The Steadicam Merlin offers light, agile, seamless shooting for today's videographer

Ultra-light and ultra-compact, the Steadicam Merlin allows you to keep up with the action more easily than ever.

Designed by Garrett Brown, the inventor of the original Steadicam Jr, the Merlin is the next generation hand held Steadicam system.

The Steadicam Merlin is half the weight and four times as stable as the JR. Yet, it can move as smoothly as the big $60,000 rigs used in Hollywood.

The Merlin let's you "fly" wherever the scene takes you--up and down steps, indoors and outside, through crowds--almost anywhere, with precise, elegant control and ease. Its quick release mount lets you instantly swap camera connections between your Merlin and any tripod.

Merlin's design significantly reduces fatigue. So lightweight, it weighs less than a can of soda. With a compact DV, balanced and ready to go, the Merlin weighs about two pounds. Its rigid construction permits longer focal lengths than ever imaginable with a hand-held stabiliser.

Merlin's unique dual extended weight system greatly increases inertial stability. And its counterbalancing weight can be precisely adjusted to balance cameras from 0.5 to 5 lbs.

The new patent-pending "Folding-Caliper"TM hinge allows instant fold-up, perfect for shoulder-mounted shooting, and just as quickly, returns precisely for hand-held camera work.

Whether you're an independent camera professional, or running the corporate AV department; a wedding and event videographer or real estae agent; enthusiast or film student, the Steadicam Merlin is right for you.

Brilliantly conceived. Affordable. Versatile. Adjustable. Precise. The Steadicam Merlin. The simplicity of pure design married to common-sense ergonomics.

Key Features:-

• DV Compatible
  
• Patented 3-axis Gimbal Handle
  
• "Folding Caliper" Hinge
  
• Weighs less than 12.8 oz
  
• Supports cameras from 0.5 to 5 lbs
  
• Quick release mount

The new Steadicam Pilot is a state of the art, lightweight stabiliser system designed especially for the modern breed of lightweight cameras from 2 to 10 pounds. Video professionals need add only battery and camera of choice as all other required system components are provided for normal operation. The Optional SteadiStand™ or Turtle Base “C” Stand, required for Steadicam balance and operation, fits neatly in the available soft carry case.

The Steadicam Pilot is designed with a lightweight Iso-elastic Arm and ultra low profile vest, lightweight sled with CarbonLite expandable post, upgradeable colour 3.5” LCD Monitor, low mass gimbal and offers advanced features/benefits with low cost for the Video Professional.

The Iso-Elastic™ arm is a two-section, articulated, design that can be adjusted while supporting the camera. With this patented, unique design, the Steadicam operator can smoothly and effortlessly raise or lower the arm throughout its 28 inch boom range. The iso-elastic arm is also non-reactive – improving vertical stability and control in all operating conditions, from lock-offs to fast running shots over rough terrain.

The 3.5” LCD monitor is standard and provides good contrast from dark to light situations. The monitor weight and location on the sled assures the operator perfect balance and ease of operation. Utilising a proven Low Mass Gimbal the operator has the ability to capture the fluid movement that only Steadicam can provide. No-tools precision camera stage establishes a solid base for the camera and facilitates smooth adjustment ease from side to side plus fore and aft. The monitor is upgradeable to a 5.8” - 16:9 version.

The Carbonlite expandable post and interface to the stage form a solid bond to assure no jitter in the picture as the operator captures those unique scenes. The stage plate is indexed so that the camera can be re-moved and remounted without the need to readjust the balance. The stage can be easily accessorised with focus motor mount, additional connectors or dovetail type camera plate.

The sled boasts a true three axis gimbal and is equipped with counter weights for balance and positionable monitor, gimbal and battery mounts. Counterweights are provided for balance

The Pilot sled compacts down by removing the lower cross tube.

The Pilot’s ultra lightweight, low profile vest is designed to provide complete comfort and functionality for extended productions and long continuous shots. No-tools adjustments make it easy to adjust on the “fly”.

12 volt battery pack options are: “AA” battery pack, V-lock or Anton Bauer.

See Adobe Acrobat pdf datasheet (left) for more information.

Based on the award-winning Steadicam Flyer technology, the LE Steadicam is a new design offering many new features and benefits for the operator.

The FLYER-LE features a newly designed sled assembly (camera mounting platform) that has a robust carbon fiber no-tools extendable post. A safety system inside the post prevents the post from separating. The index system keeps all parts in alignment. A newly patented friction free gimbal assembly with large knurled extended handle fits securely in the operator’s hand. Locking mechanisms for the top and bottom of the sled are tool free allowing quick on-set changes. Precision stage adjustment assures exacting balance of the camera to the rig. The sled will work with both 12 volt and 24 volt cameras.

The new tools free patented Iso-Elastic™ Stabiliser Arm supports 19 pounds of camera weight. The no-tools Arm / Vest interface allows for quick customisation to the individual operator.

