Merlin Vest & Arm

[Michael Y Wong]

Thank you very much Nick for posting that video; it was exactly what I was looking for; the footage looks extremely promising.

It looks like I will have to order the Merlin Vest arm (dying to try out the metal gimbal) and then purchasing the pilot sled upgrade path when it becomes available (I believe you stated next year).

[Nick Tsamandanis]

So I have been told. No price has been set for the separate Pilot sled yet.
I will be upgrading to the Pilot as well, possibly a Flyer depending on work demand for a heavier camera.

[Steven Davis]

Originally Posted by Nick Tsamandanis

Been playing around with the vest and arm for a few days now and I just love it. I have configured the arm so the camera is on the right side for a better view of the LCD monitor. With the new metal gimbal and extra weights I have fitted the Sony FX1 camera with a large NP-F970 battery and a Sony 10/20 light with a NP-F970 battery as well. I can shoot anywhere now. My first impression was that I feel I can go all day with this thing, no more arm fatigue. I also find that Don Juan is so much easier now and much smoother. I will post some basic footage on Youtube when I get some time. I don't know why but It seems to take a lot longer to balance the rig for static and especially dynamic balance with the metal gimbal, even before I added the light and larger batteries, it's a bit of a pain. Switching back to the plastic one it only takes around 30 secs.

Nick, do you have a link for the package you bought? I'm leaning towads getting a system, I have the z1 and a couple of v1s. Thanks in advance.

[Nick Tsamandanis]

http://www.steadicam.com/merlinarmvest.html

[Steven Davis]

Originally Posted by Nick Tsamandanis

http://www.steadicam.com/merlinarmvest.html

Interesting, seems the merlin might be a little 'small light' according to the http://www.steadicam.com/ref_chart_lightwtcams.html Especially if I want to throw accessories on it.

I'll keep reading around.