Cages For Sony FX3 / FX30 Review

[@FharishAhmedPortfolio]

Am I weird? Cause, I found this video extremely calming!

[@productiontechmedia]

Your not weird Fharish, I’m glad you said that, when making this video I remember thinking how do I remove the confrontations out of the conversion about cages and tech. Their seemed to be some angry tones floating around online from people with very definite views and passionate about it. 😀 Hopefully it was a mixture of my intention, the music choice and just information without confrontation. Creativity & learning is sty-filled when heighten emotions like anger are present. An Amygdala Hijack, I believe therapists call it. Puts people into a fight or flight mode. Hence people with trauma or certain types of heighten emotion find it harder to remember facts & details or process their thoughts well. Their emotions take over. So I just worked hard at chilling people out an calmly just giving people the correct information to help them make a informed peaceful choice. As I said, I’m glad that you made this comment, that was part of my goals & it makes me happy to know at least for you it was calming. 😀 keep well👍

[@FharishAhmedPortfolio]

@@productiontechmedia No worries, I'm subbed to the channel now. Waiting for more content. As for people, they will always have opinions, even the dumb ones. Nobody in their right mind, will overlook the amount of money that's been spent on this single video. Let alone, the amount of time and research that went in before that. Relax, and keep doing what you're doing.

[@castministries]

@@FharishAhmedPortfolio 👍

[@M-B-Smith]

Best in-depth review of the 8sinn cage/HDMI clamp, thank you! The clamp looked quite hinky to me too... am hoping I can find a 3rd party clamp that will function better.

[@castministries]

Thanks Matthew I appreciate the feedback. Yeah it was the worst ‘HDMI Clamp’ of the 4 main cages to work with. SmallRig, KondorBlue & Tilta all worked much easier. I hope 8Sinn will come out with a new version built for their cage, as the Cage is excellent.

[@gillesmatheronpro]

Great great work, so helpful thanks to a good writing and precise explanations. Thank you so much !

[@productiontechmedia]

Your very welcome, thank you for the encouragement. I’m glad it was helpful Giles. Keeperlit🔥 as we say in Ireland

[@alteredcortexdesign1197]

Thank you for your work on this, lots of cages and money here lol. Great job

[@productiontechmedia]

Your very welcome, glad you like it.

[@ListenHereOldMan]

i just tested the (newly revised) Kondor, Tilta, Smallrig and Falcam cages and the Kondor won out for me, hands down. unfortunately the ultimate rig's rather pricey, but it's a bit cheaper than buying it in any other config, bc the dealers haven't caught up to the new stock yet and don't have the new(ish) shoulder pad (nor the revised cage), so i went with it, and man does it look stunning, I gotta say. Gonna pick up the Arri dovetail plate so i can just plop the entire rig down on my tripod and not have to break anything down. I love how modular the fx3 is able to be run... from ULTRA lightweight w virtually nothing to rigged out w a Tilta Mirage and follow focus, Ninja V, etc etc... love love love it thx for the vid, doesn't seem to be another comparison vid out there, which i find odd, given the popularity of the camera subbed!

[@productiontechmedia]

Thanks for your feedback and sharing your experience of the options you have tried. Great to see people testing out a rage of options to get what suits them. Happy filming !!:)

[@ignaskarlonas4783]

Important! - Please keep in mind that 8sin cage scrapes some of the sigma lenses when attaching because of their wide build near the mount. Thanks for the video, really detailed and helpful!

[@productiontechmedia]

Thanks for the information Ignas, I don’t currently own any Sigma Lenses, so couldn’t test that. Good to know this and a helpful contribution. Thanks for commenting 👍

[@SimonDrysdale]

Do you know if it scrapes the sigma 24-70? Want to buy this cage for my FX3 but not if it scrapes the lens!

