An AMAZINGLY SIMPLE Cinema Rig for ANY camera! Under $500!

This Design works for any camera and lens combo, all you'll need to do get the cage designed for your specific camera.
Parts used in this rig (affiliate):
ZVE10 - amzn.to/4a7B0Pc
ZVE10 Cage - amzn.to/4ahCxCn
Smallrig Hinge V Mount - amzn.to/43CJKdK
Newer V Mount Battery - amzn.to/43FdSFy
Viltrox DC550 - amzn.to/3TVmvZa
Viltrox DC550 Pro - amzn.to/3TyBZkx
Nato Monitor Mount - amzn.to/4aygpDG
USB C to USB C (Power ZVE10) - amzn.to/3TA6x5u
USB A to USB C (Power Monitor) - amzn.to/49aYWjj
Micro HDMI - amzn.to/3vmfC9X
-----------------------------------------------------------
Gear used to make this video (affiliate) :
Sony a6700: amzn.to/3NH7eaV
Sony 20mm f1.8 - amzn.to/3SDJDe9
Blue Baby Bottle - amzn.to/43pK0MX
Podtrak P8: amzn.to/41H7UTy
Aputure Amaran 100d: amzn.to/41zKcZ7
Aputure Amaran 60x: amzn.to/3GVSK3e
Giant Softbox: amzn.to/3RS7xCe
Snoot: amzn.to/3H1OYFf
Smallrig Tripod: amzn.to/3vcSbPU
Nanlite Pavotube T8-7X (x2): amzn.to/3GWB8UK
Music from Audiio, Use code SAVE70 for %70 off their year pro plan here:
audiio.com/partner?oid=1&affi...

[@Blohme_official]

I appreciate the idea that you can use almost all of the same gear to multiple cameras.

[@thomasjmcclure]

Most of my builds overlap a lot with parts, no point building a whole new rig for a different camera when you already got stuff lying around

[@piart8207]

I have NEVER been this sold before on a product. This is definitely the rig for my FX30. THANK YOU!!!!

[@thomasjmcclure]

Glad you like it! Thanks!

[@m.sabir21]

Nice minimalist stuff, but there should be microphone on it.

[@GDSLague]

If you get a side handle from smallrig or different company you can attach it to that! I use my røde mic on the side handle

[@SjPM]

Was packing up my camera gear for a quick weekend trip and realized I had all the components to make this exact rig! Just built it out and will be using it this weekend!

[@thomasjmcclure]

Nice!

[@JLFranc000]

Great little budget friendly set up. Awesome job

[@bluebot4623]

i was at an event and i just saw this rig and thought even i should do one of these this video thankfully popped up and help me thank you very much love your content

[@Mueller_projects]

As someone who is starting out filming and looking as building my first camera rig, this is super cool and simple. And a great place to start and easy to add to. Thanks. This is the camera I’m wanting to get and build a very similar setup

[@ofthenearfuture]

This was a great video, and it was really helpful. I recently got a mirrorless camera, after like 20yrs of DSLR's lol, so have just been starting to learn about shooting video, and it's cool to see what a minimal rig set up requires

[@Stone1108]

What a great video, well produced and presented and importantly engaging and easy to watch. Thanks, I got value, had to sub. 👏

[@cfgbrazil]

Thanks Thomas. A superb, neat rig. The battery plate is wonderful! It makes such a difference.

[@thomasjmcclure]

Thanks! Yeah it’s pretty sweet, if they made one with connectors and outputs I’d throw my money at it

[@marcgalang707]

great compact build. shared the viltrox monitor with the team and now we're getting some lol thanks!

[@Not.so.Exotic]

Really cool mate! Love watching your videos. Keep on crushing it!!

[@thomasjmcclure]

Thanks!

[@Namrenih]

Cool builds! I appreciate the budget friendly approaches.

[@thomasjmcclure]

Glad you like them!

[@TheAugusts]

Love a nice minimal camera rig. Great video man!

[@zachthepondbuilder]

Great video and neat build. I’m not ready for this build yet but am looking into getting this camera!

[@joeybrownmedia]

I'm so minimal and absolutely loveeeee this rig. I'm only missing the V Mount battery and the smallrig hinge attachment. Definitely going to add these.

[@fscanlan11]

this is amazing. it works for my budget.

[@RyanBrock365]

Very nice! Building a rig can be a little overwhelming. Especially starting out. Great video.

