Cinema camera gimbal rig on a budget!

My affordable gimbal setup for full size cinema cameras is made using:
➡DigitalFoto MAGIC RING
B&H bhpho.to/34963cK
Amazon amzn.to/3lfI6qU
Amazon UK amzn.to/2Gy6EwD
Amazon Germany amzn.to/2HUeBN1
➡DigitalFoto EasyRig Vest
B&H bhpho.to/30Bvum3
➡Zhiyun-Tech CRANE 3S Gimbal
Amazon amzn.to/3nRhBuc
B&H bhpho.to/30jss69
Adorama adorama.rfvk.net/J30Oq
Amazon Canada amzn.to/33B4OE4
Amazon UK amzn.to/34u15aF
Amazon Germany amzn.to/36ApsWV
eBay ebay.to/33B5bhW
➡Wireless Follow Focus from CAME-TV
B&H bhpho.to/3nfqzRG
Adorama adorama.rfvk.net/qRGXL
eBay ebay.to/2Sn9uHh
➡Polar Pro Mattebox Kit
B&H bhpho.to/2V8JXTM
Adorama adorama.rfvk.net/xxqD1
eBay ebay.to/3l8dMyz
Amazon amzn.to/3ipU53C
Amazon UK amzn.to/3lmW2zN
Amazon Germany amzn.to/3jEET3K
Amazon France amzn.to/2SASzRP
➡OSEE G7 Monitor
eBay ebay.to/36EbL9t
➡V-Mount Battery Clamp
B&H bhpho.to/3nqofqY
Amazon Canada amzn.to/3nxmusn
Amazon UK amzn.to/34xarSX
Amazon Germany amzn.to/34LY9Xd
Check out Craig's website: ubifire.com/
Video Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:27 Gimbal
02:06 Magic Ring
02:31 Camera Setup
04:11 Extended Battery Pack
05:00 Accessories
06:53 Arri Rosette Attachment
07:18 Baseplate
10:30 EasyRig
15:33 Accident!
16:02 DIY Arri Trinity
17:00 Conclusions
⬇️More INFO below⬇️
My filmmaking gear kit ➡ kit.co/TomAntos
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Gear I recommend ➡ www.amazon.com/shop/tomantos
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Remember, in filmmaking there's no problems, just a lack of solutions!
Follow me on:
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My name is Tom Antos. I am a film director and cinematographer with over 20 years experience in VFX & animation.
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DISCLAIMERS:
Some of my links have an affiliate code, allowing me to make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks!
The opinions expressed in this video were not influenced by or paid for by any outside individual or company. I use and test lots of products that are sent to me or that I buy myself. In the end, I only talk about the products that I find interesting.

[@ubiFire]

Another great video Tom and I'm ready to perfect the D.I.Y. Trinity whenever you are! Looking forward to it!

[@AlbowaSinema]

One of the first channels to start me off on my filmmaking journey. Big up Tom.

[@camerontitus5822]

instablaster...

[@nmendillo]

Finally! Long story short, this video answered ALL the questions i had for what i thought was a very specific camera setup i had. And it’s affordable!!! Thank you thank you!

[@ronin7entertainment884]

Thanks Tom. Awesome rig. Definitely going to use something like this for our productions.

[@ramboosme]

Appreciate your vids Tom another good one, thank you. Although beautiful; the footage in which you show the results of your stabilisation/support gear is always in slow motion from what I've seen in your videos. It would be nice to see some played back in the same framerate it was shot in for us to see another representation of the gear's abilities.

[@KwasnikPictures]

Epic video as always Tom! Cant wait to see that Trinity setup next!

[@djlworldwide2012]

Tom...so glad you weren't seriously hurt. Thank you for all the great reviews and videos. Stay well & safe :)

[@VonHarris]

definitely need to add this to my easy rig

[@fgzy123]

I made something similar a couple years ago with a Zhiyun Crane 2, except I screwed together PVC pipes to make my ring. Spray painted it black and it came out great. I use a Canon C100 Mark ii on it with the gravity adjustment plate on the Crane.

[@TomAntos]

Great idea!

[@menelaosmalaxianakis8195]

Great stuff. Thank you for all the interesting information and testing. Looking forward for more reviews like this.

[@TomAntos]

Thanks Menelaos!

[@omnstvcanada]

Love this channel... very insightful and Tom really helped me narrow down a Cine lenses without blowing my budget as we all know how expensive even indie films can be to produce. I'm also using this set up along with a Trinity style DIY for other stylized shots with my BM URSA G2 camera and oddly enough Zeen 24 lens.

