Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

I have tried a Glidecam HD 1000 before the Merlin. This is the real thing - lightweight, easy to balance and with a remarkable carrying range.
The manual and the DVD explain in detail everything and I was able to balance it in less than an hour for one camera (a 700 g Sony HC-7)- then a little more for a Nikon D7000 with zoom lens and accesories up to 2 kgs. The cooksheets on the Merlin site, with typical settings for various cameras are very useful.
As for the stabilizing tests I did in the same day - this is the real stabilizer, believe me. Easy to control using either hand, the stabilizing effect immediately visible in the footage. You can carry it for hours, your hand will not get numb or start shaking because of the combined weight (as I sorry experienced on the Glidecam). Those roughly 2 pounds difference (after balancing) between these two rigs will show in your footage, believe me.
In need of a good stabilizer I tried already everything meaningful - shoulder brackets, Glidecam, even a gyro from Kenyon Labs. None did the job like the Merlin.
Points to emphasize:
Compare the finish and useability of the Merlin with the competition. High quality, no nonsense, maximum portability (it folds). The balance paradigm itself is based on changing geometry BEFORE adding more weights - to keep it as light as possible on your hand.
In comparison the Glidecam is heavy, mediocrely machined - and about portability I'll let you visualize that, just comparing pictures of each rig.
Then the price difference: from the amount of Utube style contraptions one might think stabilizing is a trivial matter - easily done with home made "devices", built from hardware store parts.
If you see the gimbal on the Merlin you'll understand why this works while others just "seem" to work - and why the price difference.
It's also the most delicate part - my only worry about this device.

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

Its more than i expected, tks.

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

It took a while to get my TM900 balanced but I believe I got it pretty close. The problem I had on the weekend was that I was filming and I setup the merlin out of its case with the camera and could not get it quite right for the shot. Need lots of lead time to reset it up. I did get a couple of shots with it but for the first while it was horrible. I was in cramped quarters and that did not help. I believe once I get used to it however, it will add an extra dimension to my movies. Just don't expect to show up at a shoot and use it, practice with it for about 20 minutes+ beforehand.

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

I've had this about a week now - never been more frustrated in my life. Ie watched the dvd at least 20 times - the manual back to back. I'm about to return it. But stil holding onto it - hoping it will show me a little love.......

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

If i were to buy any Small camera steadicam I wouldn't think to go outside of Garrett Browns designs. You can tell the quality of the build and thought process. The micro adjustments and even weight set far surpasses the other steadicams at this level. Don't think twice and just buy it.

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

I'm using the support with a video camera, I like the quality of this product but is a little too expensive.

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

This is a quality designed and machined product that I find is much better than the GlideCam that I have been using in the past. It is so much easier to adjust and less fatiguing to use due to the fact that the handle is directly under the pivot point as opposed to being offset. As with any stabilizer of this type, setup and successful use requires serious practice. Those having trouble using this product either have no patience or do not understand the concept that the bottom weight must be ever so slightly heavier than the top. If you find that the rig acts as a pendulum the bottom is probably too heavy. I did find that some small consumer camcorders are actually too light; I achieved better results by adding weight to the camera platform and then balancing the unit properly.

The only possible drawback to the Merlin is the gimbal looks to be quite fragile. This has not been a problem for me thus far but I do think it could be the weak point in the rig.

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

This is definitely a professional quality item, however, being a novice using a small Canon Vixia does not deliver professional results. A light camera does not work well with this item. My daughter's Nikon digital SLR worked much better because it was a much heavier camera. Practice with your camera before taking it out to do something serious like filming a wedding. Balancing this thing is an art.

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

I use Merlin on the boat. Very stable even on the boat. I imported from Japan. Thanks to current strong JPY, 15% discount compared to lowest price in Japan.

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

I brought this for shots in confined spaces and tracking shots. Not to replace a tripod but to track people while walking around. It won't really replace a dolly but with a lot of practice and arm strength you can get similar results. A plus is it's a one man setup no need for a second camera man to get a nice steady shot.

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

If the Merlin stabilizer is calibrated properly can do wonders with shots

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

Things that are great about it

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

I got this to use with a Nikon D7000, shooting primarily real estate videos.