[@rrrrr____]

I have the FX30 and i just want to add a shotgun mic, monitor, and some stable handles and i have no clue where to start

[@CDMESD]

I have a Sony a7III. Thinking of getting a small rig Cage. This was a great video.

[@bunkertons]

I really like your vibe, Thomas!

[@thomasjmcclure]

Thanks!

[@oregonduc]

I like the idea of a minimalist rig because it gives a different approach to traveling too.

[@thomasjmcclure]

Yeah it’s folds down nice and neat!

[@avx111]

A hand strap is essential for me, I think your cage even has a attach point at the base for it. I wouldn't call it a cinema rig but it's very fun to shoot with.

[@seokhyunryu8672]

As someone who already bought all the camera gears, bit disappointing that I got to know about such a simple rig. Keep the simple rigs up!

[@robertreazn]

I have a a fx30 and was looking for something simple and clean! This is !

[@thomasjmcclure]

Nice!

[@bakerke1]

Great Video!

[@Awthentik]

Glad I watched this before pulling the trigger on some new camera gear. Great job! Is there a way to add a top handle without it hitting the V mount battery ?

[@thegirlwithmemes]

this is amazing! would love to see this kinda video for the bmpcc4k!

[@thomasjmcclure]

I may try get my hands on a original pocket 6k for a build i think

[@thegirlwithmemes]

@@thomasjmcclure Awesome! Would be great to see! Love your videos

[@videoezydvd]

i have a 1DX Mark II, NEEWER NATO Top Handle with Record Button, and Manfrotto camera cage (lrg) at the moment. defs gonna be purchasing the following:> EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II or III USM, Right Angle Mini HDMI to HDMI Coiled Cable, Right Angle USB A to USB C (from battery pack to monitor), SmallRig Quick Release Plate with Arca-Swiss, Smallrig Hinge V Mount, Smallrig 99 pro, Viltrox DC 550 or Viltrox DC 550 Pro, Sirui cold shoe monitor mount and x1 or x2 Canon LP-E19 Battery for 1DX Mark II, Mark III and R3 to keep my camera alive lol

[@tonypmedia]

I loved the video up to the point about mat boxes... I have to disagree with ya buddy. Now I'm brand new to the video spectrum, but I use a matte box for photography too. I will have to say that if you are doing video, a matte box will surely be necessary and it does help way more than "a little bit". For me especially with this weird Texas sun, that top visor saved me probably 10 times in one session I used the Neewer matte box with the K&F Circular 1-9 stop ND filter. I couldn't have saved my arse without it. You don't have to get the more expensive 4x5.65 filters because the circular works just fine not to mention when I'm in the country areas, it helps with dust getting all over the lens when I'm closed up. I love matte boxes lol That 12:00 PM sun stands no chance every since

[@LB_Media_Productions]

I run the exact same battery and monitor on my fx3, you should run 8v or 12v dc to the monitor, you dont get full brightnes over usbc.

[@RicardoLelis]

Great Video Thomas 👌 Which ND filter and size you used on the tamron 17-70?

[@lucasemmanuelcrespoaraneda9854]

I'm waiting for the fx30 rig.

[@305kingaj]

Finally someone said it the tamron 17-70 is the best lens for the zve10/e1 camera

[@moisesandrani]

Amazing build! I just got every piece, BUT the cage in the link doesn’t have a nato rail! The sirui piece doesn’t slide on, I measured the dimensions, the rail on the cage is 20.94mm vs 20.80mm on the sirui

[@fam.ayoub.k]

good job

[@phenomenalshots7626]

This is quite useful. I am looking to build one for the Nikon z6ii. I'll definitely be building one using much of your gear. I've already decided on the Viltrox 550 monitor, have been looking for a half cage for the z6ii because I do both photos and video with the camera. I'm also considering using the Viltrox V-mount battery instead of the small rig... I see you used a neewer... Didn't know they made those... Would be good to have a comparison of the small rig vs the neewer vs the Viltrox. Do you have any recommendations on the half cage and have you tried the Viltrox batteries... If so how did it perform compared to the neewer? Would appreciate your thoughts...

[@ekarislens]

That's amazing

[@thomasjmcclure]

Thanks man!

[@deejc04]

Great video! About how long does the setup last on a full charge of the battery?

