Camera Cages Pros & Cons (Should You Get One?)

[@Tanwilks]

Why is this the most professional looking channel, with the lowest amount of subs. Excited to see where this goes, cause it shows promise.

[@ConnerJohn]

Thank you so much Tanner! That means a lot :) Im excited for the journey as well

[@owenhorwood6356]

Has the energy of someone with 200k plus subs, this guys going somewhere! Love the style and all the shots, really good video,

[@ConnerJohn]

thank you so much!!!

[@jerrywatts4602]

I agree

[@ConnerJohn]

Ok took some time off but now I’m back!! lol

[@XenithLive]

Thank you for fitting so much info into only 4 minutes, fed up of all these other videos that take 10 minutes to get to the point. keep it up man.

[@ConnerJohn]

Glad you liked it! Im back to making more youtube videos so let me know if the new one is helpful also!

[@Tvon3]

I just bought a cage for my camera because I was worried about dropping it. After receiving it, I wasn't too sold on the handle and look. Thanks for this video and great points! I will be keeping mine.

[@ConnerJohn]

Glad I could help!

[@SamDCote]

Awesome video -- I agree, the cage can make it more intimidating! crazy what difference it makes for the subject. great work, can't wait to see more of your videos!

[@ConnerJohn]

Thanks so much man! Yea it’s crazy but totally understandable!

[@solowonabeat]

Great unbiased and informative video. I prefer my Smallrig cage on at all times for my A7iii and I’m surprised to hear that you’ve had experience with the cage getting loose/rattling. Maybe it’s from all the outdoorsy/adventurous stuff you do lol. I just haven’t gotten that downside in my experience but I suppose I shouldn’t speak so soon. Great video, man

[@ConnerJohn]

Glad you loved it! Haha yea that is very likely as to why. I just got a new smallrig hawklock cage and so far so good!

[@garreswe]

I use a Smallrig Black Mamba with my Panasonic S5. What I love with the cage is that it's very minimalist so it's not in the way and you hardly notice it so you can always have it on. It also has Arca Swiss and a lot of screw holes so it's very practical. There are some missing features compared to other, larger, cages but I don't really need them. One downside is that is has left some marks on the camera and that it's not super sturdy. I dropped my bag with the camera inside and the cage was a little bent and it scratched the camera. Also you can see on the bottom that it's been attached a long time.

[@ConnerJohn]

Yes there’s pros and cons for sure but my video rig lives with a cage on it. I just got the new small rig hawk lock system and I’m loving it!

[@digitalcanvasmedia1]

I love the channel's look! And your video looks amazing! Great lighting, great job!

[@ConnerJohn]

Thank you so much!! So glad you like it :)

[@KurtTheFunBoy]

Very solid video! So underrated! My man just gained a new sub, keep it up!

[@ConnerJohn]

Thanks so much for the sub!! I appreciate you Kurt

[@aaronJames6632]

Alex Guthrie was Right, this is top notch content!! Keep this up Conner, and we'll see you in the millions...

[@ConnerJohn]

Thank you so much Aaron! Man what a dream come true that would be.

[@AdudenamedKemp]

Was looking for info on cages, this is just what I needed, thanks

[@ConnerJohn]

Stoked you learned from it! I just started making videos again so check out the newest video to see if that can help you too!

[@colbybrady2187]

Great video, thanks! Time to buy a cage for my Panny S1.

[@ConnerJohn]

So happy you liked it! Heck yea!

[@professionalpotato4764]

I use a Smallrig cage on my XT4, and I've been keeping it on, just to improve the grip, and act as a heatsink. (XT4 gets hot doing 4k60p) Also I'm too lazy to take it off since it has an extra locking screw on the side that prevents twisting and getting loose. That, and I heard from others on Reddit that the hotshoe mount for most cameras is not designed to be load bearing, so they would avoid putting top handles/monitors without a cage. (Depending on size/weight). I'm using a top handle with a nato rail so I can slide it on and off easily when I'm switching between video and stills.

[@ConnerJohn]

Sounds like you got an awesome setup for what you do! I haven't played with the Nato rail yet. Ill have to check that out

[@khangdinh0127]

Thank you, your Channel is very professional and informative

[@ConnerJohn]

Thank you so much!! Big news to come :)

[@jdc516]

I already feel like my game has been upped.

[@ConnerJohn]

Mission objective has been completed.

[@ji7iij]

You have the perfect personality and skill to make great rewarding videos for all of Mankind.

