You NEED a CAMERA CAGE | SmallRig Setup & Review (Sony a7III/a7R III)
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- Опубликовано: 21 июн 2020
- In this video I share why I think a camera cage is one of the best accessories for filmmakers, RUclipsrs, and other creators. I also quickly review the Sony a7R III camera cage from SmallRig that I personally use.
Camera cages provide more stable footage, nearly endless mounting points for monitors, microphones, lights, and other accessories, plus the ability to capture a wider array of shots.
I much prefer a camera cage to a gimbal or motorized slider, because the setup time is next to nothing, and I don't really need to make any adjustments to my regular workflow.
I use the Sony a7R III camera cage from SmallRig, and really love the build quality and design decisions they made (with the exception of one thing I mention halfway through this video), but there are other options out there.
Big thanks to Mac Olink for the footage of his dope setup. I definitely have some catching up to do...
Check out his channel here: / macolink
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== LINKS ==
Please consider using these affiliate links if you purchase any items. It won't cost you anything extra, but it will help me create more content like this.
SmallRig Cages and Accessories (All Cameras) - geni.us/gusUY3
SmallRig Camera Cage Kit (Sony a7III/a7R III) - geni.us/k51jj
SmallRig Universal Handle - geni.us/4kJT
Like the music in my videos? Get a 30-day free trial to Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
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== CONNECT ==
Instagram: / newlayercom
Facebook: / nwlyr
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![SmallRig Video Cage Mount Explained [Nato Rail, Arri Locating Pins, Arri Rosette]](/img/1.gif)
One added advantage people don't talk about much is that a cage with a few accessories just looks that much more professional. Makes your client believe he's getting his money's worth :)
💯 for sure! It's like if you were a high end realtor and showed up in a 2020 Mercedes vs a 2005 Civic. Both get you where you need to go to get the job done, but one "looks the part", so clients will trust you more.
Hope the clients don’t see this lol
I always thought that's the sole reason for their existence. Unless bullcrap imo.
@@NewLayer lol yep. i do this type of thing a lot lol. bringing shit i dont even need just to be sure people who dont understand will still hire me the next time. sometimes the quality work isnt enough
@@johansugarev if you cant spell 'useless' then i cant trust your cage knowledge lol
Great video and sensible info! I have SmallRig cages for all of my cams (even the GoPro). You convinced me to get a right side handle as well!
Thanks for the feedback! And I bet you'll love the side handle. I use them about 10x more than my top handle :)
Super helpful video -- thanks! Just bought the cage w/side handles you recommend for my new (well..."gently used") A7iii. This is exactly what I need: something lightweight, simple, readily maneuverable, and with plenty of options for mounting stuff to it...or not. Now I just need to learn how to use this beast!
Glad it was helpful. I have almost the same setup on my Sony a7S III now, just without the right handle, and I use Nitze brand cages now.
On my a7IV, which is used more handheld for photos, I have either an L-bracket or just a base plate to snap it into tripods etc. easily.
Just ordered my small rig because of my Ninja V5. Can't wait for it to come in!
Great video, very good points, nicely lit, love your background, great pace. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the comment.
Incredible Work 👍
Great video brotha! Very informative. Thanks for the shoutout too!
Thanks! Any time, I'm jealous of your setup, but at the same time, I am probably too lazy to work with something that has so many individual parts 😂
I like what you said about the weight and stability. I'm mainly looking for the cage so I can add the handle. The other accessories are cool too but i feel like the handles will be a game changer.
You can actually add handles without the cage too😊 just search «top handle cold shoe»
@@scottjohnnyhelgemoaune2951you can but it’s not a great idea, they come loose easily and most hot shoes are only held in by plastic
brooo THIS.YES
I prefer Cage too than a Gimbal. It's more versatile 👍 Superb Review!
Thanks, glad you liked it. And good to hear it's not just me who prefers a simple cage to a gimbal 😆
Nice video, thanks for the reivew.
My boy Mac Olink!!!! One thing that's helped me with my workflow is to have one camera setup on the gimbal and it never comes off the entire shoot.
That's definitely a good option too. If I was working on more client productions I think I'd do the same, but for now my cameras have to be all over the place. Maybe I can convince my wife to keep my 5D Mark IV and a7R III when I buy the R5 instead of selling them 😅
New Layer no joke, having a b-cam setup and ready to go is vital. Keeps things running so much smoother, even for RUclips videos.
I've started using remote-triggered flash for stills. I got some Smallrig cold shoes and bolted them onto A Clamps (aka spring clamps). Great quality gadgets and I've also ordered a couple of Smallrig mini ball heads which have a (removable) coldshoe foot, so I can put flash on shelves, doors, tree branches etc at any angle. Saves carrying light stands around too. Thinking about a cage next..
Nice! It's find to figure out create setups that work best for your own workflow.