[@Artfulscience1]

Would love to see that trinity follow up! That easy rig setup is awesome though

[@JasonCohenphoto]

Great video. Color grade looks great as well!

[@LycanVisuals]

Wife made the right choice in color for the outfit.

[@TomAntos]

She always does. Thnx!

[@KrisiaVaca]

Thank you😁.

[@Artfulscience1]

Shoutout to all the wives, moms, sisters and girlfriends who put up with our interminable “camera tests” 😂

[@eliholland5055]

@@Artfulscience1 I know right!

[@VincentStahl]

It's Mr. Craig from ubiFire! Nice job Tom, glad you didn't get hurt when you took that spill.

[@TomAntos]

Pull my leg muscle but honestly I was more worried about the camera rig and that expensive lens.

[@deweycheatumhowe]

Do you have any non-slo-mo footage using this set up? I’d be interested to see how different lenses affect bounce and how post-stabilization affects it as well

[@mrkimonojr9400]

Tom you are a legend bro.

[@donomaralkaydi600]

Great keep doing like these videos

[@Ronbc000]

Good luck, Tom. A7S3 + 16-35 F4 with Weebill Lab works for me 🎥 👍

[@BLThackrey]

We used an Ursa mini g2 on Redwood Massacre Annihilation . impressive camera for the money .

[@dfdigitalfoto]

Careful review video.

[@djjohnnybravo]

Jaka fajna czapka, taki miły akcent :) thanks for review!

[@mrkimonojr9400]

lmfaooo props to you when you took that fall

[@saveriocento4583]

i think this is awesome job, but i'm thinking about how to do vortex mode with this setup, maybe i should use only gimbal

[@petera.di.salvatore4493]

very nice video. So what do you think for lower shot I have zhyun crane 3s with a ring and coudnt make decison whether buying thanos pro 2 or this easyrig vest. What do you suggest ? thanks you

[@Golgothatvvideo]

Hello there. Nice video. You can explain how to balance all that stuff? Or you don't need to balance the easy RIg when you use it?

[@bobansky]

Hi Tom, are you happy with this setup???? Do you maybe recommend some other gimbal or you are happy with Crane s3??

[@enriquegonzalez2674]

Hey Tom I have a picked up the Came TV follow focus recently but am struggling to mount it on my set up with the crane 3s. What solution do you use in this video It looks really clean with only one rod. Thanks

[@JackOwensMusic]

What’s the difference in this and a loaded out ronin m on a ready rig with the two arms to help out with bounce and weight? Would that not support the weight of a cinema camera and give you smoother results? Same thing? Just curious.

[@nalarepooc1]

Smallrig makes these hand held rings, and they also produce the 'ring' for the Zhiyun Crane 3S, which is the 2858 model, and similar to the one you have in your video Tom (with the plain rounded corners), however, I cannot think for the life of me why Smallrig did not base their other hand held ring, model - 2068 (which is specifically for the DJI Ronin etc.), and has the threaded holes / Nato rails / ARRI locating holes, on all four machined corners - for the 2858 model, which is very plain, and where you have to buy individual clamps to mount your accessories. If you look on Amazon for example, and type in Smallrig Ring Grip for DJI Ronin/Ronin M/Ronin MX Gimbal - then you will see what I mean - a carefully thought out rig, with machined hole'd 1/4 and 3/8 threads etc. All these additional clamps will add additional weight.

[@JackOLanternBob]

Would this be a good choice for a Z Cam E2 M4? Or would I want something smaller?

[@nmendillo]

What type of carrying case do you recommend for all of this gear?

[@zaylopur]

Im not sure if I missed it in the video, but how do you use the focus motor ? Thank you! :)

[@GCHUSTLEHAWAII]

How are you able to install the follow focus? The rod is skinnier then 15mm

[@fromtherange]

have you had any issues with heavier setups where the baseplate comes a bit loose on the ring? I have the smallrig version of this ring and the baseplate will twist with heavier setups, making the footage shakey. ive tried tightening and shimming the baseplate but to no luck.

[@palimolentino9892]

can it be stabilized with the Ursa mini monitor in use?

[@marciomoreno5487]

Do you think it’s possible to use this ring with the ronin m?? I’m not able to find the smallrig ring for the M anymore

[@gilbertperrella4564]

Hi, I would like to know where I can buy the quick release baseplate, could you leave me a link please?

[@kopaniszynstudio.artmedia1376]

Dzięki za czapkę ;)

[@sixsoxsex1]

Isn't better to use a steadycam with the stabilizer arm?

