First attempts at using the Steadicam Merlin: G73 laptop tributes

[moebiushaydn]

I feel somewhat bashful posting these here, having seen the quality of the other clips showcased on this forum.

These were pretty much my first attempts at using the Steadicam Merlin, which I'd yet to get a hang of. I didn't have proper lighting equipment either, so I had to rely on el cheapo floor lamps :bsmilie: Rather embarassing.

Hope you won't laugh too hard!

[vid]pYHCbfVOdOU[/vid]

[vid]q-upfOzq_Lo[/vid]

 

[derekk]

perhaps you could include some feedback regarding the steadicam merlin?

i tried to use it for the lipdub video i posted earlier, but the thing was i wasnt able to snap the zoom ring in this case so i went to do without :dunno:

 

[moebiushaydn]

It takes a lot of getting used to, and even though I've had it for months, I'm still pretty sure I don't have it set up right. As many elsewhere have pointed out, this is an instrument - it has to be learnt with patience and discipline.

I just wish we had a Steadicam Merlin guru in Singapore who could help us with setup issues in person.

 

[DXNMedia]

It takes a lot of getting used to, and even though I've had it for months, I'm still pretty sure I don't have it set up right. As many elsewhere have pointed out, this is an instrument - it has to be learnt with patience and discipline.

I just wish we had a Steadicam Merlin guru in Singapore who could help us with setup issues in person.

I think you'd be better off with a slider rig for filming small products....give a bit more variety with your shots especially more extreme close ups. If you're using the Merlin, stand a bit further back, use a more tele setting rather than wide shots with small product like the laptop.
Tele shots will give more drastic perspective changes as you fly around the laptop.

 

[tengo]

I think it is a good try *pat on the back*

But perhaps the best approach is to use a mini jib arm (i.e. mini crane)? While you have creatively use the steadicam for this project, steadicam is typically used for capturing live action on the run.

Slider is also fine except a slider is limited to certain dolly moves and so cannot do vertical diagonal shots...

If this is a commerical job, the mini jib arm can be rented for $100 - $200 a day.

And certainly as you have realised yourself, the project will really improve with some proper lighting.

 

[moebiushaydn]

Thanks for the great feedback and tips! I've since acquired proper studio lights, so hopefully my next effort will be a bit better.

 

[killerslayer92]

I think it is a good try *pat on the back*

But perhaps the best approach is to use a mini jib arm (i.e. mini crane)? While you have creatively use the steadicam for this project, steadicam is typically used for capturing live action on the run.

Slider is also fine except a slider is limited to certain dolly moves and so cannot do vertical diagonal shots...

If this is a commerical job, the mini jib arm can be rented for $100 - $200 a day.

And certainly as you have realised yourself, the project will really improve with some proper lighting.

how much to buy the jib arm? can link to pic?

 

[tengo]

I am not sure how much it cost to buy... probably thousands?

Pic at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jib_(camera)

For my job, the DOP I was working with rented the jib arm from A&T at Jalan Besar. I really don't think you need to buy one. Renting will do for the occasional job.
Btw, it takes some practice too. And your camera cannot be too light or too heavy, or the jib arm may not work too well.

Easiest is to get a slider rig and do without diagonal moves.

On the other hand, I think a lot of such product videos are really done with 3D and not live product videography. And so the camera moves done in post are really sleek. Just a guess.

 

[killerslayer92]

I am not sure how much it cost to buy... probably thousands?

Pic at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jib_(camera)

For my job, the DOP I was working with rented the jib arm from A&T at Jalan Besar. I really don't think you need to buy one. Renting will do for the occasional job.
Btw, it takes some practice too. And your camera cannot be too light or too heavy, or the jib arm may not work too well.

Easiest is to get a slider rig and do without diagonal moves.

On the other hand, I think a lot of such product videos are really done with 3D and not live product videography. And so the camera moves done in post are really sleek. Just a guess.

i juz thot of smth... hmmm if we move the subject instead of the camera...