I have a Canon XH A1 and a "just for fun shooter", but I would like to try a Steadicam
Merlin. It might be more than I can handle and if so would need to resell. Does
the Merlin hold its resale value? Thanks.

Charles Dodd

I think it depends on your timing. The product is excellent and nothing compares. However, it also is not cheap and not in everyone's market.

Thus, you can resell it, but how much you get depends on who is looking for one at the moment.

I think the Merlin alone does pretty well from what I've seen.

The Merlin arm and vest is a a harder re-sell, since people in this market are more likely to bump up to the Steadicam Pilot. I tried to sell a Merlin arm and vest a few weeks ago with no interest at all. But one did sell here just a few days ago.

To summarize: if you want professional looking steadicam shots handheld, the Merlin is the way to go. It flat out beats everything by a mile. And for this reason, the Merlin hand helds seem to resell pretty well.

Thanks for the reply. I have looked at lots of options and the Merlin appears to be the best.
Of course the price makes a person try to find an alternative solution. From what I have
read the setup and use might be more than I can master. I am not looking for professional
footage, just good amateur shots. If I could get at least 5 to 6 hundred after I have found
that I am in over my head would be a costly experience. Thanks again.

Charles Dodd

Since my XH A1 and FS-C weigh 6.6 lbs I might as well forget the Merlin, unless someone
has been able to exceed the Merlin 5 pound limit. I had my hopes up anyway.

It is my understanding that with the new all-metal gimbal the Merlin's load rate is 7.5 lbs.

On the Steadicams website it shows the Merlin to be IDEAL for the XH-A1

Reference Chart for Lightweight Cameras - Tiffen (http://www.steadicam.com/ref_chart_lightwtcams.html)