On the fly weight adjustment frees the operator from dismounting the system to make changes. The open design of the arm has freedom of movement unknown in this weight class. The new adjustable arm post assembly is a feature usually found on more expensive systems. The arm will come apart with a pin removal for quick and neat storage.
The vest assembly is a continuation of the comfortable FLYER vest. An ergonomic fit of the breast plate combined with the new solid metal shoulder fasteners assure a new comfort level for extended use. The pads are easily removed for cleaning or replacement.

All components fit neatly and securely in the provided custom travel bag. It also has a pocket that will accept an optional trolley for ease of transport. A featured system combines the FLYER-LE with IDX Dual Charger and two Tiffen PowerCUBE™ batteries. These robust batteries will satisfy any film or video power demand.

The Flyer-LE Features:

Arm:

• Frictionless, silky smooth Iso-Elastic™ Stabiliser Arm
  
• Huge 30" double-section lifting range
  
• Tool-free, one-touch lift adjustment for each section
  
• New spring design with rounded arm sections
  
• 19 pounds net weight camera capacity
  
• Pinch zone eliminated
  
• Two-section arm with quick release
  
• New Post assembly permists different size post length

• Lightweight design system sled
  
• Optional high definition or standard composite monitors
  
• Professional tool-free two axis arm-to- body angle interconnect
  
• New Gimbal Assembly
  
• Carbon Fiber 2-section indexed post
  
• No-tools post adjustment
  
• Complete System
  
• Operates in standard or low mode
  
• Proprietary 12/24 volt switchable power capability
  
• 3-pin 12/24 volt power connector
  
• Kipp® Handle secure locking stage/battery assembly
  
• New design battery assembly for easier dynamic balance adjustment

• New ergonomic lightweight design
  
• Metal shoulder connection
  
• New removable vest and pad covers
  
• Proprietary arm/vest connector
  
• 100% positive vest-to-shoulder clips
  
• Stiff front spar and yoke
  
• Vertical adjustment of socket block for extended lens height, especially useful in low-mode
  
• Socket block mounts left or right
  
• Two basic vest sizes to fit any operator

PowerCube™ utilises New Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Technology
never before used in broadcast/film industry.

• PowerCube was researched and developed based on
  extensive application knowledge of Tiffen/Steadicam
  and innovative battery technology of IDX.
  
• PowerCube is the world first IATA compliant Li-Ion
  battery pack designed and developed for the energy
  demanding film camera applications.
  
• PowerCube is designed to withstand extreme
  in-rush for high rate film speeds (Arri 435:
  150 frames/sec).
  
• PowerCube is able to provide continuous high rate
  discharge unimaginable by previous Li-Ion technology
  — Continuous draw is up to 10A (110W).
  Steadicam 24V application can draw up to 220W.
  
• PowerCube breaks the limitations of previous
  Li-Ion performance and yet maintains the great
  attributes of its predecessor (high energy to
  weight ratio, no memory effect, and cold
  temp performance).
  
• PowerCube also addresses high rate energy
  needs for HD video camera applications.
  
• PowerCube’s cylindrical Lithium-ion
  technology has not sacrificed durability
  against rough handling, unlike ones with
  fragile-power-only cell technology.
  
• PowerCube comes with triple safety
  protection inside the battery.
  
• PowerCube can be recharged with the
  variety of IDX Li-Ion charging devices
  that are widely available all over
  the world.

The Steadicam Archer system was created for today's video and film professionals.

Recently introduced at the NAB Show, the Archer is a new, lightweight commercial-quality Steadicam. Its extensive and innovative features include the world's first "fold-down" sled design, revolutionary new lightweight dynamic Iso-elasticTM arm, and state-of-the-art ergonomically designed "open access' camera mounting stage.

The Archer's sleek, lightweight, narrow 2.3" sled width allows it to be kept closer to the operator's body and results in less fatigue and the ability to maneuver through tighter spaces. The yoke-mounted monitor and precision adjustable battery assure optimum operational freedom.

The Archer's patent-pending "fold-down" sled is the ideal mobile unit. It allows easier equipment transport and faster set-ups and tear downs. Its lightweight, yet extremely rigid system is attributed to the combination aluminum framework with black carbon fiber "stealth" skin.

The new G-50 arm is the result of years of research and testing by Garrett Brown. The Iso-Elastic stabiliser arm with 32" boom is the lightest, stiffest, best-behaving, most cost-effective arm ever developed, with the greatest vertical travel and lifting range in Steadicam history.

The G-50 incorporates a honeycomb design that reduces arm weight substantially, yet maintains superior rigidity. The "Geo" feature is an active tie-rod geometry, that automatically extends the performance curve of the arm.

The new LX vest, constructed of "dynamite" weather- resistant black nylon, features an integrated lower back support pad for increased comfort. Its improved front waist support offers "flex-free" vest to arm interface. The buckle indexing mechanism provides quick, positive latching or unlatching. The vertically adjustable wide stance chest plate offers a stiffer central spar and two-position chest buckles to fit varying body sizes.