[@MortyMizrahi]

Love the channel!! I'm looking to build a super simple rig for my 6700 with just top handle and a monitor. ULTIMATE SIMPLICITY!! Top handle through the shoe which im nervous about but the smallrog ones seem to be secure and if i do build a compete rig woth batteries and other stuff then i would get a cage for more security...thoughts?

[@thomasjmcclure]

Do it! Whatever works for you, i like attaching things to cages over the camera body personally, but it will work!

[@UNPLUGGEDCHURCHHEMET]

Great video. How long will battery power this setup?

[@JohnTarantoJay]

I’ll probably do something like this But I will say it’s funny that he went from a little camera to a big one by putting the rig together

[@BuddyBruce]

Love the channel

[@thomasjmcclure]

Thanks!

[@BuddyBruce]

No problem

[@TiborV92]

If you are using this type of a setup it would be recommended to buy a screen protector for your camera screen and maybe turn it on the other side (towards the battery).

[@ItsMeMora]

I'm currently building a rig for my A7CII but I opted for a USB C to dummy battery instead, still waiting for the monitor which is a Viltrox 550 Pro and my vmount battery which happens to be a Viltrox too. I'll be adding a lens support to the rods in case I want to use a heavy glass like my Tamron 35-150mm.

[@g0dSpEaR]

Nice

[@KeithLewisCommenting]

Just ordered all the parts for this! (in the UK, had to get different brand cables, oh no 😂)

[@thomasjmcclure]

Awesome!

[@Connor_M.406]

i really want to get into cinematography and this is the perfect setup but what lens do you use? are there any good lenses for the zv-e10 for a reasonable price(under $350)

[@W1ll88]

This is basically my rig. I have that exact monitor but I don't have a vmount yet so I just mounted a portable amazon charger on the back that has enough power to keep my camera charged.

[@fanli279]

remove the V mount plate and V mount batterie(its a 7.4V system anyway) easily save over $200, replace them with a multi function NP-F970（like neweer 7800 equals 56wh，or a smallrig 10800mah,no need power plate, no need charger, only usbC cable for connect and fast charge)Then you save weight on the whole rig and power the whole system with 1 battery at same time. use the money you saved for a small rode shotgun and smallrig mattebox lite. I also put a smallrig 3158B under the cage to protect bottom and easy install on gimbal

[@thomasjmcclure]

The first rig i built (first upload on the channel) I used NPF, and it worked well, it’s a good option for sure.

[@k1n3t1c]

New to rigging cameras here. How would you connect this with the set up in this video? Is it correct to say that you would connect the NP-F970 battery directly to the monitor and then use the usb c to power the camera?

[@thomasjmcclure]

I personally wouldn’t do that, putting a 970 on a monitor will stick out and bump into the lens and get in the way. Ulanzi make an npf battery plate that you can mount to the camera which adds outputs to any npf battery. I use it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHepdohqeJ6hp7ssi=PczkXvSmlVD-diH9 (Old video, don’t judge lol)

[@k1n3t1c]

@@thomasjmcclure I saw your video a while back. Thanks for the reminder!

[@fanli279]

@@k1n3t1c yes, one more cable connect to camera, the big NPF970 will charge the camera at same time. no need dommy or plate, 7800mah size can run shinobi 5 and zve10 4 hours with minimum weight. But thomas said also true, the big NPF battery may hit big lens.

[@zanyamaxwell8287]

Can you recommend a d-tap charger that can be used in the andycine battery you recommended on the other rig video please?

[@PureOriginz]

I heard powering a monitor and camera from the power supply can fry the HDMI at it can cause a ground loop

[@sebastianbalog]

One question: it looks nice but how do you change settings on your camera on the fly? I don't think that monitor can control aperture, , shutter, iso. The battery seems to be in the way

[@mattyboi3211]

Let’s see some footage with it

[@shubhkarmn]

Can I and should I use the battery straight to the camera while recording? What are pros and cons?

[@fscanlan11]

could i use the monitor and add a mid size battery to the back and use it to power my zve10? I like the newer battery, but it seems too big for me.

[@waltjennette]

I love the design but my only concern is overheating when powering over USB b/c the battery will still get hot.

[@chrisjones4399]

do you know if this rig would fit the Olympus E-M10 Mark IV

[@lumixS5M2]

What arca base plate you using (not in description)

[@bastian8597]

Good rig! But i would rather other accesories (a good top handle or mic system) than the v mount and just power the monitor via its NPF.

