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View Full Version : Steadicam Merlin... for you vid folks



Trini-dad72
03-03-2006, 05:27 PM
Hey folks,

I just saw this on Daily Planet on Discovery Channel. They had a spot on the guy that invented the Steadicam system. He has one for mini/digi camcorders called the Merlin:

Pic: http://www.steadicam.com/images/content/Merlin-only-3_4.jpg
Info:http://www.steadicam.com/handheldmerlin.html

It's not cheap at $849.99 USD for the starter kit, but I am quite sure that many of you could make use of one as it would make for awesome moving shots while covering a sequence of tricks on dirt, or concrete, or wood!!! There is also the Jr version too that comes with a monitor in the handle for easy shooting. Anyway, watch Daily Planet tonight to see the spot, it's pretty damn cool. The guy even modded a segway to be used with no hands so that Steadicam operators can roll along with the action without a dolly and tracks.



skifreak
03-03-2006, 05:36 PM
last spring I had a chance to see one of the full on TV production models - so amazing...

with all harnesses, cameras lenses and the steadicam, you really can be the million dollar man!
uriedog
03-03-2006, 05:36 PM
ya saw that episode... looks sweet!! can't wait to get one!!! now I just need to get my camera back. some dickhead airport worker stole it 2 weeks ago. busted into my bag and took it. hopefully the Cagary police and Westjet come through for me
billytalented
03-03-2006, 07:37 PM
im very confused on what that does and where what goes
skifreak
03-03-2006, 07:52 PM
http://www.merlincookbook.com/images/merlinHeader.jpg
BrendanHowey
03-03-2006, 07:56 PM
im pretty shur its some kind of tripod or holds a camera anyways lol but i might be way off
Chunk
03-03-2006, 08:07 PM
im pretty shur its some kind of tripod or holds a camera anyways lol but i might be way off

You ever wonder how movies get their shots so steady? Well, they are either on trakcs, or they have one of these (or something similar)

If you need to capture a moving shot, and you need to pan across alot of ground, mount your camera to this and its weight steadies the movement, and the swiveling action coupled with the weight at the bottom keeps your camera upright at all times.
Trini-dad72
03-03-2006, 10:11 PM
Brendan, a TRIpod has three legs... silly man.

I'd love to see some shots in MTB vids get redone with one of those attached to the camera.
Jake the Trog
03-03-2006, 11:24 PM
my neighbor was a steadicam operater for the movies, he has some crazy stories about running backwards down the stairs in the eiffel tower. he also said saving private ryan was almost all steadicam and he had to shoot some intense scenes
Hip Hop!
03-03-2006, 11:31 PM
i saw a camera mounted to a steering wheel once. it was neat