EX-1 with Merlin or SteadiCam Pilot?

Chad Hucal · November 25th, 2008, 07:38 PM

I wonder what shipping to North America would cost? Several hundred I'd assume.

Chris Medico · November 25th, 2008, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sverker Hahn

I have taken a lot of looong footage of nature with EX1 on a rigid tripod - exploring the possibilities of such a tecnique - but now exploring further with sloow panning and possibly moving the camera on a dolly or maybe a stabilizer like Merlin or Pilot.

I saw a demo video of Pilot or Flyer with the camera at the bottom, up-side-down. Have you tried that? I´m thinking of close-to-ground shots showing the perspective of mouse or something, walking very, very slowly. I want to get the 3D-impression one gets with a dolly but not with panning with a tripod. You might check Pictures-Come-Alive! - Plants 4 - a 3D-effect might make even a scene with nothing moving quite interesting.

I don't want to push this OT but do a search for posts using the telescope motorized heads for video work. This looks like so much fun to program the moves into the thing and see what you get.

Joachim Hoge · November 26th, 2008, 02:50 PM

I use the EX-1 on a pilot. I even add all the wheights that came with it.
Then the arm is close to it´s max payload, but works perfectly.
I have an EX-3 coming tomorrow, but I don´t think the pilot can handle it.
(The EX-1 is my friends(

Marc Faletti · November 26th, 2008, 07:04 PM

As far as the Indicam goes, I can attest to some good and, well, less-optimal things about the experience. First off, Terry is a top-notch guy who takes all of your questions himself and will spend as much time as you need talking to you about the equipment before -- and after -- you buy. Secondly, the arm and balance are very nice -- they fall short of Steadicam quality IMHO, but they do help you produce smooth shots on an EX1.

The problem for me was the backpack vest -- I couldn't make it comfortable no matter how I adjusted it. Terry insisted it was feasible to find a fit, but I couldn't. So I eventually returned my Indicam.

But, that right there is another huge positive for it -- Terry took my return and gave me a refund. That's pretty awesome for an expensive piece of gear.

Lots of folks seem to like the Indicam, so I would take a look at it. The vest didn't work for me, but the customer service can't be beat.

Bill Heslip · November 26th, 2008, 08:08 PM

The Indy Steadycam looks interesting, and the price is certainly right. Not exactly Steadicam results yet not a hand-held look either. Fully refundable within 30 days, which is the only way to go if you've no other way to try it out. I wonder how well it really works.

Sean Seah · November 26th, 2008, 09:18 PM

I have attempted the EX1 with the merlin, Indicam Pilot (sold it) and Steadicam Pilot. I would agree that the steadicam Pilot is the best amongst all for the job even with extended batteries.

The Indicam Pilot is very good as well. As Marc remarked, I couldnt fit the backpack very well (indicam now has a vest option) so I sold it eventually. I'm not sure if the vest is better now but for the price and superb customer service from Terry, I would say it great for folks who are just starting out, more so that they have a 30day return policy for the lucky folks in the US.

The Merlin does have problems handling the EX1. I cant seem to balance it properly even with extra weights. I think the accessories plate is required to make it work.

Craig Seeman · November 30th, 2008, 10:26 AM

I'm not sure of forum on mentioning publications but EventDV December issue has an article on the Indicam Pilot. He explains that although the Indicam and Glidecam sleds look similar, there are significant differences to the Indicam's advantage. There's quite a bit of detail on the function of the device (ability to adjust).

He also comes to the conclusion that if you have the budget the Steadicam Pilot is best with Indicam Pilot being the affordable alternative. He also mentions Glidecam Smooth Shooter and Glidecam X-10 which, for various reasons, he didn't find competitive.

November 26th, 2008, 09:18 PM	#36
Sean Seah Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,498	I have attempted the EX1 with the merlin, Indicam Pilot (sold it) and Steadicam Pilot. I would agree that the steadicam Pilot is the best amongst all for the job even with extended batteries. The Indicam Pilot is very good as well. As Marc remarked, I couldnt fit the backpack very well (indicam now has a vest option) so I sold it eventually. I'm not sure if the vest is better now but for the price and superb customer service from Terry, I would say it great for folks who are just starting out, more so that they have a 30day return policy for the lucky folks in the US. The Merlin does have problems handling the EX1. I cant seem to balance it properly even with extra weights. I think the accessories plate is required to make it work. Last edited by Sean Seah; November 27th, 2008 at 07:20 PM.

November 25th, 2008, 07:38 PM	#31
Chad Hucal Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 77	I wonder what shipping to North America would cost? Several hundred I'd assume.

November 26th, 2008, 02:50 PM	#33
Joachim Hoge Major Player Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Oslo, Norway Posts: 402	I use the EX-1 on a pilot. I even add all the wheights that came with it. Then the arm is close to it´s max payload, but works perfectly. I have an EX-3 coming tomorrow, but I don´t think the pilot can handle it. (The EX-1 is my friends(

November 26th, 2008, 07:04 PM	#34
Marc Faletti Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 50	As far as the Indicam goes, I can attest to some good and, well, less-optimal things about the experience. First off, Terry is a top-notch guy who takes all of your questions himself and will spend as much time as you need talking to you about the equipment before -- and after -- you buy. Secondly, the arm and balance are very nice -- they fall short of Steadicam quality IMHO, but they do help you produce smooth shots on an EX1. The problem for me was the backpack vest -- I couldn't make it comfortable no matter how I adjusted it. Terry insisted it was feasible to find a fit, but I couldn't. So I eventually returned my Indicam. But, that right there is another huge positive for it -- Terry took my return and gave me a refund. That's pretty awesome for an expensive piece of gear. Lots of folks seem to like the Indicam, so I would take a look at it. The vest didn't work for me, but the customer service can't be beat.

November 26th, 2008, 08:08 PM	#35
Bill Heslip Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Southeast USA Posts: 129	The Indy Steadycam looks interesting, and the price is certainly right. Not exactly Steadicam results yet not a hand-held look either. Fully refundable within 30 days, which is the only way to go if you've no other way to try it out. I wonder how well it really works.

November 30th, 2008, 10:26 AM	#37
Craig Seeman Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA Posts: 3,841	I'm not sure of forum on mentioning publications but EventDV December issue has an article on the Indicam Pilot. He explains that although the Indicam and Glidecam sleds look similar, there are significant differences to the Indicam's advantage. There's quite a bit of detail on the function of the device (ability to adjust). He also comes to the conclusion that if you have the budget the Steadicam Pilot is best with Indicam Pilot being the affordable alternative. He also mentions Glidecam Smooth Shooter and Glidecam X-10 which, for various reasons, he didn't find competitive.