A very detailed user manual and DVD is really helpful for walking you through the setup process and getting the unit dialed in and balanced. It's very precise and responsive, and thus requires frequent tweaking to keep balanced properly.

After that, it's all practice -- lots of practice. This is not a "wonder widget" which will automatically make your video perfect. There's a lot of skill involved. The best thing to remember is not to get frustrated, and keep at it.

Size and weight are a real plus: the unit folds up and is easy to transport.

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

Light and easy to use, after you've learned how to get the perfect balance of your camera, witch is the most complicated thing about the merlin, although after reading the manual you can get the better performance of it. Afterwords this little toy needs many time of practice and then you get absolutley inlove with it.

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

Produces outstanding steady images. 4 stars as it is can be a lot of work to initially set it up, but then just takes some practice and works great!

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

Works with the Steadicam to provide balance

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

If you are looking for something to make a good videos, just buy it

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

I am an amateur/semi-pro videographer that shoots primarily with a Canon 60D SLR.

The Merlin is fantastic and well-designed product. It is small, light, and portable, perfect for all the traveling I do. In fact, I am writing this review right now in Istanbul, with my Merlin and 60D at my side.

When I first got it, it was easier than I expected to set up. It took me about 30 minutes to balance it the first time, and I perfected the tuning over the next few days as I got the hang of it. Now that I am (a bit) more experienced and that I have the coarse settings recorded, the fine tuning that is required each time you mount the camera is fairly straightforward. I can generally do it in 30 to 60 seconds.

If I need to change between setups (i.e. with or without mic, with or without lens filter/hood, etc), I need to change the course settings, but I just keep them recorded on my phone (and keep a ruler handy when possible). Also, be sure to keep a small screwdriver on hand to screw in the baseplate into the camera, and since SLRs have no locating pin, I use some small removable poster tabs to stick the plate to the camera (a very slight nudge can rotate the camera enough to throw it off balance).

I've had the opportunity to try the Glidecam HD-2000. A comparable model that most people have as their other option. It's definitely easier to use. After about a month with the Merlin, I'm still far from good with it. It is very finicky and likes to do it's own thing if you're not constantly vigilant. I was able to setup the glidecam (about the same time to balance), and get nicer smoother shots a lot quicker, it's much more intuitive.

However, even at half the price, the Glidecam doesn't stand up to the Merlin. The Glidecam's weight bears down fast, especially since the handle is not directly under the center of gravity. You will find it takes its toll on your wrist a lot faster than the Merlin. The Merlin also allows a lot more room for much more complex shots, it's just a matter of getting a lot of practice. The same is true for all steadicams though.

Overall, I definitely recommend the Merlin, just be prepared to put in a lot of time and effort into balancing, practicing, and perfecting your technique, and probably some frustration along the way (at the beginning). But you'll definitely have fun along the way, and you'll be happy that you chose the more powerful, albeit more difficult, product.

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

I've had this merlin for a year and switched out many cameras and lenses on it. I've experienced lens vibrations. The plastic screw that comes with the kit does NOT stop the vibrations. I had to make a custom styrofoam piece to lodge between the stage and the lens to stop vibrations.

AFter I fixed the vibrations, I added a quick release plate and gained a NEW PROBLEM. The merlin now picks up my footsteps while I walk even though the device is perfectly balanced.

I've called STEADICAM and spoke with some really nice people that weren't able to tell me how to resolve the issue. The only suggestion was to remove the quick release plate and see if I'm still getting footsteps. The problem is that the quick release plate is ESSENTIAL to weddings because of how quickly I have to change gear.

Overall the merlin is light and compact. I love that I can pack it into my small backpack BUT the results are sketchy!

The best results I ever got from this unit was when I used a videocamera. It was heavy and had a large base. The merlin loved this! If you're going to use DSLR's, I would not recommend buying this unit.

Comments about Steadicam Merlin Camera Stabilizing System:

Very much this product was pleasant! It is a pity only with heavy equipment stabilization doesn't work, it would be desirable to use the given product with digital cameras!