[@productiontechmedia]

@@SimonDrysdale Hi Simon, I’m not sure to be honest with you. I don’t have any Sigma Lens currently, like yourself I was considering the Sigma 24-70mm based on reviews also. But now that Sony just released their new 24-70mm f/2.8 GM MkII, I have been looking at that mid-range Option, but as I’m sure your aware their is a significant price difference. If I get a chance this week I will nip into Belfast camera shop and test this for you. I heard that 8Ssinn have made adaptations to the 1st Generation vs the 2nd Generation cage for the FX3, but wether that Entailed fixing issues people have mentioned about some Sigma Lenses being to large and scraping the casing of the sigma lens. I’m not sure. They may still need to create a 3rd generation version to fix this. I’d be curious to see any video links where people demonstrate this issue of the 8Sinn cage scraping sigma Lens casing. Sorry I can’t be more helpful right now. I notice @IgnasKarlonas mentions the concern above in this comments feed also. I wonder can he direct us to links about this.

[@productiontechmedia]

Ignas, do you have any video links to where people demonstrate the issue of some Sigma Lenses being to large for the 8Sinn 1st or 2nd generation cage for the Sony FX3? And was the issue fixed?, or do they need to create a 3rd generation version to sort this?

[@ignaskarlonas4783]

@@productiontechmedia there is a video made "how to upgrade your sony fx3" by channel called "CVP" they talk about the 8sin cage issue in the first minute. Also - sigma 24-70 wont mount on the camera with 8sin cage without scraping the lens.

[@JeffBourke]

The price for the Kondor Blue cage! Holy cow I could buy small mansion in some countries for that money.

[@uptonfilms95]

Exactly! And it’s ugly, the side grip doesn’t form to the grip on the camera. Very uncomfortable to hold and the cage edge digs into your hand.

[@simonwei9979]

The review is really great!!! Love SmallRig Products

[@productiontechmedia]

Thanks Simon, yep I have a number of SmallRig gear over the years, they have developed a big echo system of accessories. I’m now working on understand cages and their accessories, the many options you have to attach them. 👍

[@AwesomeShotStudios]

Very helpful review. Thank you so much for putting this together. It should be standard viewing for anyone considering a cage. Now I've still got a tough decision ahead, but at least I know what the competing products are like. Subscribed and liked!

[@productiontechmedia]

Your very welcome, I’m glad it was helpful, and thank you for subscribing & liking the video. I’m currently working on our 2nd video on Camera Cages, their Accessories, mounting options & threads sizes etc. See our Instagram channel for a sneak peak of some of the content coming soon. Happy Cage Shopping😀👍

[@AwesomeShotStudios]

Which one (if any) did you prefer for your own use?

[@productiontechmedia]

@@AwesomeShotStudios The modular options that break down from: Full, 3/4 & half cage. These give me the most options / versatility; For that Tilta & Kondor Blue. If you prefer a more minimal option, SmallRig’s Half Cage with top Nato Rail. I haven’t chosen a favorite as I have the luxury of owning all 4 for different different scenarios. Check out: Paul Joy’s KZbin channel, he did a nice Cage build using SmallRig’s Half Cage and a few other accessories. Here is the link below. Or search: ‘Paul Joy’ ‘The better way to mount your Monitor on the Sony FX3’ Link here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fp3dYWpqiMumb9k Sorry I can’t be more directive, I don’t know your ‘use case scenarios’. That would some-what dictates how much you need to Mount unto your cage and in turn reveal the type of Cage suits your ‘Use Case.

[@JeffBourke]

Kondor is the only one that attaches on both sides in addition to the bottom. The SmallRig and Tilta really grind my gears.

[@ListenHereOldMan]

did you end up going with it, then? I got the Tilta Pro kit during the BF sale, feeling like I got a good deal for $350, and I REALLY, really HATE that all the other cages not only don't have a simple notch for a wrist strap, but COVER the ones on the camera body!! I *need* a wrist strap for a minimal rig. No idea who to talk to about this, or where to ask, bc I'm a noob. super frustrating, i need to find a solution pretty soon so I can send the stuff I end up not using back.

[@Tappits84]

The new FX3/30 cage from small rig now has all 3 connection points.

[@KONDORBLUE]

Wow great content! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@productiontechmedia]

Thanks for the encouragement, glad you liked it. Great work on your modular design and the amount of features you put Into the Cage. From the many tread holes, Nato rails, Arc-Swiss, Arri & Cold-shoe mounting options. Very feature rich. As well as study build. I’m Currently working on my 2nd video about understanding Cages, their features & The ways to mount accessories to it. Should be out in the next week or so. Thanks again for your comments, keep up the great work Kondorblue.