[@ConnerJohn]

This absolutely made my day. Thank you so much!

[@Ivoux]

Great video, great points, I use a cage for video but not photography for the very points you mentioned, people act very differently with a cage. The handle.. for stability and low shots I love that thing. Was my main reason for a cage. Try a wee bit of blue threadlocker, to keep the screws tight. Helps a lot and is easy to get off. Solid Video, keep it up!

[@AmritaBhortake]

Hey Conner, that was a great video! I use the smallrig attachment on my Sony a6400 to move the hot shoe on one side. I agree about the fit, it's not that good but it does the job. I look forward to the probe lens video. Keep up the amazing work!

[@ConnerJohn]

Thank you so much!! Glad to hear im not the only one with that fitment problem lol. But it all comes down to "Does it get the job done". Looking forward to making it :) Thanks for the support!

[@bastian8597]

I dont have a cage but, since i want to make more video, im planning to get one. thanks for the content, it helped me

[@ConnerJohn]

Glad it helped you! Im back to making videos with lots of helpful tips. Let me know what you think of the newest one!

[@jimenezvisuals5707]

Awesome tips bro! Keep the knowledge coming!

[@ConnerJohn]

Thanks Man! Glad you liked them. I'm sensing a collab with ya coming soon (You know.... once we are allowed to leave the house lol)

[@ShowerToga]

Great video! Loving this channel so far!

[@ConnerJohn]

Thanks so much!

[@Migger_29]

I hope this channel keeps on going

[@ConnerJohn]

Thank you!! Me too :) Just posted a new video!

[@KennonPearson]

Great tips man! I've been kinda annoyed with how much setup and adjustments I've needed for a gymbal, so I'm going back to my roots. Now I just need to decide if I want a some kind of cage that's handheld or a shoulder rig.

[@ConnerJohn]

Glad you liked it! Yea man its a constant struggle lol. I think there are some great hybrid options so you can click the cage right into a shoulder rig.

[@Tacochamp123]

Excellent vid sir!

[@ConnerJohn]

Thank you so much!!

[@rzrdaze]

Thanks for the info. Trying to decide on which cage. A quick release top handle would be high on my priority list. A6400

[@ConnerJohn]

Yes a quick release handle sure would be nice! Happy to help :)

[@joedesocio]

Dude...this is SOOO GOOD

[@ConnerJohn]

And you are SOOO appreciated 🙏 thanks man!

[@TexCynRVLife]

Thanks. I am reviewing cages now for my camera. I bought a monitor & realized that I do not want to put the weight of the monitor, mic, possible light on my hotshoe...my gear just keeps growing! I might need a warehouse soon. 😉

[@ConnerJohn]

Lol welcome to videography! The gear closet is always growing lol.

[@JohnRichiePayot-u2v]

what the... why do you only have 900 subs? the quality is just insane... i'll come back in a few years and see a huge number on that, dont forget about mee!❤

[@ConnerJohn]

Hahah thanks! I took a HUGE break but im back now and going full force at it. Let me know what you think of my newest video!

[@jqwerty30]

Nice video man!

[@ConnerJohn]

Thanks man! Im thinking a photo collab soon :)

[@MrMxTech]

Congrats on the channel ;)

[@ConnerJohn]

Thank you! I definitely took a long break but getting back to posting! I hope you like the new videos!

[@MrMxTech]

@@ConnerJohn sure do ;) will be around the coments

[@Markmetcalfevideography]

This was great and professional looking! Mark from no small creator group. I enjoyed this.

[@ConnerJohn]

Thank you so much man. Love that community 🙌🏻

[@Markmetcalfevideography]

Conner John yeah it is and it’s a good place to connect further. I’m making a short film this month if your interested in coming along for the journey.

[@tobiasreckinger2212]

Fugasun Cage for Canon R7 for photography only. Mainly for protection and mounting the camera to tripods.

[@ConnerJohn]

Sounds like a sweet setup!

[@benjaminwhatever]

This was dope dude!

[@ConnerJohn]

Thank you!!!

[@BCast94]

I'm ready for my game to be upped.

[@ConnerJohn]

I'm ready to be a catalyst to your uppingness of gamingness with cameraness.

