steady cam for sony fx 1000 at DVinfo.net

Dror Levi · June 16th, 2009, 02:51 PM

Does anyone has a steady cam preference for the sony fx 1000?

Zach Love · June 25th, 2009, 11:04 PM

You could fly on a Merlin, but you'll need a gym membership. A bunch of the Merlin demos are using the Z1 & I don't think the FX1000 is that much different in weight.

If you want to fly with more ease get the arm & vest, or upgrade to the Steadicam Pilot.

Of you could look into the Glidecams, Varizooms, etc. although I don't think they are near the quality, ease of use and user support of a true Steadicam.

Jeff Harper · July 5th, 2009, 08:37 AM

The pilot (2-10lbs) would be a better choice if your running lights and a 970 battery, as the camcorder is near the weight limit of the Merlin (up to (5lbs I think).

Ethan Cooper · July 5th, 2009, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Harper

The pilot (2-10lbs) would be a better choice if your running lights and a 970 battery, as the camcorder is near the weight limit of the Merlin (up to (5lbs I think).

7lbs with the metal gimbal if I remember correctly.

Jeff Harper · July 6th, 2009, 07:13 AM

Steadicam | Merlin Camera Stabilizing System - with Arm and Vest

See specs.

Ethan Cooper · July 6th, 2009, 07:18 AM

See specs from Tiffen's own site:
Steadicam Merlin Arm and Vest - Tiffen

I'll save you some time if you'd like:

"The original Merlin used two-ball-bearings for the vertical axis, and low-friction bushings for the remaining two horizontal axes. The results were excellent but the maximum payload was limited to 5.5 lbs.

The new Merlin Six-Ball-Bearing Gimbal employs aluminum and stainless-steel construction and precision, flanged, extended-race ball bearings in all three axes, which yields higher payloads and superb angular isolation. This robust new, all-metal gimbal, together with the Merlin Arm and Vest, now permits your Merlin to fly cameras weighing up to 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg)."

Jeff Harper · July 6th, 2009, 07:21 AM

B and H is clearly wrong.

Charles Papert · July 6th, 2009, 11:00 AM

They re-used the old specs apparently.

Jeff Harper · July 6th, 2009, 11:02 AM

Yes, the metal gimble increases its capacity. Almost bought one used and only knew of the old specs so I passed, unfortunately.

Zach Love · July 6th, 2009, 10:26 PM

If you think just holding the camera gets heavy... it is nothing compared to holding the camera on a Merlin.

Very possible, just start "flying" a 10lbs weight around your back yard as if you were holding a Merlin, you'll get tired pretty fast, but after some practice it could become easy if you are up to the challenge.

Otherwise get something with an arm & vest.

June 16th, 2009, 02:51 PM	#1
Dror Levi Major Player Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Pembroke Pines FL Posts: 331	steady cam for sony fx 1000 Does anyone has a steady cam preference for the sony fx 1000? __________________ www.nostalgicFrames.com

June 25th, 2009, 11:04 PM	#2
Zach Love Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 944	You could fly on a Merlin, but you'll need a gym membership. A bunch of the Merlin demos are using the Z1 & I don't think the FX1000 is that much different in weight. If you want to fly with more ease get the arm & vest, or upgrade to the Steadicam Pilot. Of you could look into the Glidecams, Varizooms, etc. although I don't think they are near the quality, ease of use and user support of a true Steadicam. __________________ Nothing says you're a serious video maker like S-VHS

July 6th, 2009, 07:18 AM	#6
Ethan Cooper Trustee Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 1,400 Images: 5	See specs from Tiffen's own site: Steadicam Merlin Arm and Vest - Tiffen I'll save you some time if you'd like: "The original Merlin used two-ball-bearings for the vertical axis, and low-friction bushings for the remaining two horizontal axes. The results were excellent but the maximum payload was limited to 5.5 lbs. The new Merlin Six-Ball-Bearing Gimbal employs aluminum and stainless-steel construction and precision, flanged, extended-race ball bearings in all three axes, which yields higher payloads and superb angular isolation. This robust new, all-metal gimbal, together with the Merlin Arm and Vest, now permits your Merlin to fly cameras weighing up to 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg)." __________________ ∅ -Ethan Cooper

July 6th, 2009, 11:00 AM	#8
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	They re-used the old specs apparently. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

July 6th, 2009, 10:26 PM	#10
Zach Love Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 944	If you think just holding the camera gets heavy... it is nothing compared to holding the camera on a Merlin. Very possible, just start "flying" a 10lbs weight around your back yard as if you were holding a Merlin, you'll get tired pretty fast, but after some practice it could become easy if you are up to the challenge. Otherwise get something with an arm & vest. __________________ Nothing says you're a serious video maker like S-VHS

July 5th, 2009, 08:37 AM	#3
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	The pilot (2-10lbs) would be a better choice if your running lights and a 970 battery, as the camcorder is near the weight limit of the Merlin (up to (5lbs I think).

July 6th, 2009, 07:13 AM	#5
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Steadicam \| Merlin Camera Stabilizing System - with Arm and Vest See specs.

July 6th, 2009, 07:21 AM	#7
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	B and H is clearly wrong.

July 6th, 2009, 11:02 AM	#9
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Yes, the metal gimble increases its capacity. Almost bought one used and only knew of the old specs so I passed, unfortunately.