[@KONDORBLUE]

@@productiontechmedia Great thanks! Will stay tuned to your work! Awesome stuff

[@productiontechmedia]

@@KONDORBLUE Can I ask, does your new PRO-BLADE SSD HANDLE FOR SANDISK USB-C RECORDING, let you record to it from the Sony Mirroless Camera range / Sony FX3, as apposed to having to use an Atomos Ninja V only?

[@olsonspeed]

Very comphrensive comparison, thanks.

[@productiontechmedia]

Thank you Olsonspeed, for your compliment & encouragement. Keep on flying🛫

[@gralex1001]

Отличный обзор!

[@rickymcc8624]

Thanks for a helpful comparison. I'm an experienced photographer trying to teach myself video techniques and starting to dabble seriously so now thinking of buying a FX3. Currently I'm trying to research the best FX3 cage options.I already have some SmallRig kit that I use with an a7iv. For the FX3 I can envisage using small/lean so you don't look too serious (when you dont want to attract unwanted attention) as well as in a more built out A-cam mode, so the idea of modular options (1/2, 3/4 or full cage) is appealing. So, I'm probably thinking about SmallRig, Tilta or Kondor options, but the latter seems rather more expensive. I want to use a Ninja V monitor and might well also record to a large SSD. Any views on external recording vs a load of high capacity internal cards? I like the handling of a good top handle, but can also see the benefit of using the Sony supplied XLR handle. From earlier reading I think that both SmallRig and Kondor do an extension handle for the Sony's XLR handle. Any views on which is better and whether Tilta have an extension option too? How might one best mount a Ninja V to a FX3 if also wanting to use the Sony XLR handle? What in your view is the best cage system if also wanting to have a good / quick re-build/fit into a DJI Ronin gimbal? How do you feel any of these cages would adapt (quality of ergonomics and speed of re-build) for a shoulder mount rig? Here I'm assuming rails, shoulder pad, XLR top handle or possibly rig mounted Sound Devices MixPre 6ii, monitor, V-mount battery etc? Related to that what's your view on shoulder mounting, vs gimbals vs hand held regarding time one can manage to physically support a built out rig and smoothness of footage? I hear many think gimbals are best but others swear by hand holding and slow (skilled) moves with just a top handle. Any views on relative merits and should I best ignore shoulder options? Sorry that's a lot of 'grip related' questions, but you seem to have a good handle (no pun) on this sort of stuff.

[@productiontechmedia]

