Glidecam 2000 vs. Steadicam Merlin for HV20 at DVinfo.net

Ryan P. Green · May 5th, 2007, 09:15 PM

Alright, so I just picked up a Canon HV20, and now I'm looking at picking up my first stabilizer system. Friend has a Glidecam 2000 and swears by it, but admits he's never fooled around with a Merlin. Given the cost differential ($369 vs. $800), I'd like to know the difference before I spend more of my cash on this gear.

Charles Papert · May 5th, 2007, 10:08 PM

With a heavier camera than the HV20, you would notice a substantial difference in terms of overall payload with the GC over the Merlin. But with a light camera, the nuances of balance and accuracy of the gimbal become more important. Making tiny adjustments in the top stage is a critical task, and the GC does not offer the ability to do this compared to the Merlin.

Wilfred Ketelaar · May 6th, 2007, 02:28 AM

Can you do the same kind of movements with the Merlin / Glidecam? Or are does one do better than the other in some kind of movements.

George Ellis · May 6th, 2007, 05:36 PM

You should be able to do the same movements. The Merlin fits the HV20 better in philosophy as the stores smaller. So, your kit is much more portable.

//I have a GC2k.

Terry Thompson · May 6th, 2007, 09:44 PM

I'm thinking that tilts and rolls i.e. extended dutch shots would be easier with the Glidecam but for smooth flight the Merlin would be just as good and easier on the arm. If you plan on a larger camera and eventually will go with a vest and arm, both company's offer good solutions.

Tery
Indicam

Robin Schmidt · September 2nd, 2010, 10:00 AM

I own a Merlin but had a chance to try a Glidecam 2000 extensively on a job recently with surprisingly good results. Written up my experiences on the blog at:

Robin Schmidt, Director, Editor and DSLR mentalist – GLIDECAM 2000 vs STEADICAM MERLIN – WHICH ONE TO BUY?

Hope that helps

Robin
Robin Schmidt, Director, Editor and DSLR mentalist

May 5th, 2007, 09:15 PM	#1
Ryan P. Green Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: USA Posts: 35	Glidecam 2000 vs. Steadicam Merlin for HV20 Alright, so I just picked up a Canon HV20, and now I'm looking at picking up my first stabilizer system. Friend has a Glidecam 2000 and swears by it, but admits he's never fooled around with a Merlin. Given the cost differential ($369 vs. $800), I'd like to know the difference before I spend more of my cash on this gear.

May 5th, 2007, 10:08 PM	#2
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	With a heavier camera than the HV20, you would notice a substantial difference in terms of overall payload with the GC over the Merlin. But with a light camera, the nuances of balance and accuracy of the gimbal become more important. Making tiny adjustments in the top stage is a critical task, and the GC does not offer the ability to do this compared to the Merlin. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

May 6th, 2007, 02:28 AM	#3
Wilfred Ketelaar Tourist Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Noordhorn, Netherlands Posts: 3	Range of movements Can you do the same kind of movements with the Merlin / Glidecam? Or are does one do better than the other in some kind of movements.

May 6th, 2007, 09:44 PM	#5
Terry Thompson Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Auburn, CA Posts: 578	I'm thinking that tilts and rolls i.e. extended dutch shots would be easier with the Glidecam but for smooth flight the Merlin would be just as good and easier on the arm. If you plan on a larger camera and eventually will go with a vest and arm, both company's offer good solutions. Tery Indicam __________________ He's only mostly sDEADy. sort of from "The Princess Bride" www.indicam.com

September 2nd, 2010, 10:00 AM	#6
Robin Schmidt Tourist Join Date: May 2010 Location: London, UK Posts: 2	Glidecam and Merlin used in the field I own a Merlin but had a chance to try a Glidecam 2000 extensively on a job recently with surprisingly good results. Written up my experiences on the blog at: Robin Schmidt, Director, Editor and DSLR mentalist – GLIDECAM 2000 vs STEADICAM MERLIN – WHICH ONE TO BUY? Hope that helps Robin Robin Schmidt, Director, Editor and DSLR mentalist

May 6th, 2007, 05:36 PM	#4
George Ellis Trustee Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Suwanee, GA Posts: 1,241	You should be able to do the same movements. The Merlin fits the HV20 better in philosophy as the stores smaller. So, your kit is much more portable. //I have a GC2k.