in setup, it's got all the fine adjustment wheel, bubble levels, etc etc. It's very important for the arc to be rigid, so plastic ones are poor. If you are handy with metalworking, you can make your own. If you are moderately handy, you can buy one of the $100 garage-made ones, and modify it to your exact needs. It's all a question of time vs. money.

[CT27NX]

JEEEZUS!!!!

whoaaaaaaaa!!!!

[yaryar033]

Basically all glidecam / steadicam are the same. The Merlin is out of the price range for all camera hobbiest. If the average consumer cannot afford it then what good is the product? Ditch the Merlin and go for others in the market that have simular product for around $100-$150, or make one yourself. Gotta love Jay Shaffer. Google him.

[scottt923]

Thats Amaing :O It Almost Looks Unreal The Steadyness

[TrobinT]

Dude how much did you purchase that for?

THanks.

[poshko41]

Cool. It almost looks ghostly in the mirror.

[JBLAZE999]

check out "egawauemon" - world cruise, and his other vids for a good example of this thing.

[yadidameng]

I'm gunna make one lol

[jmartincab]

Price should be around $ 700 to $ 800 aprox.

[jmartincab]

Tiffen Steadicam Merlin model

[oasotam]

what´s this steadicam model ???

[oasotam]

how much for a kit, like this?

[GLWillaims]

watch,dont fish and drive!

[lennartbaer3]

i plan to make some flycam (the one with the stick and the flex handle) on my own. i just bought an hd-camcorder (just a beginner one for about 200$) and id love to have an effect close to that, do you guys have any tips or previous experiences with it?

would be great to get some!

[wildman51]

Very cool! Thanks for the video!

[fridaynightmedia]

Good product.

[TropicTrailerVideos]

No - that would be walking FORWARD with the camera facing backwards

[michaelpoczynek]

Thank you very helpful.

[zonanboy]

i wish they sold that at walmart so i could steal it.

[mastersgta1]

@zonanboy

only if...

[ThizIsLoki]

@zonanboy You dont even know how hard that made me laugh!!!!! HAHAHAH That made my day!!

[MichoTheMusicMan]

@zonanboy 33 ignorant little kids 

[youR3tard]

@zonanboy

hahahahaha

[powerfulsexyprincess]

@zonanboy I wish they sold that at walmart also! hey check out some awesome footage using a steadicam by these guys at Bright Works media type in "steadicam merlin practice at Puzzlewood" -so beautiful and truly inspiring!

[dayboo39]

@zonanboy can i run around all over the hillside on it????

[ShelterRevolution]

@zonanboy --- oh you creative boy!

[walterallred]

@zonanboy This comment is hilarious but it doesn't mean I condone ;)

[sachamun]

what's that car at 1:18?

[mastersgta1]

@sachamun He doesn't live here anymore... I think it was a mustang

[danielthibault]

@sachamun saturn 

[keesurt]

that works great! only downside, it's 800 buks-.-

[davidtheguitarman]

wow!! it seems flying at zero gravity!

[clunkymonk]

It seems really inappropriate for hobbyists to comment on the expense of this product. If you're not a professional, the amount of money that professional equipment costs will seem very high. For instance, if you're not a graphic designer, you would probably think a couple thousand dollars for Adobe Photoshop is a lot of money. You'd be wrong.

[Nerdolution]

@clunkymonk

Finally someone who understands =_=

Thats just plain common sense, but people really dont get it D:

[mogwix]

@clunkymonk the simple fact is that professional equipment costs money. exactly like you said, hobbyists don't understand the price of certain things because their return on investment is much lower than someone who's using the equipment every day and getting paid for it. if you want professional results then you need to invest in the proper equipment and also the time to learn how to use the stuff properly.

[mastersgta1]

@mogwix

Well said

[hobogasm]

what i don’t get is that with all of these types of "steadicams" there's a "bounce" if it points too far down. I am guessing that is because the handle reaches the extent it can pitch to hits the frame but why can’t they just increase the distance at the joint between the handle and frame? to say that you can't get good results by improvising is pretty narrow minded, too many people have too little faith their ability to do things for themselves.

[rajasta22]

That's cool. But my eemov stabilizer is at least as good as this is, and it was much cheaper.

