Steadicam Merlin, Arm & Vest - First Try

[Schizophrenik7]

I saw that you only added the good parts. I wish I could see the shaky parts too, cause I saw some movements that were cut out. A shame really.

[ThirstyDrunk]

is that jerry springer!!!? at 9secs? hahahahahahahahhahahahaha

[EMILOIDE]

how much is that steady cam?

[tracywade13]

$850

[teodoro1980]

Hey Derran, is it me or have you noticed that the slower you go, the bouncier it is and the faster you run the less bouncy? like riding a horse?

[DerranNL]

I never noticed something like that. Perhaps you should tweak the balance of the arm a bit more or adjust the side to side angle?

[teodoro1980]

OH, ok never mind, just read the description, I was like, oh crap, i thought a small steadicam rig would bounce because they are so light...:)) btw, its coming in today I can't wait!!!

[teodoro1980]

why is the video so bouncy, I just ordered the pilot please god don't let it be as bouncy as this video!

[DerranNL]

Please read the description of the video. ;) And have fun with the Pilot, it's awesome!

[lasicnotemo]

i saw jerry springer there...i swear

[crystalclearvideopro]

I am ready to smash this merlin.... Everything looks balanced until I do a drop test and then it goes crazy. I don't know how to adjust the arm properly either. HELLLP!!

[Imager123]

which fair was that?

[DerranNL]

IBC, Rai Amsterdam

[sethcamm]

looks great,

if you have time to respond...

if one was going to go with the merlin, or the glidecam smoothshooter,

which one would you recommend .

and why

[DerranNL]

Hi, a few months ago I was looking for a handheld stabilizer for my Z1 camera and decided to go for the Merlin (based on footage and reviews). I was so amazed by the results of the Merlin alone, that when I got a change to try out the arm and vest, I was sold immediately. I never worked with the Smooth Shooter, so I'm afraid I can't tell you which is better. I can only tell you that I'm very happy with the decision I've made. :)

[hoarp001]

Wow you did better than me. Did the tiffen people ballence it for you?

[DerranNL]

I was able to use my own camera/merlin setup on the system. In the beginning the arm wasn't setup right for this configuration. So I was fighting it more, then working with it. :) Once discovered, someone from Steadicam made some quick adjustments and the problem was solved. I now have the arm and vest system myself and it's very easy to get it all balanced.

[hoarp001]

Hi, A guy I edit for has jus got one of these and has offered to lend it to me, so I will have another go with it. Is the merlin only slightly bottom heavy?

Thanks.

[MerlinResourceDotCom]

Yes, the Merlin is only slightly bottom heavy. I like a drop time of just over one second.

[dcuebas]

Most of the pictures I've seen of the Merlin arm and vest have the arm on the operator's right side instead of the left. You might be able to reverse the arm bridge on the front of the vest and have the arm on your right. Makes more sense because the camcorder's monitor is on the left. I would love to get the arm and vest, but I just can't justify the $2k pricetag.

[MerlinResourceDotCom]

Yes, you can swop the socket block over. Easy to do.

[ib1yysguy]

Can't wait to buy mine.

[gabje05]

Looks nice Derran.

[NICKFIP]

Thanks for the post Derran, it is awkward having to swap hands!