View Full Version : My Steadicam Merlin Demo Reel


Nick Tsamandanis
June 17th, 2007, 08:31 PM
I've put together a showreel from some recent weddings that I've shot here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlblLOLj8IQ
I've ordered the arm and vest, mainly for use in corporate work and I'm interested to see how much it will improve the stability, especially with the heavy duty gimble.

Terry Thompson
June 19th, 2007, 12:31 AM
Nick,

A lot of your smooth video can be attributed to the Merlin but most of it I believe is your skill. You shots were excellent!

I can tell you have learned the steadicam motto: practice, practice, practice.

Tery
Indicam

Richard Zlamany
June 19th, 2007, 08:41 AM
Wow! really awesome work. It is inspirational.

What cam are you using?

Thanks for sharing.

Nick Tsamandanis
June 19th, 2007, 08:50 AM
Hi, thanks for the kind words guys, I use the Sony FX1 on the Steadicam. I do two camera shoots, the other cam, mostly on tripod is the Sony Z1.

Richard Zlamany
June 19th, 2007, 10:23 AM
Interesting. I am trying to work the Merlin into my weddings, but I am finding it hard to find the time during the wedding day. Between everything always running late and sharing the couple with the photographer, I don't know how to work it in.

Stu Holmes
June 19th, 2007, 11:29 AM
I've ordered the arm and vest, mainly for use in corporate work and I'm interested to see how much it will improve the stability, especially with the heavy duty gimble.Let us know what you think of the arm and vest Nick. I'd be interested. Also ...gulp...what did the arm and vest cost if you can tell us please?

One thing i don't quite "get" is how the Merlin manages to keep vertical operator-movements under control (without an iso-elastic arm) such as when you're walking.. But it does seem to do that quite well. If you could comment on that please ( i know a lot of it is practice !).

Chris Walker
June 19th, 2007, 12:20 PM
what did the arm and vest cost if you can tell us please?

A better question is where you got it :-) I am still waiting for it to show up available so that I can order it.

Robin Davies-Rollinson
June 19th, 2007, 03:33 PM
Well, if that's just done with the Merlin, then I'm well impressed - it was excellent, could have been a proper Steadicam.
I might have to get one myself...

Robin

Nick Tsamandanis
June 19th, 2007, 06:48 PM
I don't have the arm and vest yet. I have placed my order and the ETA is late July-early-August. Here in Australia the upgrade cost is $2999. Total investment cost of $4500. Obviously cheaper in US. Stu, the hardest thing I find with hand held operating (apart from fatigue) is minimising unwanted vertical movement. You really have to bend the knees when you walk. It takes a lot of constant practice in general, and I'm nowhere near where I want to be.

Brian Keith Moody
June 19th, 2007, 08:08 PM
Super cool. I want one. Send me yours.

Nick Tsamandanis
June 19th, 2007, 11:00 PM
Interesting. I am trying to work the Merlin into my weddings, but I am finding it hard to find the time during the wedding day. Between everything always running late and sharing the couple with the photographer, I don't know how to work it in.

I have an assistant during the day and he follows me around with the other cam, I switch from the Z1 on a tripod to the Fx1 with the steadicam within seconds. The pace is very fast as I don't like to stage shots, and working in with the photographer. It all flows smoothly and the atmosphere is like a model photo shoot, the girls love it.

Rene Roslev
June 19th, 2007, 11:36 PM
Very nice work!

(UPS delivers my Merlin later today! Wooooo!)

Matthew Gore
June 20th, 2007, 06:02 AM
Nick,

Me and my guys here in Atlanta just watched you're Merlin demo and WOW!
You must have arms of steel. It is some of the nicest work I've seen and I would have sworn you had a full vest rig. We have a Merlin, and we'll try and use it for a while and then get frustrated and stop. We are putting a Z1 on it and it seems just a little bit much for the rig, but you've inspired us to get back to work with it. Keep up the good work.

Nick Tsamandanis
June 20th, 2007, 06:12 AM
Thanks again, um I forgot to mention that I have been an avid gym junkie for the last twenty years. It does help having strong forearms, back etc... but it will still be a huge relief when I get the arm and vest. Whatever you do don't stop practicing, once you do, you lose your skills, it's just like playing a sport or musical instrument.

Charles Papert
June 20th, 2007, 07:56 AM
Great job Nick! You've schooled me with the Merlin, you've definitely put in your practice time.

I love the shot circling the car with the chauffeur leading you around the frame. You used him as the anchor on the side of frame and adjusted your speed and pivot point to keep all three in the shot. FYI guys, that is EXACTLY the sort of thing that makes a great Steadicam operator--understanding how to make these sort of adjustments (and being able to design them, and in Nick's case, recognize and incorporate them instantly when they are "happy accidents"). That sort of thing goes far beyond the technical aspects of minimizing roll or vertical bounce.

Keep it up! (and look forward to hearing your results with the vest/arm).

Nick Tsamandanis
June 20th, 2007, 08:10 AM
Hi Charles, thanks, it's a great honour to receive a compliment from an accomplished and respected pro as yourself.

Buba Kastorski
June 20th, 2007, 11:04 AM
It really looks like you've used a full rig,
very nice job,
thanks for sharing!

David Koo
June 20th, 2007, 06:29 PM
Wow...

Inspires me to practice more...

Thanks for sharing!

Michael Y Wong
June 22nd, 2007, 07:15 AM
Killer Merlin work!; I swore you were shooting with the Flyer!

Chris Walker
June 22nd, 2007, 07:20 AM
Just a heads up. B&H does not have the Merlin Arm and Vest listed online. But, you can place an order over the phone. The item number is STMAV. They require a CC to put it on order. Card is charged at the time of shipment.

Great work on the video.

Sean Seah
June 25th, 2007, 07:28 AM
Great job!! I think the vest would put some restrictions in crowded places.. its really fantastic to see what u did with a handheld!

Charles Papert
June 26th, 2007, 02:08 AM
I'm testing the arm and vest on a shoot this week and will post results. I'm flying a Canon A1 with their wide adaptor, which maxes out the Merlin (all weights up, plus one extra). Uncomfortable to handhold for long, but a walk in the park with the vest and arm. Stay tuned!

Nick Tsamandanis
June 27th, 2007, 09:46 PM
Charles, any chance you can post some of the footage you shoot with the Merlin, arm & vest? That would be great!

Charles Papert
June 27th, 2007, 09:50 PM
Unfortunately no...the client owns the footage.

Nick Tsamandanis
July 5th, 2007, 07:42 PM
Ok, will post some footage when mine arrives. I also ordered a Steadistand, docking bracket and customized travel bag.