Summary: The best out there

Comment: 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.

Summary: Amazing piece of kit, full steadicam for a fraction of the price

Comment: 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!