Recreated thanks to www.google.com's cache
Originally posted 24-04-2005, 00:30
Steadicam introduces Merlin…
The Brilliant New Handheld Stabilizer for Camcorders
Las Vegas, NAB 05-Booth SU7876, April 18, 2005
What weighs less than 13 ounces and accepts cameras from 8 oz to 5 lbs? Why, it’s Merlin!
Steadicam ([url]http://www.steadicam.com/)[/url], a division of The Tiffen Company, is truly proud to introduce Merlin, its incredible new ultra lightweight camera stabilizer from the originator of hand-holdable stabilizing systems, Steadicam.
Weighing a mere 12.8oz. (less than a can of your favorite soft drink) and measuring as little as 3.5in x 2in x 11in when folded, Merlin offers unprecedented capabilities.
Merlin is the new choice for videographers shooting multi-media, events, weddings, industrials and documentaries, student or serious enthusiasts who have been searching for a cost effective camera stabilization solution.
Conceived and designed by Garrett Brown, Merlin is crafted of the highest quality materials, utilizing ultra-light, ultra-rigid aluminum alloys and precision stainless steel weights.
Balanced on its patented three-axis inter-gimbaled handle, Merlin provides precise control at unprecedented focal lengths, and instantly folds into the most compact ‘shoulder-mode’ ever!
The ultralight construction greatly reduces fatigue and lets operators make longer, more elegant shots with longer focal lengths than ever imagined using a hand-held stabilizer.
With camera attached (Sony Handycam HC-32), the Steadicam Merlin weighs only 35oz, or less than the weight of other hand-holdable systems without camera or weights attached! In fact, with Sony's HDR FX-1 Hi-Def camcorder aboard, Merlin adds only 2.5lb, or a total weight of only 6.5lb!
Exclusive to Merlin, is its patent pending ‘Folding Caliper’ hinge. The Folding Caliper easily extends and retracts to balance cameras ranging from 8oz to a formidable five pounds, yet automatically seeks the true folded position for storage or shoulder mount use and incredibly, returns to the correct balance point when again opened!
Merlin’s versatility extends even further, with its universal dovetail plate
The rigid multi-tapped plate is designed to accept an extensive range of cameras, from the latest ultra compact DV’s to larger, feature rich HDV cameras.
Its three-position lever permits rapid camera mounting and removal from Merlin’s micrometer trim stage, coarse balance adjustments while affixed to the stage, and positive attachment of the camera.
When locked to the micrometer trim stage, precise fore and aft, plus side to side horizontal balance are then easily accomplished. And, if required, the camera and plate can be affixed to any tripod using Merlin’s accessory tripod mounting plate.
Also included with the Steadicam Merlin, are five precision threaded stainless steel balance weights and two tapered end weights for cameras weighing less than four pounds.
An accessory kit adds a short extension tube and three additional weights for cameras up to five pounds.
“What’s really exciting about Merlin,†says Tiffen’s Steadicam Manager, Frank Rush, “is how it turns any camera into a creative production tool. Now, even with the smallest camcorders, anyone can achieve a truly professional look with Steadicam’s unique brand of cinematic motion with a surprisingly affordable system.â€
Steadicam web site: http://www.steadicam.com/
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mooblie24-04-2005, 10:55
Obviously too new for the Tiffen website - the link is there, but no destination page (yet)! :(
However, the PDF brochure on Merlin is there. :)
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Chirpy24-04-2005, 10:55
The link is further down the page mooblie, under 'LATEST STEADICAM NEWS' ([url]http://www.steadicam.com/news041905-2.html)[/url]. The page looks exactly the same as Bob printed though.
Any idea of a price yet Bob?
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mooblie24-04-2005, 11:13
Aha! Ta! I only tried the link in the top half of the page. ;)
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PaulD24-04-2005, 11:21
Hi
There's a movie interview made at NAB with the inventor of the Steadicam talking about and showing the Merlin:
http://forums.dvdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=66647
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bcrabtree24-04-2005, 15:26
Paul,
I initially got the information about this product from the link you put up there!
I couldn't find any info on pricing but I'm trying to track it down.
Bob C
Hi
There's a movie interview made at NAB with the inventor of the Steadicam talking about and showing the Merlin:
http://forums.dvdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=66647
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mooblie24-04-2005, 16:28
I am not trying to be a smart a**e here, and I applaude the low weight of the core device (13oz), and I even expect to be investigating this with a view to purchase myself, but....
I see from the video, that for a camera at the top of the weight range, like a 4lb PD170 or FX1/Z1, you have to add a lot of balance weight - probably around 2lb, making the whole rig weight about 7lb+, which becomes not so easy to carry without using two hands.
This is the problem I find with my Steadicam Jr Lite, making it:
- difficult with a PD170,
- OK with a TRV900
- and impossible with an even heavier PD170+K6/ME66 - with its even higher CoG - probably needing even more balance weight.
Still, I look foward to a review. Hint.
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Alan Roberts24-04-2005, 18:25
I've used a Hague for a few years, very happily. To keep the total weight down, I put the camera's battery on the bottom plate (i.e. use it as part of the counterweight). I can't see why you shouldn't be able to play tricks like that on any other systems.
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mooblie24-04-2005, 19:36
Good thinking. Now I need a 1m lead with Sony "male to female" battery contact plates on each end! If only some enterprising company (like Tiffen?) made such an accessory.
(C) Idea copyrighted 24th April 2005 (and patent pending) Alan Roberts and Martin Mayer. :)
Now... I have a male on a mains supply, and a female on a charger, I just need somebody to supply them together...
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Unicorn24-04-2005, 21:15
I see from the video, that for a camera at the top of the weight range, like a 4lb PD170 or FX1/Z1, you have to add a lot of balance weight - probably around 2lb, making the whole rig weight about 7lb+, which becomes not so easy to carry without using two hands.
Well, the Steadicam site does claim that the whole package with an FX1 on top weighs 6.5 lbs... heavy, but not impossible to carry. You don't just add weights, you can also move the weights lower to get the same effect.
I used to do pretty well with my old Hi8 camera on my Steadicam JR, which took significantly more weights than my TRV900 to balance.