Building the Ultimate Sony FX3 / A7SIII / A7IV Cinema Rig in 2023 - Full Breakdown and Parts List

[@mattliller]

I wish I had a nickel for every FX3 rig build vid I’ve watched, and this is by far my favorite. I’ll definitely be copying most of these components!

[@KrishnenduKes]

Did you copy?

[@dpjohnjones432]

That is one beast of a rig!!! Very tastelful, clean, functional rig.

[@jaredlank]

Thank you! I appreciate it 🙌🏼

[@daikishinomiya]

Love the intro titles!

[@jaredlank]

Thank you!

[@noahburt2722]

I just found your channel and noticed you haven’t uploaded in a while. I love the look and feel of your videos and hope you get back on the KZbin train. Your filming is beautiful and sparks my own creativity which I’m super grateful for. Hope whatever you’re doing, you’re enjoying it. Going to search for your other socials for some more content!

[@Kaotix_music]

2:28 - I did the same with my FX30. Got the body and already had an Atomos Shinobi so just threw that on the top handle then slowly built it out with rails, mounts, Vmount battery, upgraded to a Ninja V for ProRes, Small Rig Matte box for some neat filters, then put an AT shotgun mic on the handle and JUST like you, a RODE wireless Go on input 3 with the receiver mounted on a cold shoe i put on the side. I LOVEEE the FX30/FX3 espeically after its built out

[@JustinGladden]

Two years old and STILL relevant. Thanks for making this. This is the best rig for the FX30/3 I've ever seen and one of the few to integrate the audio handle. Thank you for posting.

[@DylAlitY]

Most educational video about rigs I've ever seen. Thank you. Will make this rig.

[@mariomariado]

Great video, man! You have the potential to become a big KZbinr, don't stop uploading!

[@elterpress]

Such a breath of fresh air to watch a youtube video without all the cringey 'youtube bro' tropes. Great video man, and very informative. Thanks.

[@MaineMountainMedia]

Awesome video. We have a very similar rig for our FX3. So great to see other Mainer's out here shooting Sony and Fuji!!! YUT!

[@buddyfx7026]

Gave you a sub on that intro alone, mans put in work for 30 seconds!

[@DrewProject]

Awesome video man. Id love to see this compared to the fx6, what it can and can’t do. Gotta say i was surprised to see that you’re a small/new channel, your video quality is so good i thought you were anothe one of those 2-300k subs channel! I’m sure you’ll get there quickly with this quality of video! Right on and hoping to see that comparison soon.

[@jaredlank]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that, I had a lot of fun making this and I’m looking forward to sharing mor this year!

[@sahandnayebaziz]

Thank you for this amazing video. This gave me so much clarity and finally helped me figure out what all these pieces are and what they are supposed to do. This was super valuable to me.

[@phileezor]

I've revisited this video several times over the year... ❤ Hope to see more from your channel... sometime soon.

[@test101me]

this is the best and beautiful rig setup on YT.

[@BluprintStudios23]

Love this! Thank you for the breakdown! Just picked up the FX3 and want to start building it out…this was extremely helpful.

[@jaredlank]

Sick! Have fun building it out and using it, it’s an awesome camera!

[@Danieljoforiatta]

This video is perfect! Best FX3 rig I’ve seen with all the links and prices, and the production quality itself is amazing, especially the studio shots of the rig🔥 looking forward to your future content!

[@jaredlank]

Thank you! I’m really glad you enjoyed it, and that listing everything was helpful!

[@progun1corn]

That looks so good, the part of the Vmount and screen, my FX3 rig is also inspired by DSLR shooter. Love that handheld look from a rig like this, always give me great results

[@jaredlank]

Thank you! It’s super functional too, being able to see all the camera settings quickly has been super useful for me, I always hated having to peak behind the Vmount!

[@danjdickman]

How do you change batteries mid shoot! Do you have a 2nd plate?

