Review: proDAD Mercalli Version 4 SAL+
The new version of proDAD's popular video stabilization solution, Mercalli V4 SAL + works really well, and has grown into more than just a stabilizer, adding CMOS correction to remove the jello, wobble, and skew distortions caused by modern CMOS sensor cameras. Essentially it is two products in one.
Sample Footage
For this review I didn’t dive into all the functionality of Mercalli Version 4 SAL +. I have created a tutorial that walks you through the process and explains in more detail much of the functionality. An advanced tutorial of the higher-end features will be available soon as well. The tutorials can be found on the proDAD’s ProDrenalin.com website and also on YouTube.
Here is a trailer for the tutorials that I did which shows some of the footage I stabilized with Mercalli 4 SAL +:
How much does it cost? $299 is the MSRP, and users of Mercalli V2 or V3 standalone versions can upgrade for $199. proDAD has an introduction special that brings the prices down to $239 and $159 for the upgrade, but only until January 31, 2015. A fully functional trial version is also available for download on prodrenalin.com.
I haven't found another stabilization application or plugin that can do what Mercalli V4 can do. It can't take a total garbage clip and make it right, but it can improve some pretty bad clips. Many stabilization apps or utilities do a good job with many clips. Mercalli can take those clips others can’t fix and possibly make them usable.
Related Articles
Paul Schmutzler demos and discusses the first-ever Mac version of proDAD's popular and powerful Mercalli stabilization solution.
proDAD's Mercalli V4 is an irreplaceable yet inexpensive stabilization plug-in that every editor should have in their toolkit.