| New Releases | | • | Canon VL-5 Video Light for Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe | | • | CG-800 AC/ Car Battery Charger for Canon BP-808, BP-809, BP-819, BP-827 Battery; Works with Canon: FS10, FS100, FS100 GW, FS100 SB, FS11, VIXIA HF10, VIXIA HF100, VIXIA HF11, VIXIA HG20, VIXIA HG21 Camcorders. | | • | Zeikos Battery FOR CANON BP-819 BP-808 BP-809 2700mAh Vixia HF11 HG20 HG21 | | • | HQRP Replacement Battery Charger Set For Canon ZR100/200/300/400/500/600/700/800/830/850/900/930/950 (incl. Car and Wall USA / European Plug Adapters) plus HQRP LCD Screen Protector | | • | Creative Labs VF0570AB Spare Battery for the Vado Pocket Video Camcorder | | • | HQRP Replacement AC Adapter / Charger for JVC GZ-MG330 / GZMG330 (Black / Silver / Blue) Everio Camcorder - (incl. USA Plug & Euro Adapter) plus HQRP Black Mini Tripod | | • | Deluxe NP-FH70 Battery Pack Accessory Kit for Sony Handycam Camcorders | | • | Mennon Professional hand strap for SLR/DSLR cameras and camcorders | | • | HQRP Replacement Battery for Aiptek ZPT-NP60 NP-60 For Pocket DV5700 / DV-5700 & IS-DV Camcorders plus HQRP Screen Protector & Mini Tripod | | • | Olympus Carabiner Camera Strap for the Stylus SW Camera Series - Black |
|
|
|
| Bestsellers | | • | Flip Soft Pouch for Flip Ultra and Mino Camcorders (Black) | | • | Canon BP-819 Lithium Ion Battery Pack for HF10 and HF100 Camcorders | | • | Flip Action Mount for Flip Ultra and Mino Camcorders | | • | Flip USB Cables for Flip Camcorders (Pink, Orange, White) | | • | Sony NPFH70 H Series Actiforce Hybrid InfoLithium Battery for most Sony Camcorders | | • | Canon 2590B002 CG-800 Lithium Ion Battery Charger for 800 Series Batteries | | • | Sony ACC-DVDH2 Accessory Starter Kit for Handycam, DVD, Camcorders | | • | Sony BCTRP Battery Charger for DCR-HC, DCR-DVD, HDR-HC3, HC5, HC7, HDR-UX5 & UX7 Camcorders | | • | Lowepro Edit 110 Camcorder Bag | | • | Canon BP-2L14 Battery for Canon HG, HV, ZR, Optura, and Elura Camcorders |
|
|
|
|
Tiffen Steadicam Merlin | 
 enlarge | Brand: Tiffen
Category: Photography
Buy New: $786.51
New (4) from $786.51
Avg. Customer Rating:  3 reviews
Media: Electronics
Shipping Weight (lbs): 6.7
Dimensions (in): 14.3 x 11.5 x 6.2
MPN: Merlin
Model: Merlin
UPC: 049383142754
EAN: 0049383060577
ASIN: B000EF3DXW
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
|
| Features:
| • | Steadicam offers light, agile, and seamless video shooting | | • | Very lightweight and incredibly stable | | • | Counterbalancing weight can be precisely adjusted to balance cameras from 0.5 to 5 pounds | | • | Folding caliper hinge allows instant fold-up | | • | Perfect for shoulder-mounted shooting |
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Tiffen's new ultra-lightweight Merlin camera stabilizer is the new choice for videographers. It turns any camera into a creative production tool; Now, even with the smallest camcorders, anyone can achieve a truly professional look. Shooting multi-media, events, weddings, industrials and documentaries, student or serious enthusiasts who have been searching for a cost effective camera stabilization solution. Five precision-threaded stainless steel balance weights and two tapered end weights balance cameras weighing less than four pounds
|
| Customer Reviews:
 So-so -- don't expect too much November 26, 2008
First of all, you will see a slight up and down motion resulting from your footsteps (this is apparent even in their DVD demo material). The faster you move, the more apparent it is. More importantly, it's very hard to get the gyro to aim precisely where you want it to. Pans and tilts are very difficult, so expect to do a lot of practice and many takes to get something that roughly equates to what you want. After a few months, I didn't see enough of a benefit versus frustration, and I sold it.
I've also used a fig rig, which is much easier to control but doesn't give as smooth results. Basically, I haven't found a smooth-cam control at this budget level that I can really recommend.
 The best out there May 31, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Sure, the glidecam is a couple hundred bucks cheaper, but if your camera is in the proper weight category, why not get the stabilization system from the people who wrote the book?
Granted, I never had much luck with Steadicam's previous handheld systems such as the JR or the DV, but they really nailed it this time with a unit that is simple, light, and infinitely adjustable for your needs.
The system of counterweights, arm and gimbal adjustments really gives you a great amount of control in finding the perfect balance for your camera and its mounted accessories. The gimbal is one of the finest designs for camera stabilization and is the core of what makes the merlin. All your hand shakes are absorbed and it allows the camera to be independent of what the rest of your body is doing.
The Good:
- The easiest to set up of the Steadicam handheld models
- the easiest to adjust on the fly with trim rotators
- The smoothest of the handheld systems
- Eliminates all shakes from hand movements.
- Floats all walking and running shots
The So-So:
- Without the arm and vest, there is still the up and down movement from walking
- With larger handheld cameras such as the DVX-100, the amount of counterweights necessary make the unit a little heavier than comfy. So shooting an all day event kills the wrists
- I wish there was an easier way to hold the unit when it's not in use
- The unit requires such balance precision that you will need to constantly adjust the trim as minute changes occur within your camera setup, such as tiny shifts in how your mic wires sit and I bet even the running of the tape from beginning to end.
Despite all my complaints, it beats the competition with its results.
Amazing piece of kit, full steadicam for a fraction of the price August 23, 2006
17 out of 18 found this review helpful
Yes it's true, and I've tried them all. This is the one to get, no question. It takes a little bit of setting up initially, but once done for your camera once it's only fine adjustments after that.
It does take a huge amount of practice to make the most of it, to really get those beautiful smooth moves, but with this piece of kit you can do it. It's incredibly small, light (unless like me you are using a Sony Z1, which is heavy and needs all the counterbalance weights) so get your arms strong, especially your wrists and you will be fine!
I can only manage a few minutes at a time until I ache, but it's my first week with it, i expect i will have a tennis players serving arm within a few months!
|
|
|
| |
