FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:          Frank Rush                       See Quicktime movie                             See Merlin Brochure
                        Steadicam Manager
                        818 843 4600 x13

Steadicam® Merlin…The Brilliant New Handheld Stabilizer for Camcorders  
Wins TV Technology Award at NAB

 Las Vegas, NAB 05-Booth SU7876, April 21, 2005 –The Tiffen Company announced today that the Steadicam Merlin was awarded the Star 2005 TV Technology Award for superior technology. 

 

Steadicam, a division of The Tiffen Company, introduced the Merlin, the incredible new ultra lightweight camera stabilizer from the originator of hand-held stabilizing systems.  Steadicam Merlin weighs a mere 12.8 oz. (less than a can of your favorite soft drink) and accepts cameras from 8oz to 5 lbs.  It measures as little as 3.5” x 2” x 11” when folded and 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 35 oz, 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 2.5 lbs, or a total weight of only 6.5 lbs! 

Exclusive to Merlin, is its patent pending ‘Folding Caliper’ hinge. The Folding Caliper easily extends and retracts to balance cameras ranging from 8 ounces 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.”

Steadicam is a Division of The Tiffen Company with its headquarters located at 90 Oser Avenue, Hauppauge, New York 11788, Telephone: 631.273.2500,Fax: 632.273.2557 - www.tiffen.com 

To see the latest technological advances Steadicam Systems now offer, please visit the Tiffen booth #SU7876 at the 2005 NAB Show, or visit our web site at www.tiffen.com.

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