[@Andrewdeitsch]

I don't use a cage on my GH5 because typically I only have a mic mounted. If I need one more attachment I have a cold shoe splitter that gives me a little more flexibility. I dont use an external monitor but if I did, I would consider getting a cage. Also I use an off brand battery grip that sometimes acts up, and the only way to fix it is to remove it, so that would be very annoying with a cage

[@ConnerJohn]

Yea I really wish I had the battery grip and there are options but I totally agree with you. But the main reason I like it is for the protection since... im a little clumsy lol

[@Andrewdeitsch]

@@ConnerJohn it's like Neewer Battery Grip: $60 Panasonic Battery Grip: $350 WTF bro

[@ConnerJohn]

@@Andrewdeitsch Dude Neewer is known as the "crap brand" but honestly... I have tons of Neewer gear and I pretty much love it all

[@Andrewdeitsch]

@@ConnerJohn same. Dude, their heavy duty C Stand is fuckin badass. We have 2 of them, and they were WAY higher quality than I thought they would be

[@Marlonorellana]

lol i have a half cage and I love it but takes away from the run and gun when I am out and about doing videos quickly outdoors lol

[@ConnerJohn]

So true! Went hiking the other day and actually took the cave off so I could run and gun

[@tonyamante_]

Well put together.

[@ConnerJohn]

Thank you! I just started posting again so I hope you like the new videos as well

[@DaftRebel]

great content! congratulations!

[@ConnerJohn]

Thank you!!! After many years I'm finally back! Posted a new video just now :)

[@DaftRebel]

@@ConnerJohn nice! I'll check it out!!!

[@ConnerJohn]

@@DaftRebel Thank you!!!

[@freddylopez7536]

Good info my friend. Thank you. I’m in

[@ConnerJohn]

Glad you liked it! I finally started making videos again! Go check it out!

[@matheuskoproski]

Hey bro! Do you know the rigs that fit the a7iii also can fit the a7ii? Awesome video

[@kevindubose7780]

Try some blue loctite on those cage screws... might keep it secure longer

[@ConnerJohn]

Not a bad idea! But would that make it permanent? I still take the cage off here and there.

[@kevindubose7780]

@@ConnerJohn red loctite is permanent. The blue is easily breakable, but i wouldnt a ton. It will just prevent it from backing out.

[@ConnerJohn]

@@kevindubose7780 oh awesome! Thanks for the tip man! Will have to pick some up

[@JohnJohn-fz6nt]

Thanks for explanation.👍

[@ConnerJohn]

Glad it was helpful! I just made my first new video in over 4 years that you might also find helpful!!

[@JohnJohn-fz6nt]

@@ConnerJohn Thank you👍

[@arcada7963]

I have a Canon M6 and I just got a small rig so I was wondering if its only use was for protection, great video!

[@ConnerJohn]

Much more than just protection! Though that is a great feature. I just made a video about the best budget gear items for creativity and many of them work great with a camera cage

[@neoray10]

How does it help with quick easy camera transfers ? Does the cage have a quick release plate type Mount below ?

[@ConnerJohn]

So to remove the camera from the cage isn't fast but to transfer on and off tripods the cage is shaped to fit right on without the need of additional plates.

[@neoray10]

@@ConnerJohn wow it's shaped for most tripods /slider and gimbals ?

[@ConnerJohn]

@@neoray10 Anything with an arca style mount. So it isn't universal but nothing is. But most tripods it will work with.

[@Leo-jd2ny]

I have the 8Sinn Cage 👍👍

[@ConnerJohn]

Nice!

[@alexcarrier]

What brand cage do you use? Is it a universal? Could the brand of the cage change the issues with weight, movement in the cage, and ability to open the battery door?

[@ConnerJohn]

I use a smallrig for the A6500 and a UURig for the A7III. I think no matter what in order to have a cage that is worthy of holding weight and attachments it has to be pretty sturdy. So they don't weigh a ton but definitely makes a difference. But when it comes to movement I definitely think that could be a factor. But these 2 are pretty popular and still have those issues and other videographers have made the same concerns.

[@professionalpotato4764]

Some of the newer cages come with locking screws to screw into the neck strap hole. That prevents the camera from coming loose.

[@adittiara]

Hi, 'm planning to buy smallrig cage for my M50 Mark 2. And I also planning to buy a gimbal, DJI RSC2. How much weight does the rig add? Will it be okay if I mount it ontop of DJI SC2?

[@ConnerJohn]

Thanks! I’m starting the channel back up so I hope you enjoy the new videos as well!

[@DungarooTV]

Honestly, unless you do this for a profession, having a fully rigged out setup for family trips is, well, let's just say - a little over the top!

[@ConnerJohn]

I agree! If you just enjoy shooting for fun then maybe a cage isn't worth it.... but maybe it is if it's a ski trip and you don't want to risk crushing your camera. Photography/videography is like art. some people like getting the best tools even if it isn't their profession.

