Steadicam Merlin Problems with XHA1

Issues with the Steadicam? Your not alone. I have discovered that even with a perfectly balanced steadicam I have found there to be issues. I believe that this is common, but I will continue to work and find out if these are just my problems.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Steadicam
• Merlin
• XHA1
• Camera
• Help
• Canon
• Balancing
• Trimming

[Sudden3B0L4]

I see there hasn't been any activity here for a year, but i'm currently building my own Merlin-based camera stabilizer. My creation wouldn't have the panning option because it makes it that much easier, plus it would make it a lot easier to 'point and shoot'. Now I see your merlin problem, but do you think the panning option is crucial? I see little use for it.

[nathandayton]

@Sudden3B0L4 Yes, the panning option is very important for filming. The steadicam tends to be a tool used for one or two shots for a film, it is not setup to use for a long event. There are definite limitations!

[philduggan]

Hi

Just got myself a Merlin a few days ago.

Been on ages trying to get it set up.

I have got it so it works fine when you move your arm about but is there a way of stopping it from swinging backwards and forwards?

Any help would be appreciated.

[nathandayton]

I think the steadicam is terrible. I apologize for your purchase.

[Osvaldosilvera]

The merlin like every stabilizer is a 2 handed tool to operate correctly, moving it side to side will inevitably cause it to drift, since areas of the camera like the LCD, and the body itself will have resistance to the movement.If you move something with Mass then suddenly stop.The merlin may stop, but the mass that was in motion will continue to exert( spelling?) force & without the other hand placed gently above the gimbal to give it a bit of counteractive force, the camera system will drift.

[nathandayton]

Excellent input, I believe you are correct. These are things that you need to learn that the Merlin tutorial video will no teach you!

[ddfilm92]

Im sure that your problems are coming form the fact that your camera is 4.5 lbs which is only .5 pounds away from the limit on the merlin. So with the added weight of a big battery perhaps and a tape (i know the tape is a stretch, but im just thinking of any extra weight) every thing added you might be exceeding the weight limit and that could be causing problems.

[drumboi6]

I just can't see spending $800 on this thing, when there are comparable items out there for a fraction of the price. The real Merlin magic here is your money disappearing. Poof. One piece of metal with counterbalances and a $800 tag. Man, there's something wrong with this picture. Now about the leaning and drifting...your viewfinder is causing the drift. it's actually heavier on that side, naturally it will tilt there. The merlin hasn't figured out nuances like that..for $800 it better work!

[MuzikaLive100]

MERLIN IS BAD BAD BAD STEADICAM,F..K MERLIN 800 Dollare

[defnyung]

damn, I never realized how much my diy steadicam looks just like a merlin.

I'd buy a merlin over a glidecam.

[MrsPalmerTV]

The Merlin is pretty difficult to us for those of you who need something effective and simple. Check out the Cam Caddie SCorpion it goes for only $38 and has helped me so much.

[videogoatbird]

@Osvaldosilvera I got mine the other day and had the same issue as this video points out. I come 2 the conclusion that your statement it the answer. they hit on this in the FAQ in the Cookbook under FAQS. The second hand coming into play I believe is where all the practice is needed, no so much balancing it or holding it but controlling it with the second hand. It is a challenge doing to things at the same time like this. It reminds me of when I trying to do vibrato when I played violine.

[videogoatbird]

@philduggan Its bottom heavy. screw the Gimbal out a couple turns.

[24pStudio]

I have a steadicam merlin. And I used it with several different cameras including XHA1. I have no problem working with it and balancing it. You have to try different settings.

[michaelpoczynek]

Thanks. This is very helpful. What do you reccomend for the XH-A1S now that you have done some research?

[bastarditou]

Still for Sale? How Much

[MacGearReview]

All stedicams ave some amount of movement in them as the gimbal is so light and olied up it will move slightly..

as you are using it you should try and use your thumb to 'steadi' the shot out DONT DO IT WITH THE OPPOSITE HAND!

only do it with the hand that is holding the merlin

[burnerman777]

... oh... and you CAN use the Merlin with one hand with the vest and arm. I did it all the time when shooting bands where I had to reach out to stabilize MYSELF to prevent tripping over all the wires on stage. You can simply just keep your lower three fingers on the handle, and forefinger / thumb on the guide.

The Merlin is really small camera device. The xh-a1 is too big for it. You can't even mount a light or shotgun because you will overload it. Get an Indicam. Seriously. It works.