When you shoot in AutoMotion mode, the app analyzes the gyroscopic data of your phone in real-time. It differentiates between intentional movement (a pan or a dolly) and unintentional noise (shaky hands or footsteps). The result is footage that looks like it was shot on a $300 gimbal, but was actually recorded while walking briskly down a sidewalk.
You will still want a gimbal for long tracking shots or heavy telephoto lenses. Merlin struggles with rapid, erratic movement (like chasing a pet or shooting sports) where the AI prediction lags a beat behind the action. The Catch Merlin is a subscription app (approximately $4.99/month or $29.99/year), which turns off users who prefer one-time purchases. Furthermore, because it relies on heavy digital processing, it requires an iPhone 12 or newer for full AutoMotion features; older phones simply don't have the neural engine speed to keep up. The Bottom Line Merlin Camera hasn't killed the gimbal—not yet. For low-light, long-duration, or high-speed scenarios, physics still wins. However, Merlin has done something arguably more important: it has removed the friction of creation. merlin camera app
It is a viable B-camera or run-and-gun tool. The Log profile holds up surprisingly well in post-production, though it won't match a dedicated mirrorless camera in low light. When you shoot in AutoMotion mode, the app