Merlin Steadicam

[Travis Cossel]

I hear you Peter. I've tried to duplicate a number of full-rig shots and found it impossible. The Merlin is great for less 'tricky' steadicam shots, and it really excels in terms of flexibility in unscripted run and gun situations. But it's definitely not capable of replacing a full-rig system.

I think this is mostly due to the contact area for controlling the Merlin. The surface is very small and requires you to place all force and pressure with just your fingertips (you can't really bring your arm strength into it). That surface area is also cramped and tight, since you have a handle with your other hand in there taking up space. I find I try to operate the unit by holding the handle with only the top part of my fist, so I can leave more space to operate the gimbal.

Nick, thanks for the answers. I wish you the best. You've definitely developed some skill with the Merlin, so I'm sure you'll do great with a full rig. Good luck!

[Nick Tsamandanis]

Originally Posted by Peter Szilveszter

But you are super skilled with the Merlin :P Hand held I can no way get stuff you've gotten atm. I would say there is certain moves you can't do with the Merlin that you can with Pilot. ie shot of top tree circling around then panning/craning down to a person standing underneath and then following them around. So I have no doubt in stability it matches but as far as variety of moves the Merlin is limited compared to the Pilot.

Agreed, but for what it is I think it does a great job.

[Luke Oliver]

so do u guys crank up the shutter speed if u are moving quickly, shooting 50i, i dont think the pic was blured because of this and not vibration although there was some there

cheers for the feedback dude

[Nick Tsamandanis]

Luke, no you don't need a faster than normal shutter speed for running shots.