[profyucub]

that shot in the mirror is trippy as all hell. somebody should definitely find a way to harness that type of mechanical effect for more than demonstration videos

[jaffety1215]

Hello what is the steadicam model number and where to purchase

Thanks..

[himansku]

What's the difference between this and a Glidecam 4000? It doesn't seem to be to big a difference for half the price.

[mastersgta1]

@himansku

Glidecam 4000 is built on a straight stick. It does not allow the adjustment of arc-size which changes the location of the weight in relation to the axis of rotation. Because of this feature, merlin is compatible with a lot more variety of camcorders with different weight distributions. Hope that helps. (glidcam gets really bottom heavy with light cams)

[HalomasterA69]

@mastersgta1 WHOA that is smooth where did u get it?

[kw0s]

Thanks for the demo. I like the part that you use the mirror and shown us the setup. Running demo is good. I think capturing a moving dog maybe a better demo. It would involve running, pointing, chasing, turning, etc. Thanks

[007Fortis]

Glidecam 4000 HD cheaper and better!

[snelpiller]

haha it looks freaky when you jump just because its so steady, like if ur not really holding it

[lifesblood]

If your worried about the price look into the hauge mmc 130$ does exactly the same thing.

[2010dbp]

That's awesome!!! Where can I get one in Australia?

[KRAFTWERK2K6]

800 Dollars my a##. It's waaaaaay tooo overpriced.

[marlagne]

it 's expensive but it's worth it !

[ling600ling]

hahha i like how he jump to show us how steady it is

[DJTamasH]

The price is FUCKED MAN!

600pounds????? lol for a piece of iron lol

NO WAY TO BUY IT!

[ProducerSBK]

KUSH N FILM Making! <3 Whos DoWN! ?? 

THUMBS UP!!

[ProducerSBK]

fuck that shit looks so smooth like its floating or some shit! FACKK!

to clean <3 all right man back to this Kush! :}}

[elementcs13]

No doubt it looks great, but that is WAY too overpriced.

[TheLApitfighter]

dude i want this!!!! AHHAH

[appacana]

I am just curious about this shit because my friend my Phils wanted me to buy this for him. I can not believe that it's so damn expensive.

[mastersgta1]

@appacana

It looks like a simple device but it really isn't. Sometimes I'll post a video that shows you how to configure it. It's a well engineered and precise piece of instrument.

[venerojo]

what is the difference between a grip handle and a Steadicam?. Which is better for me for short films? I have a Canon Vixia HG21.

Between Opteka X-GRIP and Manfrotto 585 ModoSteady? which do you recommend for short films?

[mastersgta1]

@venerojo

For a definition of steadicam you can search wikipedia. It even explains the physics behind its "magic".

ModoSteady is actually a legit steadicam, X-grip is not. So depends on what you want really.

[MageThief]

Thanks for the demonstration, helps allot.

[shitake555]

it needs more adjusting from the state it is (im guessing you fixed it after 3 years lol) but what you are having is called the pendulum effect

[mastersgta1]

@shitake555

It's not lol. The rig is balanced with more than 2.5 seconds drop time. For a camcorder less that 2lbs, that is A LOT. The sway is caused by the wind.

[shitake555]

@mastersgta1 I figured, the lighter it is the more it tends to sway. I have a D90, it seems like the only thing that gives it balance is the lense :)

[PiazzaDePain]

AWESOME!!!

[AwesoMarron]

Looks like 800 bucks well spent

[HousedanceTanL]

Ok saw it at the end of the vid, can i order it in europe? damn 800 bucks is still a lot of money :P but man the outcome..

[HousedanceTanL]

Hey man, how much does it cost? can it hold a Canon EOS 550D or 7D etc? The one that is belted onto you is sooo costly and dont know where to get it, this seems a lot more cheaper and u dont need to attatch it to yourself.

Please let me know.

[insanedrummer2468]

it lookks like its floating on its own, so sweet

[thecakeisbake]

Fuck shit stack!!~SQUIGGLE FUCK!!! This is pretty cool.

[horah12451]

How do you attach the camera to the top of the stablizer? is there a screw included that you screw to the top that holds the camera down?

[mastersgta1]

@horah12451

Comes with a 1/4" screw and a mounting plate.

[HussainStyle87]

How i can get one like this ?

