Sony A7IV Run and Gun vs Filmmaking Rig

[@keith-knittel]

Do you prefer the run & gun setup or the larger rig? Both have their uses!

[@tek_soup]

i like both, i rig it up, to split apart also, just bought a Bambu Lab X1-Carbon gonna make some rigging stuff now, i have alot of stuff im gonna make. 😀

[@SVcreations43]

I’ve seen ppl use a dummy battery with the v mount battery. This charging set up makes way more sense. I’m gonna try this when I set mine up. Great video.

[@erickheyl8293]

Watched a couple of these rig videos -- you do such a good job. Great tips and real world experiences that help explain 'why' some parts need to be set up in a particular way.

[@keith-knittel]

Appreciate the kind words, Erick!

[@ojw1010]

Great video very informative, I will be upgrading from just my A7III to an A7IV with the matte box, cage, top handle and side handle soon and I can't wait! One of the biggest pros i've found (shooting predominantly music videos or BTS) is that having even just a run and gun set-up gives the rig more bulk allowing for steadier handheld shots

[@nick-fr9hq]

Do you think it's worth including a follow focus system if you only plan to shoot on Automatic lenses?

[@AkaBull]

Yes, sometimes you need to focus through something at something small and autofocus won't let you do that.

[@LoudlabsNYC]

Whats your gimbal setup look like?

[@nuvemconteudo]

One of the best and quick video I saw, congratulations! Besides that, the two rigs make total sense for my line of work. Thank you very much!

[@keith-knittel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@spencerbigum1309]

Curious what the weight difference is between the two setups. Really enjoyed this explanation of the two setups- thank you!

[@LMActionsports]

I have almost the same setup but I used the smallrig top handle with the built in shutter/record button. Love that feature. Great video thanks for sharing

[@keith-knittel]

I have that handle as well and absolutely love it for start/stop recording with more of a rig. Thanks for watching!

[@LMActionsports]

My wife just got me a follow focus for my A7iv video for Christmas and it has a dual handle set up already on it. So I mounted the follow focus on there with full intentions of removing the left side grip handle so I could use the follow focus but i tried it with the side handle and use one or two fingers to adjust the focus manually and I prefer the side handle still attached. Now that’s just me. But I feel like I’m more steady with the side handle there and just focusing manually with my two fingers keeps my video nice and steady handheld. But that’s just me. I’m going to try it both ways and I could be completely wrong thinking to keep the handle attached. I have a little project I’m starting tomorrow so we will test both ways great video I have pretty much the same set up except my top handle has a button to start recording. Great channel love your content

[@keith-knittel]

I see where you’re coming from! Using the left side handle can help keep things steady, I have a rotating handle that I’ve done this with - I should probably make another video with that now that I think about it! Congrats on the new follow focus!

[@barabongi]

I absolutely love this. In the run and gun setup, I would probably get a handle that I can attach a shotgun to. But man, do I love this idea

[@MistaWalid]

@Keith Knittel I love your lightning setup. Can you please make a video how you create this natural, yet stunning atmosphere? Which lights? Positioning etc.

[@keith-knittel]

I'd love to make a lighting breakdown for this! I've had a note to make a video like that for months, maybe this will be the push to finally make it. Thanks for the feedback, Walid!

[@Nick_Silvia]

Why do i love these videos so much? This was great, excellent information and options

[@phamwoaw]

pressure on the articulating screen out to the side pressed against the vmount release is asking for damage

[@keith-knittel]

Just dont damage it, that simple

[@jonos9467]

I would probably put my handle to the right if i want to use the focus puller.

[@joet9451]

Great set up. Almost the same here but I used the Smallrig 2272 15mm base plate which allowed the correct orientation of the body and cage without using a arca Swiss plate underneath. Also using the same fxlion battery but going to the Atomos ninja v via d tap to Atomos power adapter. Eliminates the need for a powered v mount plate and just use a regular v mount plate and then usb c to Sony A1. Love your set up. So many ways to skin a cat 😂

[@keith-knittel]

There are some many different ways to make a camera rig, I like seeing how other people rig their cameras up! Thanks for letting me know about the 2272, I've never heard of that one before! I'll have to look into that one and potentially get rid of the quick release plate! I had a dtap to npfz battery, but lost it somewhere! So many ways to rig a camera!