[@progun1corn]

@@danjdickman there's nothing prevent me from doing this, the rig can freely open battery door. Actually there's no need to change frequently because V mount id too good.

[@danjdickman]

@@progun1corn I meant change the V-mount battery not the internal Sony battery! Since the release mechanism of the Vmount plate is removed.

[@progun1corn]

@@danjdickman oh, I didn't remove it since my rig fits. It's a matter of how high your rig is, I use Nitze's V mount and Smallrig baseplate, it just fit right very tightly. If there's a higher V mount plate then it's gonna be easier

[@joenicklo]

Nice b-roll. Love the motion graphics too.

[@jaredlank]

Thank you! Still getting into the groove for KZbin but I felt like I achieved what I was after with this one!

[@vahidamini1863]

Thanks! That was very HELPFULL...✌

[@johnaryan2]

How does this channel only have 2k subscribers? Is this your alternate 2nd channel or something? Really useful. Been hovering over a potential FX3 purchase and the rig is very much on my mind! Thx!

[@mohdgurban]

I just bought my FX3 3 days ago.. purchased SmallRig gears just like yours and waiting for them. TBH, I like the rig style more than its usability. Now my pocket is empty:) Nice channel btw! I enjoyed watching your footages as an inspiration resource! Keep up the good work. Cheers!

[@JonPetersonFTH]

This video was exactly what I needed to build out my FX3. Love to see your setup with the FX3 and using a gimbal.

[@jaredlank]

Glad it was helpful! If I can find someone with the new ronin I’ll definitely try it out!

[@goochmediagroup3615]

WOW! Nice rig. Definitely inspiring! Thanks for sharing!

[@jaredlank]

Thank you!

[@jgooch99]

@@jaredlank you’re welcome

[@gillesmatheronpro]

Hugely appreciated ! Thank you for this superb tutorial, for we rarely such a quality content around... bravo.

[@paulofallone]

this intro sequence is insane, dude!

[@jaredlank]

Thank you!

[@rickbiessman6084]

Great rundown! Thanks so much for taking the time to go into all those details. There are so many things that are easy to overlook when putting together a rig in your mind, especially those tiny details with cages, clamps, handles etc. So other people’s experience is invaluable. Thanks again man.

[@davidcherry3739]

Thank you for blowing my mind on a few of those small details and available options...this is an awesome rig/setup and a great tutorial/breakdown.

[@WhoIsJonHarris]

A thorough video my friend. The FX3 is my next endeavor for sure. Subbed.

[@Jurgensfilm]

Thanks for this breakdown video of your rig. I'm currently building an FX3 rig myself and this is a very similar setup to what I'm going for.

[@jaredlank]

Awesome! Glad it was helpful 🙌

[@GoodBloodGames]

This is a beautiful breakdown. Thanks for all the detail!

[@Samiam-mu5ln]

Might be a pet peeve of mine but more B roll would have been nice as each piece was being added to the main one. You had a lot of jump cuts and an easy fix for that is put some b roll in-between those cuts and it makes it a lot more smoother! Other than that, great video! Love seeing people build custom rigs!

[@jaredlank]

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback! For the next review I’ll try to incorporate more broll of the build so there’s a better view. I’ll probably try using an actual script too. A lot of the jump are in there simply because of my lack of experience talking to the camera so I cut out a lot of uhs and ums lol

[@BakertureCo]

Appreciate the vid man! Getting ready to build out a FX3 and having a detailed vid like this really helps. Cheers!

[@MrKYLEforAwhile]

Probably the cleanest looking fx3 rig ive seen

[@leemjfreeman9856]

Best video i've seen in a while. Great work

[@TheFelixsKitchen]

Great Job! I’m waiting on 2 FX3 for our cooking show. This episode was an excellent one. Helped me lots on what I need for my upcoming Culinary Documentary. Thank you very much. Aloha🤙🏾

[@emilehusson6052]

Jared, thanks for this video. I just got my FX3 and have built up somewhat, but I've added several of the items you mentioned to my B&H Wish List. I suspect they're going to know my name by the end of the year!