[Chunkybuddha1]

How do you compare this to home-made $40 steadis? I'm not trying to be an asshole - I'm actually curious, if you have tried both. Clearly you'll need to buy a professional one for professional shots; those $40 steadis are really good though.

[reincarnage256]

you look like takeshi kaneshiro

[anzaeria]

It looks like your rig is floating in the air when viewed in the mirror.

[Skimn4life]

where can i buy one of those?

[shadow13524]

amazon

[raginroninpro]

how many bottom weights did you add to the bottom? And how many days practice did you need to get the hang of it?

I just got mine and although I'm not using the same camera, I can't for the life of me get my Canon Vixia to balance

[mastersgta1]

@raginroninpro

"20cm arc, one tapered-weight and one finish weight on the bottom. One finish weight at the front".

It's been so long I can't remember how long it took me. You always have to practice to stay in shape. It's like playing a musical instrument. There are little details and nuances in every shot. Perfecting those are crucial.

Canon Vixia is too light. My JVC had hi-cap battery which added weight to the over-all setup.

[raginroninpro]

@mastersgta1 thanks man! I'll keep that in mind, gonna use the next 3 hours to fine tune and then its shooting day tomorrow in downtown (with amateur results), which I'll post on my channel later on

[greg5566]

@KreaTivTechTV That wouldn't really have made sense in that movie, would it.

[womanintheshadow]

Wow unbelievable. Guess some people will buy anything. $799 for a couple pieces of metal. Talk about greedy company, trying to sell some scrap metal for almost a thousand dollars... funny thing is, there are always some idiots out there would pay almost a thousand for some scrap metal.

[Alexgeo4975]

@womanintheshadow A real steadicam used for film cameras cost 13,000-20,000$ and they really aren't anything special either, but the engineering that goes into is amazing.

[mastersgta1]

@womanintheshadow

You won't believe how many people have tried to build this out of scrap metal... lol

[omgtkseth]

@womanintheshadow not scrap metal. steadicams do magic, well, help artists do softer magic. do u think spielberg attaches a broomstick to jus jvc cam to make high shots? you can pay a couple of thousands more for a crane, but with scrap metal u cant have the great quality shooting of a crane. its not the weight of metal that is worth, but its use, and its like buying a 16 band equalizer or a new guitar or srl camera. The value is in the quality for the subjective elements: art.

[DrParmesan]

@womanintheshadow Well, if you knew anything about videography, you'd know that keeping that tiny camera still on just a metal stick is impossible. I suggest you learn about what your talking about before you talk. Just a thought.

[Masowai]

@womanintheshadow Good point! I agree completely. Why would anyone pay so much for a few pieces of (scrap) metal?

On a side note: My mother needed a hip joint replaced a few years ago. The doctor said the titanium pieces would cost a few thousand dollars! I was like, "Screw that. She can go around limping!" Then last summer, my son returned from Afghanistan and needed a new metal plate put into his skull because of a roadside bomb. I went to Lowe's and bought him one for $10! Winning!

[tiagopadua]

@womanintheshadow I dare you to create a new product that does the same thing with the same precision and quality, in agreement with all legal measures and produce it to sale worldwide for less than $799

[shapeworkstudios1]

@tiagopadua the answer to your "challenge" this is just as good as the merlin. check this out.

watch?v=4pLBUC-O1js&feature=re­lated

watch?v=UaqjG8afkog&feature=re­lated

[tiagopadua]

@shapeworkstudios1 Well this guy did a great job. Though his stabilizer does not have precision adjustments on the plate, he can balance through the weights that are un-centered screwed.

But I'm talking about a professional product, and not a single prototype made from scraps.

Also, I would love to know how much (money and time) he spent on that.

[shapeworkstudios1]

@tiagopadua i agree, but i think it COULD be improved. i mean $700 is ALOT of money for an ACCESORY for your camera. I mean i dont think my stabilizer should cost more then my camera. BTW you could get that same gimbal sort of thing (for a diy version) by using one of those 10$ tabletop tripods, folding it up, and loosening it a bit. you could even put some gripping on

also i found another good diy one: watch?v=S2UdnQVsoTE&feature=re­lated

[WMDFoxhound]

Man, how'd you afford that thing.. JEEZ

[mastersgta1]

@WMDFoxhound

Definetly get a job first I guess...

[ShootTits]

thanks so much i have been wondering i am starting a channel and i didnt know how to do it so thanks again