Hi Ricky, to answer your 7 questions in order. I’ll number your points from what I understand you’re asking. 1. Modular Cage vs one piece or half * I agree the modular, gives you more flexibility * True the price point is higher with Kondor Blue There are now also some other brands vying for this space. Shape & Ulanzi’s Falcam range. With interesting offerings that are developing. I bought Ulanzi’s Falcam range Cage & handles to to check out their new patented F22/F38 one button quick release options. They have a Sony FX3 cage kit now, as an alternative to the Nato Rail quick release ratchet release style. They are still growing this echo system for this range. And has promise. The F22 / F38 locks you in to one place and is quick release on & off. But removes some of the ergonomics of the Nato rails to be able to slide your handles to a slight different position. See Link: David Manning’s Video on these: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXiYdIOZmK-DnMU 2. Mounting Ninja V * To mount the Ninja V, I purchased the Smallrig cage for this. It gives me the option to use a monitor mount from my display cage. with Nato rail quick release system, or 1/4” & 3/8” thread mounts. * If you haven’t watched my follow up video to the mounting option echo system. Called ‘Cages & Accessories For Cameras. Watch it, it’s got the current 8-10’main mounting options: * Threads, Nato, Rods, Arri Mount with locating pins, Cold shoe. Rosette, Super Clamp, Gold & V-mount (not including the new Ulanzi Patent F22 /F28 mounting system) which I haven’t tested enough yet. * See Video link here its has the Time stamps to goto the build I did with the Atomos Ninja V included and what I chose to use in this case. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXS0omaGopWrmpI 3. External Recording To SSD. * I don’t think you can use SSD with Sony FX3 or other Sony mirrorless range cameras currently. You have to use the Atomos Ninja V as its got some sort of license or agreement with brands to do this. * The likes of Blackmagic designs cameras let you use SSD’s * Kondor blue new PRO-BLADE SSD HANDLE FOR SANDISK USB-C RECORDING, doesn’t currently work for external recording either. They have a list of what cameras do on their page about the handle (See Link: kondorblue.com/collections/mid-2023/products/pro-blade-handle?contact_posted=true#contact-contact7204771528752 ) 4. Extension Handle thoughts & Other options? * I own SmallRig & Kondor extension and they are both very good * I don’t know if Tilta have an option * I Bought Shape extension handle to try it out the jury is out on it so far. I haven’t used it enough to say. My first outing was inconclusive and I wasn’t sure if I totally liked it. 5. Mounting Atomas Ninjas V * I bought the small rig cage for the Atoms Ninja V & small rigs Magic Arm Monitor Mount with nato rail Clamps as the mounting options for the Ninja V Small rig cage are Nato Rail top & Botton with thread mounts options also. Kondor Blue also do Magic Arms with swappable mounts like SmallRig. So thats your choice depending on budget & availability. I know I struggled to get a smallRig magic Arm with Nato rail Clamps. But they may have restocked this. * You can mix and match brands if they are using the same mounting options. It’s like building a Lego set :) * Again see my video ‘Cages & Accessories For Cameras’ on the 8-10 mounts currently used the most rig builds. (Excluding Falcons F22 / F38 option as this is a new offering not long out) Link here & Time stamps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXS0omaGopWrmpI 6. Best Cage System to build up and take apart? / Use with DJI Ronin Gymbals. * It’s not so much the cage as the quick release options to dismantle and take apart. I use the nato rail system as it offered the quick release thumb racket, to easily loosen & tighten, with out having to utilise a tool to loosen thread bolts etc.. * You also gotta factor in Base plate mounts & Arms, what mounting option on the ends. I like quick release where possible. * Gimbals utilise Arca Swiss for the smaller form factor, from the Photography world. I use RC2 quick release as had a lot of these. Both work if you have the adapters needed. 7. Gimbals vs Shoulder Rig Mounts ? * Shoulder rigs for Long standing positions * Gimbals for faster movements, this can be hard going and fatiguing on longer shoots. Hopefully I got all your questions answered & that helps guide you thought to make a more inform choice. Please Like, Subscribe & hit Notification Bell, to help my channel. I have 11K+ views on the video you just watched but still a low subscription base, which I need to get benefits for any my time and work put into this. I’d appreciate it. Best Regards Niall (PTM)

[@productiontechmedia]

Another thought if budget is not an issue. The top end Zacuto Recoil Rigs for balanced shoulder Mounting. See their website for what they offer. They have to types of Recoil Rig. ACT Recoils Next Gen VCT Recoils Here is a promo video link from Zacuto’s promo video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqHKYnaElpaijac This will demo how quick you can during from the Recoil System to handheld or refit Camera back into shoulder mount and the drop into a Tripod. As I say the price point is high for many. But they are very versatile. Food for thought👍😀

[@rickymcc8624]

Thanks for your very detailed reply. I did subscribe and like. I now have an FX3 and a load of rigging parts - SmallRig new cage for FX3 (comes with HDMI clamp and extension to XLR top handle. Also got the SR cage for my Ninja V. I'm experimenting with lots of parts, handles, rails, clamps, batteries etc. Shoulder rig parts look pretty heavy, expensive so I wonder if I wouldn't be better bypassing the shoulder kit and just supporting on a tripod for longer term support (avoiding fatigue). I bought most new grip kit on Amazon, as they have a good returns option if I have any part(s) that don't suit my evolving preferences. Lots to think about as I try to balance egonomics, speed of interchange, robustness, cost etc but I'm getting there. If I use time code (I ordered the FX3 cable module to attach a Deity TC-1 box) then I won't need to worry about an XLR top handle, if I run all sound to a separate Sound Devices MixPre 6ii. I previously bought 3 small timecode boxes with a view to having multi cam flexibility all synced with my MixPre audio kit. Trouble is sometimes, esp when working fast and solo, there is a limit to the kit one can pack, carry, rig and operate effectively. Which is why I'm looking for ideally good modular flexibility. Right now as a relative newbie to video production I'm in danger of getting too much kit that I don't instinctively know how to operate effectively and optimally. So I need to stop buying and start doing a lot more personal projects to practice, learn, review and repeat to seriously grow my video production skill level. My stills photography experience and confidence is on a different level, so I know there is a lot to learn with video if I'm ever going to be effective.