[@edwardhemphill9586]

This may be the best video on KZbin…

[@Humanitypictures]

I really enjoyed this breakdown! Lots of great information! I'm considering getting this camera and your video was extremely helpful!

[@jaredlank]

Thanks David! Glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful!

[@quentondaniels8536]

Just found your video, so many ideas for my FX3. Thank you.

[@AaronNovak1]

nice video. I just ordered my FX3 and was asking people what accessories I should get. One person directed me here. I look forward to spending all my extra money on this now. lol

[@Ddubmedia.content]

This is a superb breakdown! Thank you.

[@sonaramusicinstrument]

The best cinema rig for fx3!

[@jaredlank]

Thank you!

[@bentonpix]

Great full featured rig! But it should be pointed out that while having filter threads on the Mirage lens adapters is great, if you have a filter on it (like a Pro-Mist) you won't be able to use the main 95mm filter slot on the matte box. You can add a second stage 95mm filter tray, one for the VND and one for a Mist or other filter, but then you're limited to a maximum wide lens of about 35mm because of vignetting the additional tray causes. If you want the combo of the Tilta VND + Mist + wider than 35mm, you'll have to put the mist filter directly on the lens before the matte box adapter or use a 4x5.65 Mist filter $$$ in the front of the matte box. Alternatively, and ultimately the best way (but slower) is to use the Vaxis fixed value ND filters (superior to the VND) combined with a mist filter in the Tilta Dual 95mm filter holder in the main slot.

[@jaredlank]

Solid points! I have run into that issue and used a couple of the solutions you mentioned, I also really prefer the fixed NDs to a VND. Slightly more annoying to get in place but the color / image is significantly better, thanks for pointing that out!

[@MaikHansen]

Love this setup! I'm currently building my sony a7iv rig which is kind of similar but also different 😅 honestly I was super suprised after watching your video that you "only" have 959 followers - just subscribed and will check out more videos 🔥

[@jeffelstone]

Thanks for making this video! Appreciate the insight and the attention to detail. I've been going mad with research for the best FX3 rig and you convinced me to go with this setup 🙏🏻

[@bertramweber]

Many thanks! I'm curious to see the comparison with the A7IV!

[@jaredlank]

I’m hoping to film and upload a comparison soon, thanks for watching!

[@aa-vr8li]

That looks absolutely beautiful

[@QuasonMatthews]

Appreciate the videos man, I just ordered my Fx3!

[@jaredlank]

Absolutely, glad it was helpful and congrats! Its an awesome camera, hope you enjoy it!

[@Ashley-mq3jd]

I love this rig. I didn't even know much about rigging and this video you explained it well. I do agree/believe that client perception helps especially when starting out. So I feel confident investing in a rig like this just to bump client confidence and also if i feel good about what im carrying its gonna add to it. New sub. Much love, from Mozambique.

[@PaulD-vw4zu]

very insightful , thanks for sharing!

[@VishnuAttiappan]

Those opening shots… damn 🔥

[@jaredlank]

Thanks! Honestly shooting b-roll was the best past about filming this

[@VishnuAttiappan]

@@jaredlank I guess the actual meaning of b-roll is beauty roll 😅 it was so beautifully shot. How you shot is basically?

[@dannoringer]

Very nice narrative style. Lots of intelligent monolog. Good Job. Not sure I completely agree that it is worth the money(for me), but if it works for you, then that's all that matters. Keep up the good work.

[@kalkydra]

Top setup. Excellent video!. cheers.

