|
Ever since the advent of the hand-held motion
picture camera, camera operators have been
plagued with the challenge of maintaining a
steady, hand held shot, especially while moving.
Most of us do our best trying by hold our camera
tight and locked into our body but the laws of
physics dictate just the opposite. In
order to get a steady, moving camera shot, the
camera must be detached from the body.
Once we understand and agree with that premise,
we can begin to understand why the hand held
camera stabilization device was created.
Having myself found with the need to take video
of objects while moving, I began exploring
possible solutions that were both affordable and
didn't require being strapped into a
semi-robotic vest. For me, such a device
had to be small, easily transportable.
Virtually all stabilization devices work off the
principle of lowering the center of gravity.
By way of a free floating handle (gimbal), a
properly balanced camera will remain
horizontally and vertically even even though the
camera is in motion. Here in lies the
conundrum. Up until now, stabilization
devices required extreme care when achieving the
initial proper balance. But it doesn't end
there. Anything you do to your camcorder,
once you have achieved the required perfect
balance, can now render your efforts useless.
-
Replacing the battery with one of a
different capacity
-
Add an external mic to the hot shoe
-
Add an XLR adapter
-
Add any filter to the lens
|
The point is... balance is critical and
extremely difficult to maintain with any
type of stabilization device. But
that's where the Steadicam Merlin is
different. The Merlin allows you
to perform micro adjustments to the
camera's balance by use of two rolling
adjusters on the camera plate.
This is fine for things like adding or
deleting filters. However, in the event
of a substantial change in weight such
as a battery change or wide angle
adapter, it will be necessary to spend
time making more drastic adjustments.
In all likelihood, it will require the
repositioning of the camera.
Fortunately, the camera mounting area
has numbered markings allowing the user
to annotate various setup options for
custom situation such as the adding of a
wide angle lens etc.
The Steadicam Merlin weighs in at only
13 oz. But after adding the needed
counter balance weights, it quickly got
up to nearly 2 pounds. Now add to that 4
pounds for my VX2100 (with 9 hr
battery), the weight begins to add up.
Using any camera stabilization device
will be a physical challenge.
However, the Merlin's compact size and
low weight make it much easier on your
muscles than all others I have seen. |
CLICK TO ENLARGE |
|
CLICK TO ENLARGE |
The Steadicam Merlin is a serious,
precision instrument. It's no toy
and it's $850 price tag supports that
claim. It's ability to be attached
to a tripod, by way of a (supplied)
quick release plate, will make this
device a must have for wedding
videographers.
I give Steadicam extremely high marks in
guiding a user through the task of
setup. Not only do they give you
an
excellent manual, they demonstrate
the entire process of setup, as well as
using the unit, graphically, in a high
quality DVD. These guys really did
it right. |
CLICK TO ENLARGE |
Recommendation:
Two major
thumbs up. An incredible tool but it is
not for the casual videographer. This
device will take some getting used to. Your arms will ache and
your back will get sore but you will wind up with awesome shots that
were virtually impossible to get before. There will be a
learning curve. Expect it. Using a Steadicam is an art
and will require lots of practice.
Andy's Personal
Opinion:
There are two major costs associated with owning a Steadicam.
The first, and most obvious, is the financial outlay of cash.
But the second, and in my mind the most costly, is the investment in
time one must make to learn to use this instrument.
While the Steadicam
Merlin is an extraordinary product, I personally do not do enough
shooting that can justify such a purchase. Perhaps, if I were
full time videographer...maybe. However, for those rare
occasions I may need a Steadicam shot, I will check my local
resources and hire the appropriate talent. |