[@productiontechmedia]

@@rickymcc8624 excellent Ricky, enjoy the learning curve its exciting growing in new skills. Your composition skills from photography background will serve you well in videography also. Tripods are always an import buy to have in your kit, just get a good smooth fluid head with it for pan shots. Tripods for locked off shots and interviews also when applying 180 degrees rule for interviews. Thanks for Liking & Subscribing also. have a great day.

[@mychanneltoletyouknow]

love tilta... awesome product but they're running on a skeleton crew. spoke with the same rep 4 times about missing component in cage kit. after a few weeks they finally shipped. wrong color. didn't match rest of kit. if you encounter problem. stay on top of those dudes. they'll slow walk the hell out of ya

[@KristophTy]

Will the 8Sinn fit the Fx30? And have you found a solution to the HDMI issue you were having?

[@productiontechmedia]

Yes Kristophty, it does. It's the same external body for both Cameras, but different sensors inside FX3 & FX30. APSC vs Full Frame sensor.

[@AINEET]

Which would you recommend, the Kondor Blue or the Tilta? Kondor currently has a sale and it's about the same price

[@productiontechmedia]

I like having options so the more modular ones that let me have a full, 3/4 or 1/2 cage like the Kondor Blue & Tilta work for me. It’s hard to pick between the two. It may still depend on your use case scenario. I like the Top Nato rail on the Tilta as the screws stay connected better when you removed them, with less chance of loosing them, where the Kondor Blue’s screws do not stay connected to the top Nato rail once removed. I’m also a fan of the quick release ability of the Nato Side Rail plates on both sides of the Kondor Blue for adding Nato clamp handles. As I said in the video you can’t really go wrong with either as long as you have the accessories to mount to it. It’s a 3-5% difference but more around Aesthetics. The Tilta’s side plate with the strap is machined to be a nicer more comfortable fit in the palm of your hand. But no Nato Rail option is missing, unless you attach an actual Nato rail to the thread points then your good. I hope that’s some what helpful to help you make your preferred choice.

[@Finsterwald_]

and why not the small rig version?

[@boragriffey9960]

Thanks a lot for the review! I got a little question, is it possible to attach a nato side handle on the right side of the camera with the Tilta cage?

[@productiontechmedia]

Hi Bora, glad you liked the review of the cages. To answer you question. I’m assuming you mean the side with the safety strap attached. If you remove the strap, the Side plate doesn’t have a native Nato rail built in on this side, as it does on the other. But you can easily just bolt on a Nato rail with the 1/4” bolts that come with them. then you can attach a side handle with a Nato Clap. That way you can attach two side handles with Nato claps on each side. Hope that helps and answers your question .

[@akammer1000]

Would you be able to recommend the best cage with the intention of mounting a top handle on the side so that it is optimized for vertical shooting? Ideally mounting a top handle to port side would not be ideal I reckon.

[@productiontechmedia]