[@ShubiCreations]

Which lens do you used for close shots of camera intro

[@promenadenprolls5790]

I would love to see you’re S-Log3 workflow. How you shoot, which LUTs your using, and how you Color grade your footage:)

[@mezzanineh15]

Super vid! Just a quick note, you can easily take off the stoppers on the mini FF. If you dismantle it, take them out. It’s quite a simple design and easy to reassemble. Another cool option would be to have an upgrade version with the Tilta side follow focus handle with nucleus N set up. Subscribed ! 💪🏻

[@RenzoStevenson]

Exelent! Great video! It is very helpful to complete my camera, thank you dude! I appreciate it

[@MiriamThomasProductions]

Hey Jared! This is incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for putting this out there.

Thank you so much Jared for this amazing rig ! I've been studying some solutions and mine is quite close from yours, but with smallrig half cage, and i found the handle extension from smallrig really great. I'll probably go for your power solution, instead of carrying 6 battery's on me (4 for camera and 3 for monitor :-)). Thanks again and keep on !

[@jaredlank]

Thanks! I also have the small rig half cage and really enjoy it as a second option, especially with the built in rail mount. Having one power supply has been super useful, so I’m glad you’re gonna check it out!

[@randomk7897]

Beautifully done, sir.

[@omkt.v.1933]

Appreciate the vid, needed this info. Beautiful setup! Just became your 777th sub. Random question...are you Native American?

[@jaredlank]

Glad you enjoyed! And yes I’m Mi’kmaq!

[@thomaswest-tv]

Extremely helpful! Thank you sir

[@CreateGreg]

Solid rig and solid video. Well done and thanks for sharing! 👍

[@이재혁-q1m]

It was really helpful!! and Now I am really really impressed that cinematic camera movement and lighting in this scene at 27:41 How did u filmed and set up lightings? it is stunning!

[@simbasimsstudios]

Great solid build. Love the details of the what makes one product better than the other. Especially the matte box. I'm building my first rig and taking notes.

[@charlesmanaigfilms]

Incredible build and setup. Also a precise breakdown of your rig. I just got my Sony FX3 and can't wait to create my own build just like yours.

[@amitmadan496]

Hi, you mentioned the D-tap to dummy battery ruining the Sony camera's, does the Kondor Blue do it as well?

[@JasonCharlesButkiewicz]

awesome set up man! looks so solid!

[@jaredlank]

Thank you! I’m enjoying it so far but there’s always room to keep modifying!

[@ChazzGilbert]

Got my fx3 in december. Ive rigged mine out almost the same way. With the exact same gear

[@jaredlank]

Haha no way! Solid choices 🙌🏼

[@comcam.]

So detailed and informative! Thank you so much for making this, I may try to build mine out like yours😃 That must’ve taken a lot of time and money to figure out the perfect set up like that

[@jaredlank]

Thank you! I’m glad it was helpful!

[@RAPCOMEDIALLC]

I love this setup.

[@babybrown4289]

Sick Rig - thanks a milli for the info

[@MichaelKefeder]

Amazing break down, thanks! And I like you mentioned that the price and weight end up being like a FX6 once your FX-3 rig reached feature parity. I also noticed that when looking to buy FX3 or FX6 and I did my comparisons. Probably will go with the FX6 now that it has firmware v2.0, the advantages of FX3 are no longer there. Except the small size, doing public shooting without getting bothered will be hard with the big one ;)

[@jaredlank]

That’s awesome! I’m considering pick up an FX6 this year and running it as my primary and using this as my secondary because of the update and built in NDs. Hope you enjoy the FX6!

[@neigborhoodbassdealer]

such a beautiful build

[@northpointstudiony]

Used to rig up but it's an additional process and effort to keep track of. I ended up just keeping it simple.. powerbank + usb c, camera handheld, lens af...

[@kpmonaghan]

Great job!

[@CurtPiercy]

Super keen to see that rig for a gimbal!

[@dscubr]

How did you manage to disassemble the tilta V-mount plate? With mine it seems impossible to unscrew the cover that you have to remove to get rid of the unlock mechanism as you said at 13:00 (It’s the exact same plate)

[@nshaps]

Immediately subscribed

[@sebastianbussepictures4832]

Thanks. Absolutely great.

