Camera Rigs: EVERYTHING You Need to Know

[@SidelineMediaCo]

okay i’m at minute 24 right now, and i’m just realizing how much time and effort he puts into his videos. like wow. he’s kept my attention for this long already, and it’s cut so perfectly together. everything about this video is perfect!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you so much Malachi! Means a lot man.

[@HamishCrossNZ]

Straight up man. I just commented something similar haha

[@stever1514]

I had the same thoughts at 6 min in lol

[@messyfilms6325]

You can tell when someone half asses it. When me and my son do a video on our main channel we watch what we’ve done before uploading and we can always tell when we got lazy and when we devoted the right amount of time.

[@ivansouvorov2101]

This is a masterclass video. In a half hour I learned everything I need as a beginner and this saved me hours of time and likely hundreds of dollars in learning to buy the correct equipment the first time. Thank you

[@JosephGarcia]

This man just taught everything about rigging in a single video while it took me years to learn all this from observing.

[@grapefruitdream]

I feel like this one video is a graduate level camera class - thank you so freaking much

[@justlivication]

When you showed the ratcheting knobs at 9:18, I ran to my camera bag and lo-and-behold... I have em!!! Rig headache has been cured 😀

[@TWcitystory]

I'm so glad I saw this video. I first saw it a few years ago, but I couldn't finish it at that time. As my photography skills improved and I upgraded my equipment, I gradually learned more about accessories, and I came back to watch the video again. I'm so happy that I finally finished it this time. Even though I thought I was very familiar with camera rigs, I still learned a lot. Thank you so much for making this video. It must have taken a lot of time and effort, not only to collect all the "Lego" toys, but also to assemble them. The process of assembling the accessories is just like playing with Lego!

[@stephenahearn2919]

I don't know how to begin to thank you for making this video. As a newbie to video I have been struggling bigly with all the pieces and parts that are available to build a suitable rig. Many things ordered and returned and many hours spent researching parts and configuration possibilities. This video will make the remainder of the build so much easier! Companies like Smallrig should have paid for a video like this a long time ago. Also wouldn't it be nice to have a configurator for these parts where rigs could be designed and assembled virtually prior to purchase! A parts list could be automatically generated based upon a build and purchased all at once!

[@kadosholl]

Wonderful video Caleb, great job. Any suggestions for a rig for a Panasonic UX90 ??? .... I want to put mic, monitor, battery, light and maybe a hard drive. You have skills to teach, congratulations.

[@greenscreenactor6379]

I have edited myself into movies and TV shows using some of your advice, tips and tricks so thanks!!!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Oh wow! Thank you for the kind words boss! Congratulations!

[@alexmayo15]

This is EXACTLY the video I've been looking for. Perfectly presented information about something I've been thinking about forever. Well done Caleb.

[@ourbellalife]

Again, FANTASTIC video Caleb! 👍 The time it took to do this... just wow. THIS sort of video is why I bought one of your in depth camera guides, it was so informative and helpful. Thank you for creating for all of us!

[@blkmidia]

Best video on YT about camera rigs!

[@erwickdsouza]

Caleb, you got me obsessed about rigging 4 years ago when I was starting out.My rigging gear weighs more than all my camera, gimbal and lighting hardware combined.

[@agudal8503]

You knocked it out of the park with this one

[@paulberg1381]

Your Chanel is literally one of the most helpful things I’ve discovered in the entire internet Thank you for your work its really important for me and surely lots of other people as well Thank you man

[@zainandco]

9:20 of this video just changed my life. I had no idea those knobs could do that. I've been struggling with those for the past year. Wow. Thank you sir. Wow.

[@jpbousquet6446]

Very nice and thorough videos on all the accessories setup that can be added as part of a video camera system, especially if new or not sure of all the options, terminology etc... well done!

[@odarrien]

Very comprehensive!!!!!! I'm about to get into video live-streaming using a camcorder and thinking through some of the things I may need. This is super helpful to know what options are available and what different things do and how they interconnect! Thank you.

[@4MyWork]

Great great great - we are kindred spirits - The only difference is you put in the time and the effort to share all this knowledge. I think our work benches probably look very similar . Great job

[@danielmok3762]

this is by far the best video on the planet regarding rigging cameras... you are awesome!

[@ChadSchrandt]

I love camera rigging. Its kinda like playing with lego for your job. It's also very reflective of video production. You're only limited by your own creativity with camera rigs.