I had a similar experience with a gimbal, just the amount of work going into setting it up and then having to change lens, microphone etc. becomes a reset operation. Plus holding it like a sword/staff vs. using a more shall we say a wheel like set-up seems more sensible. Gimbals are great for scenarios but I am not going back to a dslr gimbal. Nice informative video, thanks!
Glad to hear I'm not alone! I do love gimbals, but I think we reach for them a lot of times when it it actually unnecessarily slows us down.
Great job. Thanks for the information.
Thanks a lot, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Man, I enjoyed your video so much. I am soon to own a Sony A6400 and I also ordered the SmallRig camera cage. After watching YOUR video, I will now be ordering the SmallRig side handles as your cage "rig" looks awesome. I currently do talking head style music tutorial videos using an iPhone 11max but going forward, as well as the camera pointing at me, I want to film on location at some music trade shows and hopefully get some interviews under my belt. It makes sense what you say about increasing the weight for stability and also the extra width should make hand held sweeping shots a lot smoother. Thank you one again my friend. I have subscribed to you today. Peter.
Thank you! I'm glad it was so helpful, and thanks for the support.
I mostly use just the left side handle nowadays, but still SmallRig and love it.
@@NewLayer Keep up the great work and I look forward to your future postings. Stay safe, Peter.
This video just justified why I bought a Small Rig case. besides the versatility it just looks more professional.
Glad you liked the video. The build and design really is great, although, there are some things about other brands I like too.
For example, the bottom plate of the cheap UURig cage I have has an angled bottom so it fits directly into a tripod quick release plate. I LOVE that feature because I'm constantly going from tripod to handheld to motorized slider, and can set the cage down on flat surfaces when not in use.
If only we could combine them all into the perfect cage :)
Just completely ripped off your rig for my A7iii, went mini handles but yeah excited to get to work on it rather then the gamble. great video, cheers!
Glad you liked it. I try to use just an L-bracket when I can now because I like things minimal, but definitely use a cage on my a7S III since it's almost solely for video work.
cage is ESSENTIAL imho i have them on my Black Magic PCC6k Pro and my Canon R7, im not even thinking about a gimbal way too much hassle in opinion, a good strap and 2 handles and you have a 3point contact for ur camera, 6ofps for SLOW good pans. good review thanks
I am writing from India. This is an excellent video. Thanks for educating us on the basics and essentials of Rigs and their use. I recently bought Sony Alpha 7C and mighty impressed with it. Need some advise. I am planning to shoot movies with it and need to do (a) steady shots with walkthrough (b) sliding / panning. Can you please suggest me the exact rig and related accessories I need to buy. If you can share the links that is even better. Appreciate your time and hope that doesn't consume much of your time. Thanks and keep your works coming buddy.
How do you feel about the uurig brand?
UURig (made by Ulanzi) is fantastic for the price. There are some things on their cages that other more expensive ones don't have.
I have these 2 cages geni.us/uurigca73 and geni.us/uurigr063 and this L-bracket geni.us/uurigr013
My favorite thing is that the base of the cages is shaped like a quick release, so you never have to attach a quick release plate to your cage, which is SO nice when you have to switch from handheld to slider to tripod.
@@NewLayer Thanks for the tips. I went and bought a smallrig cage for my Sony a 6600 already, but after talking to some people, they are recommending uurig accessories. Trying to get some research in before I make any more purchases
@@phucmapvlog I have some other Ulanzi products, and I think they are really great for the price, and really great in general.
I highly recommend trying them out because a lot of times they are usually 50% cheaper than even other budget brands and the quality is great.
Tanks for the video man! Do you use manual focus? And if so, doesn't the cage limit the way you use your focus ring and other settings?
I shoot manual focus most of the time, and the cage doesn't get in the way at all. You have to hold it a bit differently, but manual focus is not a problem. Cages also allow you to attach a follow focus that makes manual focusing even easier.
@@NewLayer thanks for the awnser man!! :)
Biggest reasons for me are the added protection for my camera body, better ergonomics and I can easily switch between different tripods and gimbals without needing to switch out the baseplates on the camera body
Your last reason is why I like Ulanzi/UURig cages, because the bottom part is already shaped into a quick release, so there's no need to add extra plates to the bottom like most other cages I've used.
@@NewLayer my cage from SmallRig does this too. I am quite happywith it
@@Sil3nC4 Nice! It annoys me that only some of theirs do that, but not on any of the cameras I have :-/
I WAS JUST ABOUT TO BUY A GIMBAL AFTER WATCHING THIS I KNOW NOW I WILL RATHER INVEST IT INTO OTHER GEAR. THANKS
I have 3 gimbals and haven't used them at all in over a year, haha. They are really great, but only if you actually need them.
really loved that timelapse of the camera being carried around at 4:57. How did you make that shot and with what camera?
