2007Steadi-Newbies forum
Mounting a Panasonic HVX200/202 on a Merlin steadicam rig
19 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- The Panasonic HVX200/202 weighs approximately 2.8 kilograms with battery and memory card, exceeding the stated weight capacity of the Merlin which is around 5 pounds (approximately 2.3 kilograms).
- Successful balancing of the HVX-200 on a Merlin is possible when using minimal accessories: two memory cards, small battery, no wide-angle lens, arm support, and vest support.
- The combination works better with arm and vest support than as a pure handheld setup.
- Long focal length shots are preferable over wide shots when using this camera-rig combination due to weight and balance constraints.
Depends on
- The weight exceeds manufacturer specifications for the Merlin.
- Success requires specific configuration choices and omission of certain accessories like wide-angle lenses.
- Physical endurance becomes a factor when operating handheld without support equipment.
- The setup was tested with specific memory card and battery combinations that may not reflect all possible configurations.