[@danielghising7269]

All these KZbinrs who put videos of their rig just confused the fuck out of me I appreciate u man❤️

[@Spencerreich]

This was so immensely helpful for me. I’m building my first handheld rig, and I never knew what all these fancy tubes and brackets were. Your video clearly directed me on what to buy, and it was the ONLY video that did. Thank you!

[@WhiteWoodEnt]

I can't tell you how many ideas and purchases were based off of this video. Monitor mounts alone, thank you!

[@JimLeonard]

This was the first Caleb video that overwhelmed me. Not sure if that's good or bad, but hey, that's a milestone.

[@vanquestgear]

Whenever I see a new DSLRVS I get pumped. Then I realized this one was 30+ min!! Awesome topic!!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Yeah I got a little excited and went waaaaay over the 10 minute mark!

[@RealTerrainHobbies]

Ahh this is going to be good. Exactly what I've been needing as I'm looking at an external recording monitor and doing more with my a7siii.

[@Miscast]

Fancy seeing you here Neil!

[@TheKenVlogs]

I'm getting a BMPCC 4K and am looking at rigging options for it.. Didn't realize there were so many different little parts and aspects of rigging. Frankly, it has me overwhelmed!

[@TheumbrellaMG]

I learned so much watching this video. more importantly, I learned I didnt know as much as I thought I did. bravo.

[@deepsleep4440]

Still the best breakdown so far in 2022

[@mikefromflorida8357]

Your videos and advice are among the best. Perhaps a word or two to take the place of TON as a descriptor.

[@younken24films]

Holy Moly! This was A-MAZ-ING! I will be watching this again. Been subscribed for many years now and I can't thank you enough Caleb!

[@paolorepetto1039]

Wish I had this about 4 months ago! By far the best video out there on rigging! Highly recommend!

[@solo21]

Hello, Im so glad I stumbled across this video again, and since I liked this video (and already subscribed to your channel) the first time, I wanted say thank you for your great work and info! I watched this video months ago, and didn’t understand too much about all these different parts and mounting options. Watching it again, after having purchased 2 very different cameras and a decent amount of accessories and mounting gear for them the past few months, I realized what works best for me, as well as what I may want to get in the future. Cheers, and again, thank you!

[@Stefanosinf]

So much great info!

[@LarryFlaxman]

Awesome video man, thanks for this! I've binge watched your videos for a few days now and your content iw definitely one of the most helpful to a new, aspiring filmmaker/KZbinr!

[@mrheng562]

THANK YOU! You’re time and effort in making this video is appreciated!!!

[@Amdrag161]

thank you so much!! starting to rig out my camera def needed this

[@sora8537]

why isn't this video the most watched on this channel ? For the 11th time, thanks Caleb ^^

[@ShanShobz]

As the title says.. this is complete info on rigs and accessories.🤩Thank you

[@1imanni1]

Wow - What a video. Thanks for the explanation of different mounts etc...

[@BrianMann216]

Thank you so much for making this video. I learned many simple things that I did not know before!

[@pmiddlet72]

Caleb, this was a fantastic overview of rigs and accessories. In the past I've worked on sets with various crew sizes. I'm now working on the ins/outs of a narrative film I've written (just barely hits most 'short film' durations depending on who you ask). This one will be low budget and a one-person-show-with-inexperienced-assistant project. I know - risky. Shots will be a mix of fixed/tripod, shoulder cam (for some mild shake), and in lieu of a full jib, I'm opting for gimbal attached to a steadicam'ish rig. For the moving shots, focus pulling will naturally be a challenge, even with a nucleus. Aaaannddd, I'm directing this (yeah we're going Buckaroo Banzai on this - spreading myself thing for sure). The talent will be rather young, so I'm trying to keep things minimal to avoid 'camera distraction'. I won't be using the cine cams I'm used to and instead will be going DSLR (I prefer to keep my back in order). My thought will be to use my a7s3's and more budget'ish (think sirui) anamorphic lenses. What advice might you give for rigging the cameras to switch between fixed, shoulder, handheld, and the steadi/gimbal shots? I'm thinking of nixing the shoulder/handheld for the shake and fixing the gimbal on the steadi rig to get some camera movement for those particular shots. Ah and given the locations, I need to use the matte box to help deal with stray light.

[@gregscarcella519]

Awesome video! Much needed. I learned enough to now start pointing me in the right direction on my research quest for the ideal rig setup for me.

[@peccotunity]

Wow, so much education here. Hope more people will like the video because it's hard work to upload such good videos constantly.

