Steadicam Merlin Problems with XHA1
Issues with the Steadicam? Your not alone. I have discovered that even with a perfectly balanced steadicam I have found there to be issues. I believe that this is common, but I will continue to work and find out if these are just my problems.
Yes, the days of the EFP tutorial VHS tape by the Great late Ted Churchill are over. I was a Steadicam op regularly at a Live TV Station before buying my own, then went and trained with Garrett, and I learned so many better ways to operate Taking a course to remove bad habits and learn properly changed and improved the way i operate forever. highly recommended.!! Since then I’ve taught several small courses, even to AC’s. The skill is good to have.
Excellent input, I believe you are correct. These are things that you need to learn that the Merlin tutorial video will no teach you!
The merlin like every stabilizer is a 2 handed tool to operate correctly, moving it side to side will inevitably cause it to drift, since areas of the camera like the LCD, and the body itself will have resistance to the movement.If you move something with Mass then suddenly stop.The merlin may stop, but the mass that was in motion will continue to exert( spelling?) force & without the other hand placed gently above the gimbal to give it a bit of counteractive force, the camera system will drift.
A BIG problem being demonstrated here is that the gimbal is not being controlled at all! Flying a Merlin is really a 2-handed operation. The gimbal hand, while exercising a very light touch, will help to null out the minor random panning. Achieving a true dynamic balance with a Merlin is not terribly easy. Steadicam flying is a skill, not magic hardware. This shot is actually quite stable, it’s just not being flown with ANY techique to speak of. Study up on operating techniques for best results.
Mr Merlin,
Do you work for Steadicam?
Nathan,
I would love to see more footage cause me too wants to buy a Merlin or a glidecam. I can buy a Shooter from Glidecam for the same amount of money of a Merlin alone.