DIY Merlin Steadicam - High Quality

I built this high quality Merlin like steadicam for $120 using parts that are easy to obtain.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• steadicam
• merlin
• steadycam
• diy

[PhallenLeaf]

You did a great job with your steadicam! Your video is very stable and smooth, and proves your stabilizer does what you designed it to do. ....Very nice!

[PhallenLeaf]

Hello!

The video states the price and sources for the bearings, quick release adapter, and the raw brass. The tubes were from a wind chime. The adjustable elbow was from a cell phone mount for a car but I do not have the price for it. You may be able to locate something similar at a cell phone installation shop. I do not know the price for the flashlight since I received it as a gift.

[PhallenLeaf]

I made a handle that had the same universal joint but no bearings and compared the results with the original handle that had bearings. The difference is staggering; you NEED the bearings. ....With bearings, videos are nice and smooth. Without bearings the videos look like the camers was hand held. ...Use bearings!

[PhallenLeaf]

That said, I am not convinced that allowing the camera to float, via the bearings, is a desireable design goal, at least for me... I find that when I am filming I seldom keep the camera pointing in one horizontal direction; I tend to pan alot. The panning ring works but I find that I have to really concentrate to keep from over panning (I may be getting too picky). ..Soon, I will be making a handle with the same universal but NO BEARINGS at all. My goal: more solid / predictable panning control.

[PhallenLeaf]

Hello!

I only installed the bearings at the bottom of the universal (within the flashlight head). - There is essentially no resistance with these small bearings so it would not be benificial to install additional bearings at the top of the universal joint. The function of the bearings is to keep the camera pointing in the same horizontal direction, even if your hand or body position moves. With these small bearings, the camera does not move horizontally from where you point it. See next Entry

[RDPproject]

I wish i had found this video befor making my steadicam rig.

Good work there mate.

Rob

[JimmyGentry]

Thank you very much, this is a great design. I have been working on my own camera stabilizer and it looks like we're both on the same page when it comes to design. Check out the latest video on my page or search 'diy steadicam demo"

It's a short collection of shots I captured with my diy device and I also included some photos of my design at the end. Hope you like it.

[smeki192]

Good video :-)



[inmylife4883]

good job !!!!

do you mind giving me list of the parts are need in you DIY steadicam? and where to buy???

[fowc0]

Excellent video(s), thanks for sharing! Question: Are you only using a bearing assembly on one side of your universal joint for this design (I'm the handle) and not in the side attached to the base plate? I have seen in other designs the need for bearings to improve frictionless goals (see WSCLATER's more recent gimbal design videos as an example). Curious what your thoughts on this are. Also looking forward to the example footage with this unit! Thanks!