Q: Is the Sony PD 150 too heavy to be used with the Steadicam Merlin?
A: No. Your Sony PD 150 will work just fine with the Steadicam Merlin.
Q: I was wondering about the Steadicam Jr.’s weight limit. I have a Sony HVR Z1U HDV Camera, and it weighs about 5.5 pounds. What would happen if I used it with the Steadicam JR? Would this slightly overweight camera be a little harder to control, or would it be impossible for the Steadicam to correct for the extra weight? I’m sure the Steadicam Mini would be a better option, but that’s way out of my tiny budget.
A: The Steadicam JR is not suitable for your Sony Z1U and this setup will not balance properly. However, the Steadicam Merlin will accommodate your camera very well based on feedback we've received from the field, and it's a less expensive alternative than the Steadicam Flyer.
Q: Suppose you were using a fairly large camera like a Sony HDR-FX1 on the Steadicam Merlin. Would adding any of the following components to it ruin the Steadicam's functionality?:
- XLR mic cable connected to camera
- wireless mic receiver mounted on shoe
- headphones connected to camera to monitor audio
A: Connecting any tether to a camera mounted on a Steadicam will definitely influence the balance and use of the Steadicam. The smaller and more flexibile the cable, the better. But no tether is recommended. It just depends on the type of shot you are doing and way the cable is routed and how much influecne (force) the cable exerts to the balance of the gimbal. On big rigs like the Archer and Ultra2 , it does not have as much effect because the camera dn rigs weigh a lot. On the Merlin, an XLR cable will definitely disrupt yourshot unless it is a very simple walking shot. The Steadicam Merlin supports cameras from .5 to 5 pounds.
Q: Can you use a Canon XL-1 with the Steadicam Merlin stabilizer?
A: No, the Merlin will only accommodate cameras weighing up to 5 lbs. Your Canon XL-1 weighs over 7 lbs. so it will not work properly with the Merlin.
Q: Which Steadicam should I use with my Canon XL2?
A: Since your Canon XL2 weighs about 7-1/2 lbs, we would recommend the Steadicam Flyer, which has a load capacity ranging from 5-15 lbs. Other Steadicam units such as the handheld Merlin, which has a maximum load capacity of 5 lbs., are not suitable for your camera.
Q: I have a Panasonic DVX100 and I make music videos, short movies, etc. I am looking for a low budget system to move my camera smoothly. I found many systems in your page. How about the Merlin? Is it suitable for my camera? I weigh only 100 pounds and I am not too strong.
A: Your Panasonic DVX100 weighs 3.7 lbs., which is well within the 5-lb. capacity limit of the Steadicam Merlin. In short, it should be a perfect match for a small person operating a lightweight camera.
Q: I need a low cost Steadicam option and am not sure whether to go
for the Steadicam Jr. or the Merlin. I don't understand the differences between the two. Can you help?
A: The Steadicam Jr. is your lowest cost option, but it’s limited to cameras that weigh 2-4 lbs. The Merlin is a more advanced unit representing our latest technology and it accommodates cameras up to 5 lbs. However, it is more expensive. We suggest you take a look at both on our website
www.tiffen.com.
