Steadicam Merlin & Canon 7D - Test (HD Video)

First time test with the Steadicam Merlin and Canon 7D with Canon 10-22 EF-S (mostly set on 10 or 14mm), B+W Circular Polarizer and Canon 83E lens hood. All shot in Manual at 1080p25 and converted to 720p for quick web uploading.

Video is in 2 parts. Initial test shots in the back garden and then much tougher "running alongside" type shot's as my little girl learns to ride her bike (only her second try at that - did n't she do well!). This part was on Palace Green in front of Ely Cathedral (with some very bemused onlookers...)

You'll see lots wrong with this (very) quick rough edit of these test clips in Final Cut but the odd moment of magic that a Steadicam can give. You'll spot my sometimes futile attempts to control the Steadicam, including an unplanned shot of the cameraman early on, numerous shots with my shadow/reflection in them and quite a few pendulum/angle errors etc. But it was great fun and bear in mind was my FIRST TRY (with only an hour's flying experience under my belt with some settings I derived only yesterday). It was also a little breezy today here in England as the volcanic ash cloud heads our way from Iceland!

Music is 'African Hero', a royalty/copyright free purchase from AKM Music.

Whilst I'm sure my Steadicam Merlin settings need improving, I post them at the end of the video as they might prove a suitable start point for anyone with a 7D and Canon 10-22mm. If you have this set-up and have better settings I'd love to know them - please post them as a Comment. Thanks!

Once I've mastered the necessary Steadicam technique it should soon see action in my busy corporate video schedule for http://www.shootingimage.co.uk (where my Sony PMW-EX3 is the main workhorse). Lots to practice before I fly this 7D + Steadicam Merlin rig on any paying work though!

Great fun - hope to post more (better controlled stuff) soon too! Andy

UPDATE: Here's the second test. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odznQorFctU&feature=related

Same little girl, on a scooter this time!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Steadicam
• Merlin
• Canon 7D
• EOS 7D
• Stabilizer
• Stabliser
• shootingimage
• Ely
• Cambridge
• Canon 5DMkII

[TylerGallion]

HI, nice video...it's actually what inspired me to get mine. Could I bother you for the settings? There's a lot to take into account!!! What slot are you using, and how many weights are you using? I have the same lens and camera! Any help would be awesome! Thank you!

[AndyKWilkinson]

@TylerGallion see end of video for settings...

[Patryk737]

How big is it? I just want to know if I could easily take it with me on a plane in hand bag.

[AndyKWilkinson]

@Patryk737 Its actually pretty small and folds up very cleverly. This is one of the reasons why I bought it over a CMR Blackbird as the Steadicam Merlin, when folded, will go in a rucksack with my 7D and a few lenses (just!). If you want to do steadicam work out in remote places this is a very big advantage. Some other demo videos on YouTube should give you a good idea of its size.

[es30381]

is it really worth the money? it is just so expensive...

[AndyKWilkinson]

@es30381 Can't answer that for you - only you can. For me it was worth the money but be prepared to spend a LOT of time practising with the Merlin to get good results. I've read that Blackbird is cheaper and easier to fly if the cost worries you.

[xtremetramp]

I use a steady tracker, only $200 no weights and it works great for those who are concerned about the cost.

[lakestatefishing]

@AndyKWilkinson I've done my research. It's the best you can buy under $1000. All the other ones seem to be a pain to balance or don't work all together. I wish there was a cheaper solution than spending $700...

[Aice2313]

... i've been trying to set mine up with the 7D 2.8f 24-70 at 24mm for so long... i can't do it, any tips or advice? please! thanks!

[porsche7379]

Wow it is really great shot.

But I recommend moving the gimal little bit to the ground.