[@alansarpy]

Is there a way to extend the side handle a few inches further ... I've been shooting a few projects where I can't use the monitor, but the side handle feels crammed right behind the flip out screen... I was thinking of using a 4 inch rod extension via the NATO rail on the cage to extent out a handle ...

[@Valleedbrume]

Great video,I’m trying to figure out how,I can accommodate my ninja and my senheisser shoe mic shotgun.I haven’t seen any solutions to mount them both.Maybe I’m missing something.

[@keith-knittel]

Thanks AJ, what kind of mic is it? 3.5 mm or XLR?

[@ajbooster4258]

It’s a 3.5 mm on the sennheiser mke 400

[@JUANASDRUBAL]

hello, very good video and good explanation, I have a question, what is the rectangular filter that you use in the matte box? thanks in advance and blessings ...

[@keith-knittel]

Thanks for the kind words! Thats an ND filter, you can also use mist filters or other specialized filters if you want special effects. Thanks again for the support!

[@JUANASDRUBAL]

@@keith-knittel thank you very much and blessings

[@Roz-Inspire-Video]

Hi Keith, this weekend I’ve watched a bunch of your videos and agree that you deserve way more subs! I have a ton of questions but will try to keep a lid on it. I’m looking at the Ninja monitor and lately I’ve been into focus tracking. I gather the Ninja will not (??) show the tracking point on the screen? But, can you use the touch screen feature to touch track. I’m kind of newbie; but with Sony alpha would it be rare to manual focus with moving subjects?

[@tek_soup]

manfrotto fluid head video tripod, with a manfrotto to arca swiss adapter, will get your camera pointed in the correct direction.

[@keith-knittel]

Big fan of arca swiss. I have a few of those adapters and they work well for lighter setups

[@skyteus]

Would you guys recommend longer rods for a similar setup if I'm using a zoom lens (Sigma 24-70)?

[@TheMelonStorm]

Hey mate, this video has been absolutely invaluable to me - I've pretty much modelled my entire set up after it! One issue however, the Sin Loon 90-degree HDMI cable is not compatible with the Ninja V. I'm not sure what or how you've done it on your end! I keep getting "No Input" no matter what settings I try, and Atomos support have said the HDMI cable is incompatible. I've bought a different SmallRig and Kondor Blue HDMI cable and hope this will rectify things.

[@keith-knittel]

Hey there,thanks for the kind words and glad you found the video helpful! Atomos support is correct in that the right angle cable isn’t “compatible” with the ninja v since it can’t record ProRes raw with this cable as stated in the video, however the a7iv can’t record pro res raw so this isn’t an issue - more of something to be aware of if you’re also using this cable with the ninja v with an fx3/6 or a7siii which you would need the other, faster and more expensive cables. But you can still use this cable with the a7siii, a1 or fx3 if you’re not recording in pro res raw too. I’d check you external out setting in your camera! Try adjusting the resolution from auto to 4K or 1080p. I’m not by my camera right to walk theough that but that could be the issue! If all else fails, send the cable back and request a new one, hdmi cables can be defective sometimes. Thanks again for the kind words - let me know about the cable and settings!

[@WesleyJHarris]

Great video! I just got a a7RV to use at work and I'm rigging it out just as you have after watching your video. Is there a camera bag you'd recommend by chance where you can keep it in "filmmaking" mode with all the attachments and not have to take it apart?

[@BigDreamD]

I'm thinking to switch from dji gimbal to rig handheld rig, however, I'm still trying to figure our - how do you deal with shakiness? or the weight reduce it all?

[@Stuntent]

How long was the small top nato rail?

[@TGIF-ik9xc]

What kind of hdmi cable is it?

[@CessnaCreative]

Do you know if I’ll need a dummy battery for the Sony A7IV? Or would it be okay with usbc plugged into usb on the vmount battery?

[@CessnaCreative]

Let me elaborate a little more. I have the Sony charging cable (usbc to regular usb). If i plug in the USBC to the regular USB on the vmount plate, would that work and charge while using? I'm new to vmounts and external batteries, so i'm not quite sure if this will be enough, or if my best bet is a dummy battery. Maybe you could help point me in the right direction? I have the rig all set up, i just dont have the dummy battery yet.

