Z7 and Merlin Steadycam?
I know that, according to the specs, the Z7 is too heavy for the Merlin Steadycam, but has anyone here tried it in practice? Seems to me that adding weights should make it feasible...
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Bruce |
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Hi Guys,
I currently use a FX1 and have just ordered my Z7 and was about to order a merlin for it as well. The Australian distributor told me they have a new Merlin with an all metal gimbal that can supposedly take the Z7?? or about 3.2kg?? Any guidance would be great...i don't want to buy something i can't use |
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Bruce |
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I have the newer Steadicam Merlin with the metal gimbal and tried it with my Z7U. The camera is too heavy for it, even with all of the Steadicam weights. I use it on my Canon HV20 and it works great on that. I assume if you also purchased the $1900 chest and arm attachments for the Merlin, that would work. Has anyone tried this? I didn't want to spend that kind of money, at least not yet.
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I've read that the new metal gimble in the Merlin can take more weight, so has anyone else tried the Z7 on the Merlin?
I know the above posts say it is too heavy, but all I see in product photos are the Merlin w/ the Z1. Z7 isn't too much heaver than the Z1 so I'd think it would be very possible if you got used to it. I'm sure if you're used to the HV20/HV30, the Z7 seems like a beast, but the Z7 really isn't that heavy of a camera. A couple years ago I had a Sony Betacam SP (DXC-537 BVV-5) that I was using on a daily basis. Got to use a Betacam SX camera when mine was in the shop & the SX felt light (even though the SX was still at 18lbs loaded up). So I think "heavy" is always relative. Also, my understanding is that the "new" Merlin w/ the metal gimble is any Merlin that isn't the "Garrett Brown Signature" series. Anyone know if that is correct? |
You have to move to the Pilot.....
Jim Martin Birns & Sawyer |
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Because according to the first specs of the Merlin, the Z1 can't fly. Yet nearly all the photos / demos I see of the Merlin has people flying the Z1. I can't imagine that if the Z1 can fly the Z7 absolutely 100% w/o a doubt can NOT fly too. Have you (or anyone) tried the Merlin w/ the Z1? Or the Z7? |
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Z7U with Merlin
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I'm thinking of moving to Pilot too |
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I'm almost certain that I'd get the vest & arm too. Main thing I wanted to know is if the Z7 could balance on the Merlin. I've shot MOS (man-on-the-street interviews) w/ one hand holding the mic & the other holdring the camera. The Z7 gets heavy after a couple min of that (I personally think that I have an easier time shooting w/ only one hand w/ a larger Betacam than these smaller cameras). I'm expecting to have to train a lot with any Steadicam to make it work, espicially when the counter weights double the pull downward. |
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