Hi Adam, what is the solution to shooting vertical with the Sony FX3 / FX30 & mounting a Top handle on the side for vertical shooting? This is a good question, and a challenge depending on your use case scenario. If it’s for video and you need to be able to reach the ports on the side, there isn’t an L Bracket Plate that we have found for the Sony FX3 yet that allows for this. The Cages with the small Nato Rail , built into the cage or that have two 1/4” thread holes you can mount a double bolt handle like for the 8Sinn. Alternatively you could mount a longer Nato rail to the sides of cages with two 1/4” thread holes, so you could attach a Top handle with a Nato rail clamp; And slide to the Center of the side edge for better ergonomics is an option. Stay conscious of access to your ports should you need that. If it’s for photos or your recording video into the SD / CF-1 cards then the likes of the Universal L-Bracket Plates can work with Arca Swiss mounts. The likes of the ‘3 Legged Thing’ brand offer one such option. The 4 main mounting options if you want the top handle on the side that the ports are on. 1. Cold-shoe mount 2. Nato Rail Mount (but both these options have the handle off Center) 3. 2 x 1/4” threads, for double bolt handles. 1/4” spacing on cages is 9mm and the double bolt are 18mm. So the side mounts would need to have this ability to attach with this in mind. 4. Add a longer Nato Rail via 1’4” bolts and attache Top handle with Nato rail clamp for better ergonomics & central positioning. Regarding maintaining access to all ports, the only options I see currently are: 1. Edelkrone’s Flex Tilt Head 2 (don’t use knock offs, of this item you will regret it, quality not as good) all ports accessible 2. Add Nato rail to 1/4” thread holes Watch these KZbin videos for visuals on the challenge of vertical shooting. Jeff Pierstorff demonstrates his thought process well and the limitations of currently accessories. Jeff Pierstorff. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4Gyh4eEnKt1iZI Adaroma’s video on L Brackets. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHbEYaKoqZt4f7s Check out the new video we will be uploading soon on Cages, Mounts & Accessories. To help you choose how to adapt to many configurations. Here is a link to my Dropbox folder with pictures from our upcoming video’s B-roll, to show you some of your mount & accessories options. I used the FX3 as the model for this training video. It’s also appropriate for the FX30 as it’s the same body externally. Like, Subscribe & hit the notification bell to get a notification when we upload it. I hope this helpful. www.dropbox.com/sh/c9iufhfe6jd63nn/AAD7c4M1bC5S5HdsxAlZxdlha?dl=0

[@productiontechmedia]

Adam here is a link my Dropbox folder with pictures from our upcoming video’s B-roll to show you some of your mount & accessories options. I used the FX3 as the model for this training video. Do the usual Like, Subscribe & hit the notification bell, to get a notification when we upload it. I hope this helpful. www.dropbox.com/sh/c9iufhfe6jd63nn/AAD7c4M1bC5S5HdsxAlZxdlha?dl=0

[@Tobirama_isHimju]

The small rig top handle I already have doesn’t fit my fx30 cage. I find that very weird

[@productiontechmedia]

Hi, Niall here from Production Tech Media, can I ask 2 questions, to help me understand your issue better so I know better advise you. 1. What type of Mount type is on your particular Smallrig Top Handle - eg. (Nato Rail, 2 x 1/4" thread bolts, Arri Locating Pin. Coldshoe etc..) 2. What brand & Model of cage are you using for your FX30 eg. (Smallrig Half or Full Cage. 8Sinn, Condor Blue Tilta, Niceyrig etc) This will help me advise you better. I will have a Mounting type video going up online soon, that I finished filming & editing. It goes into detail about 8-10 types of mounting options. Some of which I mentioned above. I help people understand what works with what, plus how to adapt to alternative Mounting options where possible. Let's get your challenge sorted first by answering the two questions above.

[@brodydotson378]

Would you say the 8Sinn the easiest/best grip to hold when you need to shoot handheld?

[@productiontechmedia]

Hi Brody, sorry for such a slow reply by us. I missed this when scanning through comments. If I understand you correctly. I’d say the Tilta & 8Sinn have a nice smooth machine finish, that flows better around the FX3 hand grip. The others are more bulky and require attaching a side handle as the side plates are not as comfortable in the hand. I hope that helps. Again apologies for missing this. Have a good day👍😃

[@Hsvsisgsnsu]

Will all these cages fit the FX30?

[@productiontechmedia]

Hi Aaron, yes they will as its the same body as the FX3 only with the FX30 you have a different internal APS sensor. Thats good news for us also. Happy filming!!

[@FreshSqueezedLightning]

8Sinn seems best

[@productiontechmedia]

I hope the review was helpful?, as I said in it, it depends on your use case scenario. I like the smaller form factor at times and having a modular cage lets me strip it down. Giving me more creative options. But the 8Sinn single cage is rock solid. My only frustration was the HDMI Clamp, wasn’t what I was hoping for. That said it has so many mounting options and the strength of a single piece cage and is a solid foundation to build a bigger rig on. I have made a new video on building out a rig with a half cage. Which I hope to get up soon. Hope you get what you need for your own use case scenario. Have a great day.

[@harshbhavsaar2283]

Why are you talking like that ??? 😂

[@productiontechmedia]

😅👍