I just attach my old Canon M50 to the cage of my Sony camera with a magic arm and pointed it at the Sony cam with a wide angle lens. Then walked around for a couple minutes and sped up the footage in editing 👍
From my experience a cage allows more professional work. Especially the ability to go shot to shot. Carry equipment like wireless mics, monitors, and transmitters for your DP or client.
You are 100% correct! I think a lot of people assume cages are just for mounting points, but they have lots of other benefits :)
@@NewLayer yes sir. Here are a few of the most important pieces I attach that most don't think of doing. All of these will be or are attached to open 1/4 mounts on my cage
1. cold shoe to 1/4 mount for mics
2. 1/4 to 1/4 mount
3. 1/4 to 3/8 mount
4. cold shoe to 1/4 360 degree swivel & tilt monitor mount
5. Smallrig universal grips on both sides with Cold shoe and 3 1/4 mounts and magnetic mounted Allen Wrenches
6. Smallrig #BSC2333 universal cable mount. This one is essential due to versatile mounting
7. Smallrig handle
These small things ensure I'm ready for all possible mounting needs. The nice thing about having all these pieces. You can use any perpetually use all these parts with any caged camera you have. will take you less than 5 to 10 minutes to disconnect from one caged camera. Then attach to the next.
Maybe I should do a video on it don't know
@@dcameron7736 It is nice to mix and match accessories from different brands when you like them better :)
great intro, thanks a lot. heard talk of a new smallrig 2020... any news?
frank morris Thanks! And you mean new cages for the a7 cameras? I believe they’re already available, like this one: www.smallrig.com/smallrig-cage-and-handle-kit-for-sony-a7-iii-and-a7r-iii-kccs2694.html?afmc=yh
:37 nuff said. As an engineer, the faster I get set up the more likely I am to work longer. In that two seconds you convinced me not to get a gimbal.
The older I get, the less patient I become when it comes to setup times, LOL.
3:22 Great video - can you please share with me what to attach to the bottom to connect it to a tripod. Thanks.
You just need a quick release plate. Most tripod heads come with one. If you don't have a cage, you would normally screw that plate directly into the bottom of your camera, but you can just screw it into the bottom of the cage.
I prefer the UURig/Ulanzi cages now because the bottom portion of the cage itself fits directly into a tripod head without needing an extra quick release plate: geni.us/ulanzicagea7siii
@@NewLayer Many thanks buddy! Very helpful information!!
What about photography? I like to do both, but this doesn't seem awfully practical for handheld photography. Is it in the way at all or is it not that bad?
For photography I don't use a cage. Sometimes I'll use an l-bracket because I have big hands, but a lot of the time I shoot with just the bare camera. It's much more useful for video.
I am curious how uncomfortable it would be to move your hand from the right handle to the record button everytime you want to stop and start recording.
A little bit, although if you have large hands, it’s not bad. For that very reason though, I now only use a left side and top handle 👍👍
@@NewLayer I only use a left-side handle as 2 handles is too much to access all the buttons and shutter
What about the Smallrig Mini side grips? Are they too small for large hands?
I've never used the mini grips, but I'm 6'6", and the regular ones are plenty big. The minis don't look much smaller, so I think they'd be fine.
Well I got the info I needed for why I needed a cage. The title should have been Cage vs gimbal
I did a handheld Vs gimbal video here at least 🤷♂️ ruclips.net/video/rDysjRLt5e8/видео.html
You only need to balance a gimble one time with One Camera. Just save the markings and repeat it the next time you put your camera on, you won't even need to double-check it, numbers always add up.
True, although if you use multiple cameras or gimbals it can get tricky. I personally prefer a half cage/l-bracket because I can leave it on all the time, and it gives me a quick release plate on the bottom of the camera to quickly stick it on the gimbal, so best of both worlds for the most part.
is this setup also good on the sony a7c? and can a mic be added on it?
Yep, a cage is great especially for smaller cameras because it makes them more stable so you get smoother footage. And yes, you can mount a mic to any cage :)
If you do both photo and videoraphy at same session will ot be easy to switch?
It kind of depends. Some cages work differently, where you simply attach a quick release plate to your camera, and the cage itself has a quick release base, so you can take it in and out quickly.
I prefer to use an L-Bracket in your situation. It adds a quick release base to your camera, gives you holes and cold shoes for attachments on the left and top, but keeps the right side open to easily take photos. Check some of these out, or search for your specific camera model: bhpho.to/3Bt47eG
@@NewLayer got it . Thank you Man. I like your videos and content . You are doing great !!!
Just got a small rig for my gh5 today.
Nice, hope you like a cage as much as I do.
@@NewLayer haven’t used it, but it seems quite nice in the hand. Just ordered side handle a new top handle and some bits and pieces.