[@FilmSpook]

*Caleb, thanks, you are a CHAMP!!* 🏆

[@JMDofficialpage]

Bro this is a MASTERCLASS. Amazing video

[@uniworkhorse]

Only quality from Mr. Pike! I'll definitely be recommending this to friends trying to learn more about rigs, thanks for taking the time to make this!

[@edricchen]

So grateful for this channel. I've modeled so much of my gear using your videos. Thank you!

[@spikedesignworks]

Dude this was quite comprehensive and in-depth! Amazing job once again!

[@DanielSilva-te1ww]

Thanks for the video! Love Kessler Crane products! You turned me onto them a few years ago with your Arca Swiss video. Expensive stuff, but ease of use and weight limits are phenomenal.

[@WhiteWoodEnt]

That was they most interesting video about baseplates I've ever seen.

[@ATs_fm]

This is literally *better than LEGO xD I love it

[@lamski3286]

Thousands of dollars would be saved had I watched this video before making any purchases, thank you for all the info, now I know what to pick in the future

[@HamishCrossNZ]

Bro you are the actually the man. This is mega helpful. so in depth. A lot of work going into this one organising everything.. Just want to say thanks.

[@gregscarcella519]

very thorough video which is a great reference source.

[@linda_lawson]

I have been waiting patiently for this one (grabs paper and pen)!

[@Arbitrary_Rhapsody]

AWSOME video, I’ve watched it at least ten times by now! Btw I hope you’re taking it easy and enjoying your break! 👍👍👍

[@parkz7730]

Great works! Can see how much effort you put into this 33min video. Wish to see you doing about follow focus gear and wireless video systems!😍

[@osamaothman4917]

This is truly helpful 33minutes thank you alot for your great effort

[@19Eighty8Media]

You are a KING for this 🤴

[@jonathancubillo7383]

You helped me build my rig and I love you for that.

[@willcutu]

Hey thanks for this. Getting a a serious Video job and rigs were always kinda a grey area for me.

[@dbeach4044]

Finally, I have a plan for a new rig. Thanks.

[@AfoteyAnnum]

Ok, this is the video I was looking for today LOL I have a shoot tomorrow, and I woke up this morning thinking about new ways to make my rig more compact and lighter. And as the KZbin Algorithm™ would have it, this came into my feed! ***Watching now***

[@sygad1]

I can't even begin to imagine how long this video took to make but I am eternally thankful that you did, SOOO much information and you really helped me understand a lot......I also think I prefer the nato rail, just seems more practical

[@TheBrothersGrinn]

Caleb, thank you so much! This is a really great video overview of camera rigging. Do you think there is a value in people considering any of the brands who originated some of the elements you highlighted, like Wooden Camera, Zacuto, etc? Obviously there is a huge price difference, but do you see any value in spending more money to support those brands who did all of the original engineering, and probably make sturdier products? - Thank you again! Keep up the awesome work.

[@qwonk3824]

I really like a lot of the name brand stuff, especially how he outlined stuff like magic arms. In my opinion anything that supports the camera is worth spending that little bit more money because it could be that extra few $$ instead of your precious camera.

[@DutchAussieProductions]

Thanks for an amazingly detailed video, Caleb. You put a lot of money and work into this presentation, which is very much appreciated. Have a great day.

[@waynewrz]

Very cool man. Thanks for running through all the options and stuff you use.

[@riseauto1]

Great video man, watched tons of your informative videos to rig my cameras ✌🏼

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you Rise!!!

[@mickmckean7378]

That's an awesome tutorial Caleb, thanks and well done mate!

[@mfreeman313]

Well now, this should be a good overview. I usually stick the audio gear on top of a cage, and it has a handle I use to smooth handheld footage, but that's as far as I've taken it. But I'm considering the BMPCC 4K as an upgrade path that's good enough for the likes of me so this may become more relevant soon.

[@callmejm2385]

I wish I had this video back in 2020!! Very, very ,very important Video! Love it thank you.

[@CreativeIsolation]

Wow! Such a helpful video. Thank you!!!

[@SamHolland]

Awesome video. Super informative. I love learning all the names of the little things like taps and through-holes :) Thanks again.

[@anthony_icuagu]

Thanks for putting so much effort into this.

[@3emediabox]

We need Kessler Crane Kwik Stand options to get those rigs stable on the floor or table, an excellent rigging video!

[@simbasimsstudios]

Great as usual. Keep it going!

