Overview - Steadicam Merlin Setup And Operation Manual

1. Overview — Read this first

Overview

How to Use the Merlin Manual and DVD
The Merlin manual and DVD are designed to be used together. They are divided into corresponding
sections. Watching the video for each section will show you the basic principles and operations of the
Merlin and give you a feel for how to perform them. Then the manual will take you step-by-step through
the same operations with your Merlin and camcorder. We recommend that you proceed as follows:
Read this introduction all the way through and prepare for setup as described.
From this point on, each step requiring a specific action on your part will contain space for a check mark
and should be checked off as performed.
Now watch Sections 1 (Introduction) and 2 (Tour of the Merlin) on the DVD. Watch them all the way
through, and don't attempt to follow along with your Merlin. We've found that it's almost impossible to
work with the Merlin and watch the video at the same time!
At the end of Section 2, the DVD will pause and you can turn to Section 2 of the manual. Perform each
step as requested and check them off as you go. If you determine that a step does not apply to you, check
it off anyway.
It is important to perform the steps in the proper sequence, to avoid both frustration and the risk of
damage to the Merlin. Do not unfold the unit or attempt to mount your camera except as directed.
The Merlin Cookbook
Recommended settings for some popular camcorders may be found in the Online Cookbook at:
www.merlincookbook.com
Note: Due to the ever-increasing number of camcorders, we may not yet have your
camera setting listed. If your camera is not in the cookbook, we recommend the
following:

If you know that your camera generically resembles one that is listed, try using the specifications
for that camera.
If not, we'll help you balance 'from scratch', and you can help us in return, by
e-mailing your successful Merlin settings for cameras not yet listed in the cookbook to:
merlincookbook@Steadicam.com to be posted in the "User-Reported Settings" Table.