[@keith-knittel]

Which v mount battery do you have? You’ll need to have a 9 volt 3 amp usbc power delivery port on the v mount battery to power the a7iv via usbc. Usb a poets do t have enough power to do this - you’ll need to use the correct usbc pd cable with a battery capable of outputting. Or you can use a dc/dtap dummy battery and a v mount battery / battery plate. The dtap route is cheaper but the usbc route is easier to use with the a7iv

[@CessnaCreative]

@@keith-knittel Thank you for the info Keith! I’m using a Retric BP-190 battery with a Kocackoo mount. I realize now, the USB is only a 5 volt. I do have 4 ac ports and a dummy battery that goes into the ports. The volts are; 15v5a, 12v5a, 8v3a, and 5v3a. The dummy battery I have is the gonine 120v Np-FZ100. (The dtap dummy battery wouldn’t be delivered in time for my shoot). Do you think that the Dummy battery to the AC ports would work?

[@CessnaCreative]

I just realized- the ports are DC on the mount, not AC.

[@CessnaCreative]

@@keith-knittel I found this "Eonvic DTap to NP-FZ100 Dummy Battery Power" On Amazon that i could get delivered tomorrow. Do you think that would work? (I'm so sorry for the spam comments, you can delete after) I truly appreciate your help.

[@BetterLifeVisuals]

Would this rig hold a alpha 7v ?

[@dienabar4718]

Which size do you have of the smallrig nato rail? If i do click on the link a get a lot of nato rails

[@calmbeatsounds]

Hi Keith, you Talking about Sony a74 can output with Atomos ProRes raw. But on the Sony Web… i read, you cant output raw. You can help mi with dies? Thanks

[@keith-knittel]

Hey there, the a7iv can’t output pro res raw, the a7siii can output ProRes. That why mentioning the cable, the right angle cable doesn’t matter for the a7iv. But if you’re using the a7siii, and need ProRes, you’ll need a different (more expensive) cable.

[@CMFSD]

I have the A7R3 do you think this will be compatible, and have you tried the follow focus in zoom instead, i want to use it as zoom control

[@foysalahmedsunny1988]

ভাইয়া Sony a7iv এইগুলো লাগাতে কি কি লাগবে

[@BrandonPrescottSullivan]

This may seem like a dumb question but shouldn't the fxlion nano two click onto the v-mount plate? My nano will not actually click into it. So if I accidentally bump it from the bottom, it pops loose. It's hard to tell if its a plate issue or battery issue, but either way, it cant be right.

[@keith-knittel]

Hey there Brandon, 100% it should click into place. What plate are you using? Mine makes a secure connection to my small rig plate. CHeck out your V mount connector on the battery. These V mounts can be damaged and not seat properly. Do you have any other V mount batteries to test the plate?

[@BrandonPrescottSullivan]

@@keith-knittel thank you for the response. I’m using the same small rig plate you have. I reached out to B&H and they’re taking care of it. They said it sounds like a defective plate. Thanks again for all your help, suggestions and great videos.

[@mikeslawin9681]

Hey Keith, Great video! What's a rough price to rig up your camera like that?

[@scottyofeden]

Is 'NATO' the brand or the style of the item?

[@keith-knittel]

Style of the item - nato is the type of connection. Many brands make nato-mount arms and accessories. I like them because they’re fast and don’t twist once you lock them down

[@scottyofeden]

@@keith-knittel thank you!

[@darenvaldezvisuals]

Hey Keith! Is it possible to power the A7IV with A DTAP to USB-C cable? Thanks!

[@keith-knittel]

Hey there - make sure the DTAP to usb-c is 9v 3a, I'm pretty sure there is a kondor blue cable that does that!

[@phamwoaw]

final follow focus magically on after matte box 15mm rail support = movie magic

[@keith-knittel]

Voila, cinema

[@salehmj4403]

is there a way to have an external record button?

