Panasonic TM900 & Steadicam Merlin (1080p50 Slow Motion Test)

Tried a new Steadicam Merlin set-up for the Panasonic TM900 that I've been working on the last few days. This one uses a Manfrotto MN577 Quick Release Plate to add more weight and inertia to the Steadicam Rig. TM900 at full wide (35mm) and just in iAuto for this very quick test (but with its Image Stabilisation System turned off of course).

Just playing around in the back garden! Stability is much better than the first test I did in Ely as that was too light/susceptible to even the lightest breeze (that test video and details are on YouTube also). Pictures of the rig and the revised set-up and balancing weight details are, again, at the end of this video (just pause it to study them in detail). By the way, I forgot to list the Spar extension distance which is about 10 inches/25-26cm [just added an annotation for good measure].

It is still MUCH lighter than my Canon 7D Steadicam rig and one could use this TM900 on a Steadicam for hours but I need to re-learn my technique with this set-up. It needs an even lighter touch and won't glide as smoothly as a heavier rig. The MN577 adds only 288g to the featherlight TM900. Links to those much enjoyed Canon 7D Steadicam videos below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFKuDSJXzjY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odznQorFctU

Here you see just an extract slowed from 1080p50 to 1080p25. You can see the main part of my TM900 1080p50 Steadicam test on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzGKVIfjomE

Andy
http://www.shootingimage.co.uk

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Panasonic TM900
• TM900
• TM 900
• SD900
• HS900
• TM700
• Steadicam Merlin
• Steadicam
• Stabiliser
• Stabilizer
• 1080p50
• 1080p60
• Slow Motion
• Shooting Image Ltd

[Troopaka]

hello,where is the music from?

[AndyKWilkinson]

@Troopaka Hi, its a copyright free/royalty free purchase from AKM Music called Swirls of Light from Soundscapes 2 Look at their UK website for more info.

[mjkobb]

I notice that there's a fair amount of blur during the pans. Do you think that's due to shutter speed, and does this camera allow you to set a faster shutter if you desire?

Also, are you still using this Manfrotto solution for added inertia, or have you moved on to something else? I'm just about to buy one of these cameras, and I plan to fly it on the Merlin, but I've had the same experience with light cameras (compared to years ago with my JR and a Hi-8, which was heavy but stable!)

[AndyKWilkinson]

@mjkobbThese were shot in iAuto = unknown shutter speed. I now use full Manual and 1/100s shutter for 1080p50 destined for slow motion treatment in post = cleaner result. Been so busy with corporate work that I have had NO time to try any more tests with TM900 and Steadicam! When I need a quick reliable Steadicam result for clients I resort to the Canon 7D Steadicam set-up posted on my other videos. Ultra wide angle (16mm equivalent) on 7D is much more dramatic than 35mm (equiv) lens on TM900.

[barbershop22]

Get a Sony CX560 and you wont need a Merlin. Really.  The stabilization is phenomenal on the Sony 560 and 700, which are both the same cameras, just eye piece and memory differences.

[mjkobb]

@AndyKWilkinson Thanks so much for all the information and your gracious and helpful replies!

[nattoplasmin]

Nice steadycam! However, is there not a danger to make too many moves?