Tim, understood, it's not for everyone. Certainly it's more hardware and requires more attention than handheld or tripod work. I do find that the quick release system in use with the Merlin allows me to jump back and forth between modes in probably less than a minute to read-to-go--there's a bit of trimming involved but I do that while discussing the shot etc. I would say that there's a significant difference between stabilized shots and handheld especially with a camera that can't be shoulder-mounted, but not everyone needs that type of stability.

I agree Charles. It does work, can produce wonderful results, takes some skill, but for my work, mostly candid shots of the kids, the time efficiency was killing me. If I did a significant amount of staged shots, I would use it with a strong recommendation.

I wanted a Merlin last year, but realized I probably didn't have the stamina to use it with my GL2 for hours at a stretch. When I got my HV20, it dawned on me that I could maybe use a Merlin for extended periods of time. So I got it. And it's great. I was carrying the combo (HV20 w/DM50/Merlin) for about 3 solid hours taping a rock band on a yacht last night. Couldn't have gotten the shots I did without it. I didn't have cookbook settings for the added DM50, but I quickly threw on an extra bottom weight and adjusted the stage and that seemed to do the trick.

been using it for a week
 

HV20, no accessories yet, merlin, works much better than without it. The manual and dvd are easy, but it does take a little time to work with it and get used to it.

Thx to Charles for his settings and user settings in the cook book, I was 95% there in 15 mins... Read the manual and watched the dvd and experimented a bit and I'm very happy with the results.

It is much better then hand held and much better then the DIY basic units you see on the web.

It does a take a little bit more time and work then grab and go, but the results are so much better with it, that it is going to be my standard way to go..

Cool Charles. Thanks for the effort. We definitely need cat video. Cat Rap video!

Just balanced out my HC7 on the G2K last night and if it was not for the QR plate, it would have no weight on it at all. Similar to almost no counters for the Merlin and the HV20.

When you get the focus puller, the mini-35, and the monitor on it... :P

You have been driving the Cadillac too long! You've got to work on your shuffle again :D

This thread is a dream come true for me, thanks Charles. I'll be shooting a feature with the HV20 and the Merlin next month.

Does "Z" represent Gimbal turns?

Never mind, got it.

Charles: am I correct in thinking there was some side-to-side motion that shouldn't be there? Especially in the beginning? Also a bit of horizon rotation. I assume all of this is due to you being new to this stabilizer?

Pretty much. As I said when I posted.

I have a suspicion that the gimbal on my Merlin is a bit dodgy, so I'm going to replace it with the metal one when it comes out. Never liked the plastic gimbals anyway.

Cool, just wanted to check if I was seeing what I thought I was seeing :)

For anyone who might be interested, here are the settings I've settled on for the HV20 and Merlin, using the stock BP-L13 battery:

Front weight: 1 finish
Lower weight: 1 start, 1 finish
Arc size: 10 1/4", measured from top of stage to hole
Mounting hole: N
Stage mark: +2
Z: -4
G-platz: no

When WD-H43 is added:
Add 1 mid weight to lower spar
Stage mark: 0
Z: -4/5
G-platz: yes

- Using the N mounting hole will not block the battery release, and is closer to the center of gravity than the J hole.
- Use one layer of gaffer tape between camera and plate so plate does not deform.

The N hole is a great tip, thanks. I was a bit bugged about having to take off the plate every time I wanted to change the battery.

Just wanted to give everyone a tip. I added a quick release Bogen mount to the rig and now I can change the battery and the center of gravity is lowered on the top side which gives the rig much better handling.

The bogen item I used is here:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...arch&Q=*&bhs=t

Have fun.

-Jonathan

Jonathon, do you have cookbook settings for that QR plate. Or the QR plate and HD wide angle lens? Thanks.

Probably the benefits of adding weight are what makes the rig with the Bogen quick release handle better more than lowering the CG of the overall camera mass--that camera is pretty squat to begin with. But it is always a good plan to keep the camera CG as low as possible, yes.

I think I posted in another thread that it is always possible to remove the battery regardless of mounting hole if you use a tool like a nail file or letter opener to slide in under the battery to access the release button. Probably Tiffen should sell something like this as an accessory but it would cost too much!

Charles,

Thanks for the info. That makes sense. The added weight it the key but as you point out the lower CG seems to be a good thing. Thanks for the tip regarding the battery.

Matt,

I don't have a cookbook setting but if you learn what each control does you can easily dial it in. I think I have two weights on the bottom (with the bogen mount) and then just started adjusting the arm. Fine tune with the gimbal adjustment. Not really a need for cookbooks in my opinion, and I haven't been using it for long...

You just want to slow the swing to a minium without introducing to much uncontrolled float (tiping off to the side.) Slightly more bottom weight when in windy conditions which makes it rock slightly but that's the trade-off.

Correct me if there is more to it than this...

Jonathan,

Do you have a picture of the Bogen+camera+Merlin? I don't understand how you attached it. Do you use the whole Bogen assembly and forego the dovetailplate supplied with the Merlin?

Thanks,

Wolf

Nice clip Charles. Looks really smooth. Even though it’s just a shot around the house makes it look pretty expensive doesn’t it? Steadicam magic!
I was wondering if a stabilizer shot would trigger the rolling shutter skew problems on the HV20. I guess it doesn’t seem to be much of an issue. Did you see any of that in the footage you shot? I seem to see some mild jumps in the clip but I was wondering if it’s just the compression, my computer or any other thing.
I have a “Glidecam 4000” and I wonder if it would be too heavy for the HV20. What do you think? I’m thinking I will have to add some weight to the HV20.
I’m thinking of buying a HV20 so I shall see.

I'd think you'd want to add some weight up top, but then again you could always try it with a minimum (or no!) weights on the GC itself and then add weights until it balances top-to-bottom.

Thanks Charles. Good tip.
How about the skew question. Did you see any?