How the Camera Motion Research BLACKBIRD stacks up for a prosumer camera stabilizer. This a good camera stabilizer for DSLR cameras from 1 lb and up to 8 lbs. If you are looking for a new standard for ease of setup and adjustment this excellent stabilizer performance provided by the Blackbird results from the combination of high moments of inertia but low weight, and a precision gimbal with SmoothTouch adjustable friction in the tilt and roll directions.

The BLACKBIRD is in the category of the Steadicam Merlin but has some unique features. It has a gimbal centered under the stage like the Merlin and it will take camera weights more than the Steadicam Merlin. Best of all it has the Smoothtouch feature which is useful when you need to add a tiny bit of slowness to its reaction. For a Low price camera stabilizer the BLACKBIRD is the most complete package vs the Steadicam Merlin. It is a bulkier and taller than the Merlin and doesn’t do low to ground shots as well. Overall, the Blackbird is well-engineered, good-looking, low-cost handheld camera stabilizer that, with some practice, can give your shots a whole new level of professionalism.