[@DungarooTV]

@@ConnerJohn Very well said - great perspective that I never knew I had in myself - I buy all the greatest camera gear, drones and other tech, yet they spend most of their time in the cupboard maxed out with all the accessories - it just feels good to know when I want to get creative everything is at my disposal. Always thought I hard a hoarding problem until your comments today - thanks buddy!

[@ConnerJohn]

Theres no problem with loving gear and tech. Even if it isnt a career. We can have our hobbies and even if we dont do it often... the thrill of having the gear at our disposal and playing with it when we want is totally worth it to me :) Happy to help!

[@DungarooTV]

@@ConnerJohn Wow, you read my mind! Thanks so much - are you able to please help me figure out how to connect camera in cage to the tripod - I cannot figure out how to attach it with what adapter and which affordable tripod is best - not a fan of gimbals!

[@ConnerJohn]

@@DungarooTV Happy to help! Grab yourself a ball head with an arca swiss mount and get an arca swiss plate. My cage can already be clamped to the ball head without needing the plate so yours might be as well.

[@dannydewheatto8606]

Can I get a link to the cage you have in the video? Will it fit the sony A7II?

[@ConnerJohn]

There’s a link in bio now but I tried finding a dedicated A7II cage without luck.

[@MicoSuabeTV]

Same problem cage getting loose all the time

[@ConnerJohn]

Making a video now about the new cage I just picked up. It got rid of that problem and solved MANY more problems.

[@MicoSuabeTV]

@@ConnerJohn problem solved i bought a washer hahahaha

[@ConnerJohn]

@@MicoSuabeTV Hahah sometimes the best fixes are the cheapest ones! I just got the new periprobe and was having stability problems with it.... Gaff tapped the lens cover underneath, and now I have buttery smooth tabletop slides. I am actually making a video on my new favorite camera cage as we speak!

[@MicoSuabeTV]

@@ConnerJohn pls upload it soon 💪

[@ConnerJohn]

@@MicoSuabeTV Hoping for tomorrow! Balancing paid gigs with KZbin is tough lol

[@SushantandAanchal]

Not bad for the first video...actually pretty impressive! Just Subscribes

[@ConnerJohn]

Thank you!! I'm back to making videos so let me know if you like the most recent one!

[@Altohamy]

How to attach universal cage to steadicam?

[@ConnerJohn]

I’ve never used a steadicam so I’m not sure. Sorry!

[@RicosRixo]

thNKS

[@ConnerJohn]

Happy to help!

[@parkerrex]

That poor camera at 00:26 never had a chance

[@ConnerJohn]

Lol yea not sure any cage can help him there.

[@Magdych]

I'm thinking about buying a cage.

[@ConnerJohn]

It's a game changer. Definitely adds some freedom for more creative shots. Checkout my newest video cause theres lots of gear that is used with the cage

[@bengleason9664]

considering it

[@praveenjangid9566]

this footage is little wobbly at 2:01

[@ConnerJohn]

I'm so sorry, please forgive me

[@yp09874]

The cage hinders me taking the sd card out...

[@ConnerJohn]

That’s weird. Which cage/camera combo? None of my cages block the sd card access

[@yp09874]

@@ConnerJohn canon eos r8 with smallrig cage for r8. My fingers are in awkward position to pull out sd card, have to push down the card a little so have space to pull out.

[@ConnerJohn]

@@yp09874 Aww sorry to hear that! Never had to deal with a canon cage but you would think they would have noticed that mistake while developing it

[@yp09874]

@@ConnerJohn Haha maybe they didn't 😆 Anyway its not a really critical component for me as photographer, just bought it to attach my phone on it 🤣 Any thanks alot for replying, great content you have here and all the best!

[@coshaad331]

What is the red/black tag I see on a lot of peoples camera?

[@mgloves4958]

Peak Design Anchor Point. Basically, quick release plates for straps.

[@ConnerJohn]

I just made a video with the Peak Designs system included. Go check it out :)

[@Andrewdeitsch]

YEET SAUCE

[@ConnerJohn]

The yeetiest of sauces

[@Sludge_Inc]

I don’t have a camera cage

[@ConnerJohn]

Some people don’t need em!

[@tutulnesar2356]

567

[@ConnerJohn]

8 9 10

[@DavidCentaura]

Had one for years, dont use it , don’t like it.

[@ConnerJohn]

Yea theres definitely pros and cons!