Steadicam Merlin, is it worth it? at DVinfo.net

Glenn Gipson · March 30th, 2007, 02:53 PM

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Merlin, and whether or not it is worth it in comparison to the cheaper stabilizers. Thanks.

Mikko Wilson · March 30th, 2007, 03:09 PM

Yes, the Steadicam Merlin is well worth the price in what it does over the cheaper knock-off other stabilizers.

This topic should really be in the "Stabilizers" area of the forum above....

- Mikko

Dearl Golden · March 30th, 2007, 03:11 PM

I can't answer your question, yet......I just ordered a Steadicam Merlin from B&H.

I was trying to decide between the Glidecam 4000, the Varizoon Flowpod, or the Merlin to use with my XH-A1.

There are as many different opinions on these tools as there are users of them. I did the research on this forum (VERY helpful) and as much as possible on the various manufacturers sites. Ultimately, for me, it came down to analysis of that research with regard to total weight, ease of setup and use, portability, support from the manufacturer and community, reputation, and cost. The Merlin is a bit pricier @ $800.00, but given the other considerations, was my choice. The Merlin user manual (online) is very detailed and explains not only "how" to do something but also "why". They also offer a "cookbook" that details precise settings for various cams. Users of cams not listed there have submitted settings for these cams (HV10, HV20, XH-A!.G1, etc). Much more professional and complete than the others.

It should be here by the middle of next week, so we'll see. I do not, however, expect to be disappointed.

(Edit - Mr Wilson's assessment also contributed to my decision...Thanks Mikko)

Richard Zlamany · March 30th, 2007, 05:13 PM

The Merlin is amazing and magical. It is very easy to setup and fly.

The only time I have trouble with it is outside when it is windy.

Art Varga · March 30th, 2007, 06:11 PM

I got my Merlin this week. It's an amazing device! I had purchased a flowpod originally but found it way too heavy to use with my A1 so I returned and bought the Merlin. The Merlin comes with very comprehensive instructions (interactive DVD and Manual) that will have you up and running quickly. Once you get your camera balanced (follow directions to the tee) you will find it hard not get a smooth image. I'm still learning how to rotate the camera on the gimbal which requires a very soft touch with your finger to influence the direction of the camera. I'm practicing first with my smaller 1.2lb Canon HV20 and then will mount the A1. My dilema will be which camera to use it on. It takes a bit of work to change the setup between two cameras.

Tom Vandas · April 22nd, 2007, 03:08 AM

Love my Merlin. I typically use it with my VX2000 and a Z1. A couple weeks ago I tried out a Canon A1 on it, incredibly managed to balance it in less than a minute, and it worked like a charm. Though roughly the same size and weight as the Z1, the A1 seemed easier to use on the Merlin, maybe due to the placement of the battery on the A1.

It costs more than the competition, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Merlin again. It's a piece of equipment I expect will outlive my cameras.

Steve Madsen · April 28th, 2007, 02:44 AM

Most of my favourite stock footage is Merlin footage. Nothing compares to that floating look. Well, nothing that's also this simple to set up. It'll take a long while to master, but that's part of the fun. At $800 I really don't consider it expensive.

March 30th, 2007, 02:53 PM	#1
Glenn Gipson Major Player Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Plainfield, New Jersey Posts: 927	Steadicam Merlin, is it worth it? I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Merlin, and whether or not it is worth it in comparison to the cheaper stabilizers. Thanks.

March 30th, 2007, 03:09 PM	#2
Mikko Wilson Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Juneau, Alaska, USA Posts: 624	Yes, the Steadicam Merlin is well worth the price in what it does over the cheaper knock-off other stabilizers. This topic should really be in the "Stabilizers" area of the forum above.... - Mikko __________________ Mikko Wilson - Steadicam Owner / Operator - Juneau, Alaska, USA +1 (907) 321-8387 - mikkowilson@hotmail.com - www.mikkowilson.com

March 30th, 2007, 03:11 PM	#3
Dearl Golden Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Gallatin, TN Posts: 147	I can't answer your question, yet......I just ordered a Steadicam Merlin from B&H. I was trying to decide between the Glidecam 4000, the Varizoon Flowpod, or the Merlin to use with my XH-A1. There are as many different opinions on these tools as there are users of them. I did the research on this forum (VERY helpful) and as much as possible on the various manufacturers sites. Ultimately, for me, it came down to analysis of that research with regard to total weight, ease of setup and use, portability, support from the manufacturer and community, reputation, and cost. The Merlin is a bit pricier @ $800.00, but given the other considerations, was my choice. The Merlin user manual (online) is very detailed and explains not only "how" to do something but also "why". They also offer a "cookbook" that details precise settings for various cams. Users of cams not listed there have submitted settings for these cams (HV10, HV20, XH-A!.G1, etc). Much more professional and complete than the others. It should be here by the middle of next week, so we'll see. I do not, however, expect to be disappointed. (Edit - Mr Wilson's assessment also contributed to my decision...Thanks Mikko) Last edited by Dearl Golden; March 30th, 2007 at 03:14 PM. Reason: Acknowledgement

March 30th, 2007, 05:13 PM	#4
Richard Zlamany Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Hamden CT Posts: 470	The Merlin is amazing and magical. It is very easy to setup and fly. The only time I have trouble with it is outside when it is windy.

March 30th, 2007, 06:11 PM	#5
Art Varga Major Player Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Belle Mead, NJ Posts: 552	I got my Merlin this week. It's an amazing device! I had purchased a flowpod originally but found it way too heavy to use with my A1 so I returned and bought the Merlin. The Merlin comes with very comprehensive instructions (interactive DVD and Manual) that will have you up and running quickly. Once you get your camera balanced (follow directions to the tee) you will find it hard not get a smooth image. I'm still learning how to rotate the camera on the gimbal which requires a very soft touch with your finger to influence the direction of the camera. I'm practicing first with my smaller 1.2lb Canon HV20 and then will mount the A1. My dilema will be which camera to use it on. It takes a bit of work to change the setup between two cameras.

April 22nd, 2007, 03:08 AM	#6
Tom Vandas Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: currently in Kigali, Rwanda Posts: 144	Love my Merlin. I typically use it with my VX2000 and a Z1. A couple weeks ago I tried out a Canon A1 on it, incredibly managed to balance it in less than a minute, and it worked like a charm. Though roughly the same size and weight as the Z1, the A1 seemed easier to use on the Merlin, maybe due to the placement of the battery on the A1. It costs more than the competition, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Merlin again. It's a piece of equipment I expect will outlive my cameras.

April 28th, 2007, 02:44 AM	#7
Steve Madsen Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 111	Most of my favourite stock footage is Merlin footage. Nothing compares to that floating look. Well, nothing that's also this simple to set up. It'll take a long while to master, but that's part of the fun. At $800 I really don't consider it expensive.