[@jaredlank]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful!

[@Dcrddd]

I've been here the hole time wondering about if that tilted camera setup in the back near your Mac is for film scanning. Is it? It'd be awesome to see a small break down if posible. So many doubts on this one. SUPER NICE video btw. It just made me want a FX3 even more of what I did hahaha. Keep on! 😁

[@jaredlank]

Haha yeah it’s a film scanning rig! It’s the basic kit from Negative supply, I have the 35mm and 120mm carriers so I can scan both types of negatives

[@ZacBarnesMusic]

Great video. Subbed

[@CMFSD]

This is insane rig now, good job. Where did you get the xlr input 3:16

[@MandoOutdoors]

Question, are you able to use the XLR and wireless mic inputs at the same time?

[@itsdanielrosa]

Waiting for that ultimate humble setup for an a7siii

[@matisstreibahs9713]

Thx for video Sir!

[@jaredlank]

Absolutely! Glad you liked it!

[@leomatis_]

13:00 Can you link or maybe the title of the video that shows the hack? Cannot find the video. Thanks!

[@PatrickBoberg]

So many good ideas on this build. Might swap the V mount for a gold mount, but that's because I have access to dozens of AB gold connect batteries.

[@fullbars]

Great video. Very useful

[@kevinokai]

18:43 how do you connect the Rode Go to the camera? Or to the Xlr?

[@joet9451]

Spent weeks trying to figure out how to build out my rig. Boom game over. Your video solved my problem. Question? Do you ever pick up the fan noise from the Ninja V in the mic? Thanks for a great video

[@1jonojazz]

Thanks Jared! Your video is still spot on a year later. Do you break your rig down for transport? Or, do you have a big case for transport? Thanks again! You have a great and easy to listen to style.

[@shotbyarian]

starting out at the moment and a few things i don't get: 1.) why would i want to record externally? why not just get a monitor and record internally? 2.) does the fan of the ninja v not interfer with the microphone right next to it? 3.) i don't understand why i would need rods on my camera rig? what are they for? for my RS3 gimbal they would be too big anyways?

[@BIZFILMZ]

Quick question for the small rig v mount battery plate what screwdriver do you use to remove the red lever. Trying to do the same thing with having my camera screen flip out but the red lever is blocking it. Thanks!

[@GeraldBertramPhotography]

Fantastic looking rig! I'm on the fence right now about picking up the Sony mic to complete my FX3 rig. Finding mics that fit well in that shock mount, even with the rubber spacers, has been tricky.

[@jaredlank]

Yeah I definitely feel that! You could always try converting the handle into just the KCM module and running a separate shotgun mount into it. Sounds like a hassle but could be useful!

[@RobertsonDCCD]

Enjoyed it 2 years later, still very relevant. If you’re still answering questions, here is mine: what makes you trust the hot shoe mount with all of this weight when there are so many stories of failure at this mount leading to rigs crashing to concrete? I have been trying to figure out how to start an A7iv rig with a full cage, top handle, monitor, and mic, but the mic is the problem. There are some great Sony mics for the hot shoe, but they all seem to be severely compromised as soon as you mount a cage/top handle setup. Your mic setup here, connected with a 3.5mm jack, seems to be the best solution?

[@GooniesVideos]

What was the tripod you used in your intro? Can you throw up the link to buy. Great video ty.

[@rezjrprod]

Dig the hat. Great video

[@nqxba]

amazing videos, and this rig build is probably the most comprehensive in the web. i’ve got a question though, do you sell a titles pack, did you buy one somewhere or do you make your titles manually?

[@jaredlank]

Thank you! I really appreciate that it means a lot 🙌🏼 I got this title pack from Tropic Colour! It is from there cinematic titles pack👍🏼