[@SoundSpeeding]

How different is the DigitalFoto EasyRig Vest from the generic no name brand Chinese EasyRigs?

[@IWTBFOY]

Do you prefer this easy rig over the flycam ?

[@anatolylitvak7454]

Hi mate! I just ordered crane 3s and now thinking to by a vest & arm Suport system. Will work with heavy set ups like Ursa mini pro or Alexa mini. You did some review on them in the past, with one is the best? Came-TV, Digitalfoto thanos pro 2, flycame galaxy… Thanks, Toly

[@TomAntos]

They're all very similar. Personally I prefer to carry these heavy gimbals using an easyrig type of device.

[@world-tour]

What is the device he's using at 16:18? Is it called The Ring? I can't find any info about it. Thanks.

[@HANIRAQ]

You can try it upside down but remove the gimbal handle.

[@JOMprodBeta]

I've come to learn as a filmmaker that "budget" just means less than the cost of bigger budget studios...that being said i want this set up so bad...saving up now!

[@lamar7of9]

What lens was on the camera?

[@davejones4740]

What's a great camera for me to take out filming coastal towns and documentary type of work. I was using a Panasonic s1, but wish to have more stops

[@TomAntos]

The Panasonic S1 is great and has good dynamic range. Another good documentary run and gun camera is the ZCam E2 Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4iZe32BjtqIqKM

[@slobbersloth1480]

Thank you so much! Now my wife can carry the Zcam without breaking her back!!

[@JackOLanternBob]

Did you get a rig like this for the Z Cam?

[@MusicForIMAGES]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. It would be interesting for me to know how Craig built his pseudo trinity. Can you put the link of his channel or something? Thank you

[@TomAntos]

Yes the link to Craig's channel is in the description and the card of the video. Also check out Craig's website: ubifire.com/ I will be doing an in-depth video about his setup and comparing it to using the Crane 3S gimbal on the rig that I have.

[@TimYemmax]

@@TomAntos This would be great Tom! And ... thanks for all your great stuff!

[@MusicForIMAGES]

​@@TomAntos I'm very interested to watch your new video. I Crane 3S with EVA1 plus Atomos Inferno. Unfortunately no tutorial on how to build a fake trinity found on Craig's site. Thank you very much.

[@davdavmodele597]

witam , fajna czapeczka :)

[@Holtenstein]

I bought the Crane 3s Pro set up. However I'm really struggling to get the wireless video receiver to work. I think mine maybe broken

[@TomAntos]

I'll be testing their wireless video system soon. Please stay tuned for the video.

[@mikemilesmedia]

Since you have done reviews on both, the Flycam and Digitalfoto “easy rig” systems, which brand would you recommend

[@TomAntos]

They both get the job done but I find the digital foto easy rig so far is holding up better. Over time the Flycam easy rig seemed to get stiffer and harder to adjust the tension.

[@mikemilesmedia]

@@TomAntos ok thank you so much. I guess I’ll be buying Digitalfoto

[@armaquiduarte]

Any 24fps footage? Slowmo helps the footage to look steady.

[@micahvanhove1620]

Yeah I don't trust this

[@JediKang]

Dude I have the same crane 3s and Ursa mini combo, but my gimbal vibrates like crazy. Did you ever have that problem? And if so could you give me any tips my man? Thanks!!

[@TomAntos]

I never had it vibrate. That could be cause because th3 gimbal isn't balanced well causing the motors to strain too much. Or maybe your camera rig is too heavy.

[@2steezyy]

would be nice to see some 24 fps instead of slow mo to get a better idea of vibrations

[@maxbloom6670]

How did you hook up the 15mm rod? What’s that piece that adapts it?

[@TomAntos]

Its a little rail mount that comes with the crane gimbals

[@christianstelzl2494]

Cool, would it work lets say with a 3-5 kg (7-10lb)?

[@TomAntos]

it will if properly balanced

[@christianstelzl2494]

@@TomAntos thx Tom!

[@gnkstudios6138]

Hey Tom. Question, do you think this best will work with tall people above 6'5? If not do you know of an easy rig that will work? Greetings from Florida.

[@TomAntos]

It will still work with tall people except indoors you will have problems. I am 5'11" and I already have to duck in normal height doors

[@gnkstudios6138]

@@TomAntos oh wow I didn't think about it in that way. I'm just concerned I can't fit in one. Not fitting through doors will have to be a work around because it sounds like most people won't. So does the back bar extend up another several inches? I would love to see an in-depth review on that easyrig if you can spare the time.

[@TomAntos]

@@gnkstudios6138 i will try to do an indepth review soon. Yeah there's a few things to be aware of which can cause problems.