[@keith-knittel]

There is a small rig handle that has an exteranl record button on the top - but you need to use the cable to plug into your camera. Not wireless, I have one and use it if the rig is bulky to have an easier way to start/stop recording

[@projectrelive9673]

love your videos mate. just a quick question, what ssd are you using for the atomos ninja v to shoot prores raw 4k 60fps (other than angelbird) ? I cant find a straight answer on the internet since atomos has a outdated list on their website and everyone has a different opinion on WD, Samsung, etc

[@keith-knittel]

Hey there - I'm using the Sandisk Ultra 3D SSD's. I've had good luck with them so far and much cheaper than the angelbird ssd's. Had to but SSD caddys and they stick out the side, but thats alright with me for now.

[@WeGetWildTV]

Get a Samsung t7. It's double the read rite speed of the angelbird and for half the price.

[@Arne-Test-zv5sf]

Isn't that rig out of balance with the top handle facing that way like that?

[@keith-knittel]

I find that the V-mount battery in the back and monitor/hard drive in the front balance each other pretty nicely. I like my handles to point towards me to easily pick up the camera. It works better for me that way. Aesthetically, the handle pointing forward looks pretty cool

[@littlemonkey080]

I have one question, since the len extends when zooming, how can it move when you have a matte box support attached to the rod? Isn't len support making more sense?

[@keith-knittel]

You can use the mattebox without the support (I often do) but use it if I'll be filming fast moving subjects, I'll include the rails and adjust as needed. With a prime this isn't as big of a deal

[@gyverr]

Do you have an insight video for A7IV for filmmaking? cause im planning to upgrade from APS-C and A7IV is the best budget full frame on the A7 line up since A7C is not available anymore

[@keith-knittel]

Hey there Gyverr - I have a comparison of the A7III and A7IV on my channel I posted recently. That might be a good place to start, as I go over the differences in the cameras but is there anything you'd like to know specifically? Would love to make a APS-C upgrade video to a A7IV. I think that could be a really helpful video to a lot of people. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@gyverr]

@@keith-knittel thanks much :) ill check it

[@miraclennorom1413]

Hey great video I had a question just got into mount batteries and I was wondering if it was important to have a 9v port to power the camera with the battery inside. I have a Sony a7c and want to connect to the Battery usb port to power the camera so I wasn’t sure. I believe the port is 5v.

[@keith-knittel]

Not if you're using the A7c, since that camera can't take advantage of the 9v 3a power delivery to continuously use the camera. For the A7c or a7iii you'll have to use a dummy battery. I've used a D-tap dummy battery with my A7iii all throughout 2020 and 2021 for zoom calls. I wish the A7iii and A7c could take advantage of the 9v 3a PD port though!

[@miraclennorom1413]

@@keith-knittel okay thank you will look into getting a dummy battery for my run and gun setup thanks

[@elysiumcore]

Beautiful rigs - Starring at my naked Sony A7IV 👀

[@keith-knittel]

Haha you don't HAVE to rig up your camera, only if it's going to make you more productive!

[@MohamedKeita]

I prefer both versions but there is a catch. he Run & Gun version uses the A7iv while the cine rig is built with the BMPCC4K 😁

[@keith-knittel]

I havent used the BM4K, but the A7IV has been working well for me so far! Both versions have their time and place! Thanks for watching, Mohamed

[@phamwoaw]

how do you get this on a fluid head again?

[@keith-knittel]

Another plate 😆

[@phamwoaw]

lol

[@boromi03]

Great job! Does such heavy rig affect the overheating in some way?

[@keith-knittel]

I havent had building the camera out affect overheating, the biggest benefit I've found is to leave the screen flipped out. Or if you have to have it flipped in, lowering the brightness as low as possible.

[@BurnedRegent]

Thanks for the tips!

[@keith-knittel]

Happy to help!

[@IAmKenArts]

Awesome setup and great video!

[@keith-knittel]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@malcolmbunting6608]

Hey Keith, I just bought the same plate along with the PowerExtra 95Wh V mount battery. Is there a reason I can’t just use D tap to D tap on my Sony A7IV or will I be fine doing so? Assuming the red port on the left side of the camera is D Tap.

[@keith-knittel]

Hey there Malcolm, I'm not sure what you mean. The A7IV doesn't have D tap, only USBC power delivery (9v 3a) on the side. You can use a D-tap dummy battery, but you'll have to have a specific D-tap to Sony NPFZ battery to go power to your camera.

