Today Tiffen announced at CES a newly designed Steadicam Merlin 2. One interesting additions is an upgrade to the handle that includes a remote to start / stop video. Not available in retail stores yet, but a full FAQ section and PDF user manual is available on the Tiffen website https://www.tiffen.com/steadicam_merlin2.html
Travis
Does anyone know when this will actually be released?
I tried contacting Tiffen, and they didn't respond.
Tom
@Rabi & @Emm:
Current Canon HDSLRs do support start/stop/zoom 1x-5x-10x control. Just take a look at the Okii Systems MC1 and FC1 USB controllers which even Zacuto is offering with their rigs now: https://www.okii.net and https://www.zacuto.com/okii-products-distributed-zacuto
Regarding Merlin 2, I'm not sure how Steadicam has implemented these controls. The only way to do them *all* is via USB, but there isn't any detail nor picture (just one with the buttons), weird for a new optional accessory and feature appearing in the brochure.
Emm
Post author@Rabi - Current Canon ones don't, but the next generation should. They have combined the shutter and video feature to be triggered from the single shutter. This will mean that a very simple shutter remote will be able to start video modes.
Rabi
Start/stop/zoom/focus in the handle is an awesome idea - too bad current DSLRs don't support those controls.
Alksion
With a $1000 price tag I am guessing... The first version is insanely priced for what you're really getting.. Drop the first one to $299 and make this one $499 and I guarantee they'll sell well!
imgpro615
might put away my JR for this
Tony
awesome! Hope it's released by March 1st.