[@gnkstudios6138]

@@TomAntos much much appreciated. Any additional insight on this best would be more than helpful.

[@easyrig]

If you want to learn more about the dangers of using a copy of our patented and trademarked product, shoot us a mail!

[@davidvalens3337]

could this work with ronin S?

[@TomAntos]

It will

[@Patrick-jj5nh]

yea this seems like a good affordable alternative to a trinity steadycam/gimbal hybrid, plus the height adjustment from eyelevel to knee level shooting angle is probably even quicker than on a trinity, I guess walking forwards shooting backwards over your back is not possible with this though..

[@TomAntos]

Yes that is the problem with this setup... also the readyrig arm sticks up so I have problems crossing through various doors.

[@YoungBlaze]

zhyiun dropped the ball with not creating a Vest or something to hold the Crane with a heavy cinema cam

[@petero1068]

Would it work with an ARRI Alexa Classic and a prime lens?

[@TomAntos]

The Arri Alexa Mini not the classic unfortunately

[@dfdigitalfoto]

The rubber band behind SERENE should be fixed

[@davetinoco]

Connecting the gimbal on that 1/4 screw for the steadicam "trinity" setup just seems so risky...I recently came across a plate for the Crane3S that is a bit more stable, incorporating the rosette mount on the back of the gimbal. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJy8qpJjjsd9apY

[@joaquinperalba1624]

Why all the gimbal moves are shown in slow motion, where we cannot really appreciate how effective is the gimbal?

[@TomAntos]

In slow motion you can also see how bad are the micro vibrations which are not visible in real time. Also in youtube you can speed up the playback to see all the tests on real-time

[@thewormholeproductionsgrou3433]

Ok Tom, I’m gonna follow your recommendation on this one. It better work or you’re getting a Judd brother noogie if there’s ever another NAB

[@felizeamor4028]

That's a big fall! Surprised your camera or lens didnt brake off

[@TomAntos]

Me too! I was very surprised and happy that it was alright.

[@FlyingZayin]

Hi Tom, I've been always watching you but never commenting; breaking it now just for a suggestion... As I've lived in China for 24+ years you can safely take it from me, ZHIYUN is pronounced like this: Take the word *rzeczpospolita* for an example, in its _original Polish_ pronunciation. Now, put cz first, following with rz. You will have something very close to what zh sounds like. Add Polish y to it as in Bydgoszcz, you will have zhi~. (Doesn't work with English language that easy). Zhiyun is not pronounced like "zayin" or anything alike... zayin is a dick in Hebrew. :)

[@maxsaltin1001]

A LOT of audio distortion and hiss

[@TomAntos]

Really weird. No hiss on our end. Are you listening on wireless system?

[@josuerugerio8229]

I really want to be in the point where I can consider this a budget option instead of being over 100 times my budget

[@clipsthatsell]

Why not just use a good mirrorless camera on a regular gimbal? You can still clamp a 5 inch monitor to the Gimbal arm. Screw ND filters on the lens. Really, is it worth all the bother, for what benefit? Seriously I'd like to know

[@TomAntos]

Cinema cameras have many advantages that mirrorless cameras dont have. They designed to capture best video quality. Raw codecs, faster readout of the sensor, etc. Also using a properly setup camera with follow focus. Full mattebox which can hold various filters etc. If you don't work on productions where a full size cinema camera is needed then this isn't going to be useful for you. Small mirrorless cameras and small gimbals these days are a great combo and can do 80% of what a full size cinema camera can do.

[@clipsthatsell]

@@TomAntos Sure, I hear you Tom, and thanks for the response. But for me making corporate videos for the web with tight timeframes (as most of us do) a Sony A7siii on a gimbal is more than adequate.

[@airindiana]

@@clipsthatsell of course not everyone is filming quick turn around social media videos so the “why bother” bit applies to different scenarios from yours I guess.

[@clipsthatsell]

@@airindiana That's true, and I guess I don't know what I don't know, not having used a bigger rig etc. But these days the specs of smaller cameras are catching up

[@dreamancyfilms]

I love your videos, and your audio is clipping in this one. It kinda makes my ears bleed. xD

[@dreamancyfilms]

BTW there's a plugin called Izotope Rx in which you can fix clipping saturated audio. It does a pretty awesome job.

[@marvinlovenfeldt]

OVERKILL - you don't need all that stuff on the rig to make videos. IMHO

[@TomAntos]

You are correct. To make videos you just need a camera even one on your phone will do. This video is about a rig that allows you to smoothly move a big cinema camera.