$35 DIY Steadicam Merlin

Here is the link to some of my example footage and my 2nd mirror demo of the device... I also explain another change I have made to the gimble: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnCRVvqrQfU

Here is the link to my 1st mirror demo of the device which also explains some of the changes I've made to the gimble: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4deTgj9fWQ

My cheap "do it yourself" design for a Steadicam based on the "Steadicam Merlin" design.

I'll be uploading videos soon that show the device in use.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• poor
• man
• man's
• steady
• steadycam
• cam
• camera
• camcorder
• video
• videography
• diy
• steadicam
• merlin
• johnny
• lee
• wsclater
• floating
• do
• it
• yourself

[ricland]

Everybody and their brother Ernie understands if you're trying to promote a product on video you open the video showing the product in use. You open showing a bunch of bars on a blanket.

What could you possibly have against showing it in use voice except that you didn't think to do it?

[DrJoshD]

@ricland If you read the description below the video, you would see that I have multiple videos showing the device in use lol. Way to jump to conclusions. This is the walkthrough of the parts for the steadicam!

[ricland]

Extremely boring mainly because no establishing shot showing people what you're building and why.

You start the clip describing the parts of the thing, and that's flat wrong.

[DrJoshD]

@ricland What are you talking about? The establishing shot shows the device on the ground... lol... I would assume if you are watching this video that you know what a Steadicam Merlin is.

[wogfun]

All the DIY solutions I've seen seem to be made for smaller DV cams. I'm attempting to build some sort of steadicam for a Canon XH-A1, which with accessories seems to be in the 10lb range. Could you comment on whether or not it is advisable to use this design with a larger camera? Thanks, and great video.

[DrJoshD]

@wogfun 10 lbs may be a little too much for the gimble arm. I have actually been looking for a greater load bearing u-joint for this purpose. I found one that may work better, but I have not tested it yet. I will let you know once I do.

[galloe]

@ricland If you typed "Steadicam" in the search box, you obviously know what you're looking at. If you used "DYI" as a tag along with the word "Steadicam", you're obviously here for that sole purpose.

Anyone who doesn't know what a Steadicam is and ended up here has no business watching this video. Everyone who knows what a Steadicam is knows exactly what it's for and why this video was made.

This video was not meant to be exciting, it just shows the parts he used for his design.

[michman5614]

You said "promote a product" I don't think he is doing that. I think he is showing you how to build one. There is a difference. Go to a page where someone is trying to promote and sell a product if that's what you are looking for.

[michman5614]

What are you kidding me? Thank you for showing step by step how to do this...Why are you so hard on this guy? Couldn't you have just asked if he had a video if you didn't see one?

[exes9378]

You speak too much. Show us video