[@thomasjmcclure]

Go for it! There are some npf batteries with usb out as well, you may be able to power the camera and monitor from the one battery on the monitor, although they tend to be pretty big batteries (the ones with usb out)

[@trekofjoy]

Does the monitor support touch functionality with the camera - changing settings and touch tracking for example - like the Portkeys?

[@thomasjmcclure]

It doesn’t no. If you’re wanting that, I’d go for the lh7p, or lh5p mkII. Both fantastic monitors!

[@nyambe]

Thanks for the video, I see two very similar small rig plates, the 4505 and the 4064, I am not sure what the difference is.

[@thomasjmcclure]

They seem to be the same… the one i linked in the description is the one i use

[@nyambe]

@@thomasjmcclure 4064 comes with extra arca-swiss accessory for cameras that dont' have it. 4505 does not have that and is cheaper. 4063 is the 4064 but with chest pad and rods. I ordered the 4063, by vmount batteries pop out by accident when I press hard on my chest. Will let you know. Thanks

[@RobertArany]

Does it match with fx 3 as well?

[@SuperVokan]

I am trying this setup for my ZV-E1. I have the Tilta cage and the Tilta fan that requires external power. Is there a way of getting one more USC-C cable from the power supply to fan? Such as a splitter, or something else?

[@thomasjmcclure]

You could run usb c to the fan instead of the camera, then use a d-tap to dummy z100 battery for the camera, or dummy battery/dc for the monitor

[@SuperVokan]

​@@thomasjmcclure thanks!

[@cokiidcraig6201]

What type of lens does the camera have

[@_bhz96]

Where would you personally add a Rode video mic on this rig?

[@thomasjmcclure]

On small camera rigs, fitting mics is usually a challenge, often the monitor gets in the way. I think the best thing would be to add a left side handle that has a cold shoe on top, then stick it on the handle

[@olgadebruine1232]

@@thomasjmcclurewhat’s the alternative? An external audio recorder? (To keep this rig as it is)

[@rockybilbao]

does anyone know how i can stop my ZVE-10 from thinking that i'm connected to USB mass storage when i plug it into a V-Mount battery's USB port??

[@tanner.quintero]

Fast question, if I can get only one to start... would you rate RiG over Gimbal?

[@thomasjmcclure]

Depends, probably gimbal realistically. Depends on what you’re shooting, what your needs are etc.

[@tanner.quintero]

@@thomasjmcclure I'm starting on video, I'm actually more into Photography, so I will me making short form videos mostly for social media

[@thomasjmcclure]

I’d say a gimbal then, rigs are fun, but i think for content creation you’ll get more utility from a budget gimbal

[@United1126]

I can’t find a cage for my Sony a7ii

[@KRE8TVT]

what about mic

[@robertreazn]

For the FX30 is that a small rig cage ?

[@thomasjmcclure]

It is yeah!

[@thomasjmcclure]

I would also say that there are 3 different versions of the v mount hinge, I’m using the regular one which can extend, the lite doesn’t. (I haven’t tried it with the fx30 which is a little thicker than other cameras, so I’d recommend the regular one)

[@robertreazn]

@@thomasjmcclure thank you , im getting the cage with top handle only difference. Thank you

[@kaylems]

Your accent! Where abouts are you from in Ireland?

[@thomasjmcclure]

Grew up in county down up in Northern Ireland.

[@Ottointtl]

you forgot the microphone.

[@thomasjmcclure]

I prefer to record audio externally.

[@Starcos]

No microphone??? Wtf?

[@thomasjmcclure]

This is barebones, designed that you can add whatever you’d like from there. Personally i almost always record audio seperately when i can, if i can i throw my rode wireless go 2 receiver on there. I don’t tend to use shotgun mics on the camera itself.

[@Bob-om1lk]

why do I have to go around with so much weight.. genuine original sony lith battery life at 4K DCI ALL I 24fps.. it s almost 2hrs.. on fx30.. so tiny nd light....whyyy do I have to use fuckin VLOCK system..on a shitty sony camera...kooks

[@reneolmos5112]

Why is this called “Cinema Rig”? It’s simply adding a battery and a monitor… how is that cinema ?

[@Bob-om1lk]

WHYYY WHYYYY.. WTF IS THATT AHAHAHAHHAHA.. cinema righ.. ahahhaah cinematic.. u guys all fried nowdays