The Archer is also equipped with an innovative new camera mounting system. The unique mid-rib design mount has the widest possible bearings for maximum stability and easy, low frictional on-location adjustments.

The Archer is HD video compatible. It is supplied with a 7" LCD, 700 nits, 16:9 composite monitor with integral frameline generator. Optional monitors are available.

The Archer is the perfect system for broadcast applications, teleproduction studios and independent Steadicam operators who require a fully featured rig that is low cost and lightweight.

Unique Features:

• High Definition Compatible
  
• "Fold-Down Design
  
• No-Tools Lift Adjustment
  
• "Open Access" Camera Mounting Stage
  
• Narrow 2.3" Sled Width
  
• Precision Adjustable Battery
  
• Lightweight
  
• Affordable cost
  
• G-50 Arm with 32" Boom - Honeycomb design
  
• Modular Construction
  
• "Geo" (active tie-rod geometry automatically extends the performance curve)
  
• New design LX Vest

• HD UltraBRITE Monitor
  
• 7"HD/SDI Brite Monitor
  
• Battery Packages - Charger and Batteries
  
• Tool Kit in Case with Steadicam Logo (new)
  
• Steadicam Sand Bags (new)
  
• Cable Kits
  
• Low Mode Kit
  
• Matching Arm/Vest Hard Case
  
• Heavy Duty Docking & Balance Stand

The Steadicam Archer SE is a premium, ready-to-go, complete system that contains virtually every accessory required for normal operation in today's video production.

The Special Edition Archer SE is a second generation Archer that includes all the Archer capability plus a host of innovative features normally found in higher-end Steadicam models.

These features include the world’s first ‘fold-down’ sled design; revolutionary new light weight dynamic Iso-elasticä arm; state-of-the-art ergonomically designed Leather Vest and a newly designed tilting ‘open architecture’ camera mounting stage.

The Archer SE is designed for precise handling, first and foremost. Its narrow 2.3” Sled width with yoke mounted monitor and precision adjustable battery assure optimum operational freedom. The sleek lightweight sled design allows it
to be kept closer to the operator’s body and results in less fatigue and allows an operator more options, such as maneuvering through tighter spaces.

The Archer SE’s patent pending ‘fold-down’ sled reduces its size by more than 30%, while its combination aluminum framework with black, two section extending carbon fibre post assembly as standard, provides a light, yet extremely rigid system. This new design makes for easier equipment transport and faster set-ups and teardowns than traditional rigs with telescoping post assemblies.


When set-up, Archer SE’s flawless dynamics, with precision low friction, no-tools gimbal control and finely tuned distribution of mass, provide the unique feel that has set Steadicam systems apart from all others.

Equipped with the Archer SE, is the revolutionary G-50 GEO variable iso support arm. The result of years of research and testing by Garrett Brown, the G-50 is a lightweight, stiff, rigid, well-behaved, cost-effective arm, with great vertical travel and lifting range.

In addition to Steadicam’s proprietary no-tools adjustment of lift, the G-50 provides two mind-bending new features — ‘Ride’ (knob-adjustable Iso-elasticity); and ‘Geo’, (an active tie-rod geometry that automatically extends the performance curve), so its sweet spot is its entire vertical range!

The LEATHER LX vest exclusive for the Archer SE has also been newly designed for increased operator control and comfort. Constructed of ‘dynamite’ weather resistant black nylon, it features an integrated lower back support pad for increased comfort, improved front waist support for a ‘flex-free’ vest to arm interface; buckle indexing mechanism for quick, positive latching or unlatching; vertically adjustable wide stance chest plate with stiffer central spar and two-position chest buckles to fit accommodate varying body sizes.

Other critical improvements of the new vest include: a ‘sound stage friendly’ anti-squeak buckle design with rubber bumpers and new, ‘no-pinch’ chest strap grips.

All work together to complement the capabilities of the G-50 arm.

The Archer SE also incorporates a completely new camera mounting system with open access design for on-location adjustments. It also features a unique mid-rib, and the widest possible bearings for maximum stability and easy, low frictional adjustments, Operators can use long lenses with a high degree of confidence. This Special Edition Archer also features an integral Tilt Head Stage.

New positive locking post clamps prevents snagging, so that nothing sticks to you or the cable.

The Archer SE is HD video ready, and can accept all high definition signals. Supplied with the Archer SE, is a 7” LCD, NTSC/PAL 700 nit, 16:9 monitor with integral frameline generator. There is a “Tally System” for live application. The sensor is provided as part of the SE system

The monitor features the latest in colour LCD technology, with the weight and location of the monitor assuring the operator of perfect balance and consistent ease of operation. And the monitor pivots on its center of gravity, so dynamic balance is maintained when tilting the monitor, or when flipping from high mode to low mode.

In addition to its roster of capabilities, the Archer SE is equipped with the latest, most powerful Steadicam “Power Cube”, the new, dual 6000mah IDX batteries that will drive your sled forever, and can handle any camera’s power requirements.

See Adobe Acrobat pdf datasheet (left) for more information.

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