Will a set up like this also help a little in stabilizing my footage?
Definitely. The bigger and heavier you make your setup, the smoother your footage will be. Obviously, super heavy might not work for your style of shooting, in which case, I'd look into getting a gimbal. A gimbal will make things perfectly smooth though, which might not be the look you're after. Hope that helps :)
This is quality control! SUBSCRIBE!!!
Bro those handles at the side of the cage can’t locate them anywhere do u have a link
They're at the link in the description 😅 SmallRig Universal Handle - geni.us/4kJT
Wonder if peak design tripod hold that weight
I wish I had one to say from experience, but from what I’ve heard they are plenty strong.
Where did you buy?
Can I use this cage with a case on my a7iii ?
Well I meant with my silicone case on my a7iii
Yep, a7 and a7R 👍
EDIT: Sorry, you mean a rubber case? Probably, although I’m not sure.
Sorry I realized that after. I don’t really know, it depends on the case thickness.
How can I mount a battery cage on a caged Sony a6300
I recently ordered a rig for my bmpcc 6k pro and couldn't find anything. Most of these cages, although look nice, are tailor made for certain cameras which sucks. I got a universal cage which seems to have little mounting points.
I would always recommend camera specific cages because they’ll make your workflow easier. I recommend UUrig/Ulanzi, Tilta, and Kondor Blue over SmallRig now because they are a shady company in my opinion and I prefer not to support them.
Plus Smallrig actually makes a black magic cinema camera 6K specific cage. I saw one on Amazon a while back you might want to try again and see if you can find it.
small rig for bmpcc is best fit
E possibile collegare un SSD esterni come unità di memoria a Sony a 6000?
I don't have the a6000 so I'm not sure, sorry.
Would this maybe fit the a7r mk2 model?
If it's not listed, it won't fit. There's so many little changes made to each model camera that you definitely want to get one that lists your specific model.
@@NewLayer Thank you!
Can we use a cage to sony a7ii
Of course! Every camera has cage options from at least 1 brand.
Good comment.
Great comment.
I’m building something similar.. the bad part of this setup is the record button 😅 too far from handle
Haha, you might look into the Kondor Blue top handle with start/stop button geni.us/kondorbluetophandle
@@NewLayer thanks !
What monitor are you using ?
I use the Andycine C6: geni.us/andycinec6
I like Andycine because they are the exact same great monitors as Feelworld, but typically come with extra stuff like carrying cases.
@@NewLayer it isn’t available anymore any other recommendations and do you get any $$$ from using the links? I plan on buying them next month
@@vGREENARROWv Ah sorry. Looks like they did away with it in favor of the 7” version.
geni.us/andycinec7monitor
I prefer a smaller on camera monitor, so the A6 Plus would be the best alternative if you don’t want a 7” geni.us/andycinea6plusmonitor
The C7 is also ultra bright, so if you plan to use it outdoors or in a brightly lit room, I’d say get that one.
And yes I earn commission if you use my links! I’d greatly appreciate any support 🙏
Okay I’ll use the links!
I need this for my a7 iv but not sure if the second link still work do I just use that first link in the discription?
TWO HANDLES
ONE ON EACH SIDE
OFFERS LOT STABILITY.
PVC PIPE DIY CHEAPEST and CUSTOMIZE ANY WAY.
CARBON FIBER LIGHT
AND STRONG.
KNOCKED OFF TABLE
HARD FLOOR NO
DAMAGE
I WASNT THE KLUTZ
WHO KNOCKED OFF.
Bro you could just pre-setup the gimbal before you shoot. Nothing beats a gimbal
I do that often, but that doesn't work in all cases. Most of the time I can balance at 50mm with a zoom lens and it'll work at 24-70mm without rebalancing, but if I change lenses, add filters, add a lens hood, etc. it requires re-balancing.
I'm definitely not trying to say gimbals are worthless, just that they are simply not always necessary.
I also think many people think that the smoother things look, the better, but handheld camera movement (without micro jitters) gives you a look and feel you cannot replicate with a gimbal, and is the better choice in some scenarios.
I love both cages and gimbals and use both often :)
Handheld on a gh5 beats gimbal anyday
Added stability? More like bigger comfort. My hand gets numb, painful after filming ofr over 2 hours...
Cage. Especially if its a small camera and you need accessories.
if you are buying a Sony and making it this big just buy a damn BMPCC4k and make a rig. The reason I got a Sony is because its small and portable not so I can build it into a giant brick.
The beauty of a cage is that you can take it off, haha. I use my cameras equally for both photo and video, so a BMPCC is a no go for people like me.
Lose motivation after setting up a gimbal is just an excuse
U just being lazy that all !!! Dont lie !!!
It only took about 10min to fully set up a gimbal
Wow, your comment has changed my life. I just finished 645 hours of work in the last 10 minutes.