[@benfergusonishere]

Thanks Caleb! Very informative!

[@NEROGIL1]

Great video helped me a lot! Thank you!

[@flobuilds]

THE BEST Smallrig commercial

[@hooelse]

Great input from you, Sir

[@TrendQuran]

rigs recomendation for EOS 800D

[@ardiyanto.t]

Great video.. would like too see more about that portkeys evf

[@ChrisLeeX]

Thank you for yet another masterclass Caleb. Consumate content as usual. I do have a tiny bit of feedback: For the overhead product in hand shots (e.g. 3:45 ) you tend to shake the product. And for some reason I find that gives me motion sickness nausea. You're one of the only content creators where my eyes are glued to the screen (vs playing in the background while I work), so might be why I notice the shakes. Thank you again for the S-tier content.

[@msnspy]

This is a must video!! I have been looking for this information since the a7s3 came out. This is really useful for all the new peaceful that are stepping up their game and getting to mor professional equipments 👌🏻

[@SomewhatAbnormal]

Something that I find annoying is the disparity of hole placement between brands. Sometimes a tapped hole needs to be a through hole, so I will often drill out holes. Sometimes, there's no hole available, so I make a 5mm hole and tap it with a 1/4-20 tap. If you've done any woodworking, you may be familiar with the 32mm base system which scales up to measurements like the 96mm on-center spacing of dog holes in an MFT table. Anyway, for camera gear, it would be nice if manufacturers would agree upon a standard for hole spacing. Another option, which I use often, is to buy 1/8" or 1/4" aluminum sheets, and make them into custom cheese plates. This requires some tools (calipers, drill press, bits, tap, etc), but it's worth the effort when you just need a simple plate with a minimal amount of holes. Additionally, I've started to 3D print my own rigging accessories. 3D printing parts can be tricky because the strength of filament is nowhere near the strength of aluminum, but it can be useful for non-critical items requiring less strength.

[@LoveDarts]

These videos are just THE BEST. I have an a6600 Sony that I’m trying to rig and having a nightmare knowing what cables I need to power the camera, the ninja v and the rode microphone. Any advice? Also any advice for alternatives to the Kessler crane as they seem to be never in stock…

[@trainlens3789]

A really informative video - thanks a bunch!

[@DirectAccessYT]

Great video and info Caleb !

[@booradley3146]

Thanks for the video and making thing slightly clearer. But one thing I haven't understood yet is the 15mm rod thing. In your other video you mount the rods before adding it to the base plate with rubber bits (which is hard to find in Europe), but I don't understand why you added it. Rather than adding the plate directly? I get the Swiss release plate, but the rods confuse me. I get you can add lots of stuff with rods, I just don't get that setup benefit. If you wouldn't mind sharing I'd appreciate it. It's probably a dumb question but for the lamen it would be awesome to understand this.👍

[@rtoms]

Man o' Man is that an awesome rig

[@Powsimian]

In depth indeed. Thank you!

[@sk8mcbang]

This was very needed! thank you!

[@TheMorefield]

This is a great video man! Well done.

[@davidbatbold]

Hey Caleb, can you try out Falcam F22 cage / quick release system? I think it’s pretty neat and would reduce the time to set up and tear down.

[@PW-qy8mf]

As always, you did an awesome job, Caleb! Thank you! 🙏🏼 Ideally, I’d have needed that video about 10 years ago... 😉 It‘s funny because to me it looks like you shot this video in my workshop as we are both using EXACTLY the same parts for the most part (especially all those Arca-Swiss-type stuff and the SmallRig items) 😄

[@mvtv7279]

Very beautiful. Do you still miss usb ports? Cause you said that small rig v mount Adapter has just a Type Adapter.

[@ronnihoirup]

Wow you got lot of gear! Awesome breakdown. Must be a huge task to make - cheering for you here in Denmark! Does anyone have a great suggestion for a cage for my EOS 6D Mark II? I have searched a lot, but have a hard time finding it ...

[@orangejjay]

Holy filter, friend. Was this video produced in a dream or what?! 😂😂 Love ya, IRL and in dream captured videos. ❤❤

[@KuboriKikiamShow]

A challenge for Caleb: Create a universal camera rig that can be used for all of his cameras that can switch from shoulder rig, handheld, and gimbal / slider (he has all the Lego parts, so why not?)

[@calvinmay]

Because cameras are all different shapes and it would have to be made excessively large meaning some parts wouldn’t fit and making it unpractical