[@malcolmbunting6608]

@@keith-knittel Oh maybe I’m confused. There’s a port on the top that’s red and says power. Also, couldn’t you buy a d tap to usbc cable? Maybe that’s not a thing…

[@keith-knittel]

@@malcolmbunting6608 I'm not sure where youre seeing the red power port. There is a red power button on the plate, but that turns on power to all the ports and is not a port itself. I've never used a dtap to USBC PD cable before. I looked into those, but they seem to be pretty expensive and bulky. If you find a smaller one, let me know and I'd love to pick one up and test it out!

[@malcolmbunting6608]

@@keith-knittel Also on the PowerExtra 95wH battery, there’s a USB port. Couldn’t you do USB to USB-c into the camera?

[@keith-knittel]

@@malcolmbunting6608 The power extra battery port is not 9v 3a. You can use the USB port, but it will only extend the battery life for a short time. Not indefinitely

[@Spahiyas]

Hi does it overheat when you're using v mount battery

[@keith-knittel]

With the nano two, I’m going to assume the overheating would be the same since the battery is still in the camera, but maybe the dummy battery will help with the overheating? I’ll do some testing! Good question!

[@Spahiyas]

@@keith-knittel thank you

[@napatsaeng]

big easy to use, and comfortable

[@keith-knittel]

Yeah! Rigging the camera to be a little larger with the cage, handle and side handle specifically is way easier to film with than just the camera by itself.

[@Slingnstitches]

How do u zoom with all that on

[@keith-knittel]

Different shoots require different things. Sometimes I use all this, sometimes I dont - just depends on what the shoot needs. If I'm zooming around a lot, I'll ditch the follow focus and matte box support. Or even just go with a screw on filter

[@northtosouthmedia]

Thanks a lot for the video man!

[@keith-knittel]

No problem, hope it was helpful!

[@veereels]

This is so sick!!

[@keith-knittel]

Thank you, it's my new favorite camera - and my new favorite ways to rig out the camera!

[@FreedomQuestAdventures]

wow... mind blown!

[@KNEEDEEP760]

tbh i'd be worried about the a7iv overheating after putting in all that work

[@phamwoaw]

hard stops follow focus do not work on fly by wire.

[@keith-knittel]

Gotta work around that if you're using a fly by wire lens

[@louiewishingtin578]

awesome setup! can you make a video on your ninja v settings with the a7iv? i can't find a proper video on it. just a7iii. thanks!

great video

[@keith-knittel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@eliroberts9362]

you may want to use a lower aperture. the items on the table directly in front of you arent in focus, and its a bit distracting and makes it hard to tell exactly what youre doing

[@keith-knittel]

Hey there Eli, will keep that in mind of future videos! Thank for the feedback, appreciate it

[@abdullahkamran1234]

Run And Gun 4 life

[@keith-knittel]

Quick to setup, and easy to use!

[@wajid215]

Wow

[@keith-knittel]

🙌

[@diegorodriguez944]

Audio is too low.

[@keith-knittel]

Thanks for the feedback, I usually bump it up a little more in post. Will keep that in mind for future videos

[@209lapko]

Brilliant

[@keith-knittel]

Thank you 🙌

[@vedoxg]

What is the final cost of this 🤣 It looks li 15k$ setup

[@keith-knittel]

I don't know, and at this point I'm too afraid to add it up! Haha

[@vedoxg]

@@keith-knittel I hope you have at least one kidney left haha. Can you give your opinion on Canon eos rp, can it record low light with a good lense example 2.8 or 1.4

[@keith-knittel]

@@vedoxg Haha one, at least! I've not used the canon eos rp so I can't speak to the low light / lens selections with that camera. Maybe I can pick on up in the future!

[@darlingtonjonesimagery9247]

Just leave your camera screen open. Why bother close it at all. It serves no purpose closed when you have a v mount on rails

[@keith-knittel]

I like to build out my camera for how I'll use it to shoot, then transport it to the location - so it's a bit of a hassle taking the screen out but if I left it out, I feel like it would be easily damaged. I'm try to be very careful with my gear, and my FX3 screen already has a little bit of wobble to it. I think the screen hinge is the weakest part of these cameras

[@phamwoaw]

plate on a plate on a plate on another plate on and base plate = camera rig lol

[@keith-knittel]

0/10 Not enough plates