Steadicam's Ultra-Lightweight 'Merlin' Stabilizer
June 20, 2005
Hauppauge, NY - Steadicam, a division of The Tiffen Company, introduced Merlin ($849), its new ultra lightweight camera stabilizer from the originator of hand-holdable stabilizing systems, Steadicam. Weighing a mere 12.8 oz. (less than a can of your favorite soft drink) and measuring as little as 3.5” x 2” x 11” when folded, Merlin supports camcorders weighing up to five pounds.
Conceived and designed by Steadicam inventor Garrett Brown, Merlin is crafted of ultra-light, ultra-rigid aluminum alloys and precision stainless steel weights. (To see a quick WEVA-TV video tour of Merlin with comments by Garrett Brown, view last month's WEVA NEWS MINUTE Click Here - Allow for QuickTime download.)
Balanced on its patented three-axis inter-gimbaled handle, Merlin is designed to provide precise control at unprecedented focal lengths, and instantly folds into the "most compact shoulder-mode ever." The company says that 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. 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 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 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 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.”
For Merlin Steadicam information go to:
Steadicam Merlin
To see Garrett Brown describing Merlin in action for the WEVA NEWS MINUTE Click Here (Allow for QuickTime Download.)
For an index of other WEVA NEWS MINUTE video clips Click Here.
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