Comparing Camera Cages: Small Rig Classic Case vs. Black Mamba for Panasonic Lumix S5 II and S5IIx

[@lunayconsuela]

You're absolutely right about the white letters of the Smallrig combined with the S5IIX. A quick tip: use a black CD-marker (not alcohol marker) on the white letters and problem solved. I really liked this video and it inspired me to do two things: - buy both cage so I can try for myself and send one back. - subscribe and watch some more of your Leica content. I hope I never buy one though and so does my wallet.

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you!! I hope you’re having fun watching the Leica content… you never know what the future might bring… The CD-Marker, very good idea! 👍🏻

[@LuvIsLuvRadio]

I currently have the S5II and I recently went with the Classic Small Rig this video played a part in my decision...Kudos & Great Content 💪🏾💯

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you!!

[@mischiefincproductions2533]

Thank you so much for making this video, it was very helpful. I couldn't decide which cage to get, until I watched your video. Very informative! I went with the classic also!

[@flofroschmayer]

Happy to hear my video was helpful! Thank you!

[@beardedchristian]

Super helpful video! Was hard to figure out what justified the extra money when it was bidding the nato rail and extra mount. The little finger support was such a great little feature to note!

[@flofroschmayer]

Glad it helped!

[@christianwmeyer]

Hello Florian, thank you for the excellent comparison. Your valuable insights have helped me make a well-informed decision. I appreciate your effort and expertise.

[@flofroschmayer]

Hello Christian! Sure, thank you for watching!

[@dariielito_]

Blessed are you for this video. Thanks to you, I was able to make the optimal decision and have also opted for this combination. Stay positive & fun Florian. Greetings from Berlin!

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you! That makes me happy... Greetings from Berlin as well!

[@bobcoco6047]

Great job at comparing both, it was exactly what I needed, & it seemed to be far too specific to find such content. The timing was perfect apparently, 3 days lol . From what I saw as well, there isn't much diff between them, so unless there would be anything we missed (like the material used, but if so they'd have to communicate it in the 1st place), now it's official .

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you! The regular cage is a mix of materials: Aluminum Alloy and Stainless Steel. The Mamba Cage Aluminum Alloy only... probably the reason it feels lighter. For which one did you go?

[@bobcoco6047]

@@flofroschmayer The 5g note made me laugh btw ! I'll go for the regular 1, I didn't pull the trigger yet, & I don't even have the camera yet either ^^

[@johnnymauser7577]

Thanks for this Video! I bought the cage you recommended, and am very happy out of the same reasons compared to you! My pinky is very happy with the classic cage!

[@flofroschmayer]

Great! Happy I could help!!

[@AIBEKNEO]

Hi friend. What is written under the camera in the sticker? Made in China?

[@flofroschmayer]

Hey! No, it says "Osaka made" - so made in Japan!

[@AIBEKNEO]

@flofroschmayer my made in China

[@jamesbruce]

I tried both as well, I wound up keeping the Black Mamba cage for my video centric rig, but I got a different Neewer cage for my more photos focused rig. The was less expensive, but gave better access to the mode wheel.

[@flofroschmayer]

Can you give me the exact product name of the Neewer Cage?

[@hoqmollim]

Wow, thank you!! I could see the shapes of both products really well and I could learn that one cold shoe can be more valuable. However, I am still struggling to choose what to buy. I've been having an issue with its real dial. It always rolls too well when carrying it. I wonder if these cages can help to prevent the problem. What do you think? Do you think either of them could solve the problem while in use?

[@flofroschmayer]

I would say no.

[@MotivationalFoodForThought]

Appreciate it, you sold me with the classic

[@flofroschmayer]

Let me know if you are happy with it!

[@joergkampers_photography]

Thx Florian for the comparison. I had already a look to the different vendor options, but my past experience with SmallRig now makes me want another one again and I also like the bottom grip extension, as I have fairly large hands. A mix of both would be the perfect cage I guess. I would prefer the top of the Mamba and the bottom of the regular cage - but you can’t have it all 😂

[@flofroschmayer]

;-) I am with you... I also like to have it all ;-D

[@fantacobista]

Thank you for uploading the helpful video. I would like a more detailed explanation of the ease (difficulty) of accessing the buttons on the top of the body.

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you! The buttons and wheels are pretty well accessible... The only thing is that the engravings, especially on the left dial, are not as well visible anymore because it is covered by the cage.

[@fantacobista]

@@flofroschmayer Thank you so much, that was very helpful!

[@DanielSarli]

You forgot the nato rails! I would love the black mamba to have the nato rail on the top, that's a deal breaker for me. Nice video, thanks!

[@flofroschmayer]

Your right!! - and thanks!

[@Bobbyisrael17]

Needed this video. Thank you.

[@flofroschmayer]

Your absolutely welcome! Which one are you going for?

[@Bobbyisrael17]

@@flofroschmayer just purchased the regular cage yesterday. I really was going to buy the mamba, however your video showing the differences pulled me to the other version. Also I liked how you said it felt good in your hand as well as it having a extra cold shoe. It just arrived today! So I’m going to open it and set it up.

[@stevens2279]

@flofroschmayer Thanks so much for making this video! I was trying to decide which cage to buy and your video made it easy. Keep up the good work! What SSD mounting bracket did you use?

[@flofroschmayer]

Cool!! Thank you for telling me. I use the SmallRig Universal Holder for External SSD - works fantastic!

[@stevens2279]

@@flofroschmayer Thanks! I'm going to get one.

[@marin_real_estate_photography]

Thanks for the video, Florian. It must have taken you a long time to edit it. Lots of quick cuts in it. I know I am late to the party, but I would say I am leaning toward the SmallRig Classic cage. I think I would value the extra hotshoe a bit more, as well as the extra "grip" for the pinky finger on the right hand. Plus I like saving money :) Anyway, thanks again for the video.

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you! It was fun making this one... I started as a picture editor... so this kind of editing is pure fun for me.

[@LensForgotten]

The extra coldshoe on the classic (top right) is very handy for a SSD.... Classic for me.

[@flofroschmayer]

I totally agree!

[@Kobrakameraid]

I prefer the classic one since it will secure the bottom plate more. Not just that having 2 cold shoes is amazing, plus the classic have nato rail built in on the top panel. While black mamba doesn't have one.

[@flofroschmayer]

I am totally with you! I am very happy with the classic one so far.

[@aminbahremand]

Great review! curious question, where do you get your music from for the videos you cut?

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you. From Artlist.io. There should be a link in the description.

[@garreswe]

For my S5 I got the Black Mamba since I mainly do photography and the cage takes up less space (and I also think it looks better). It's strange that Smallrig left a gap under the grip on this model since the S5 BM has it and it's unfortunate since it can't stand when you put on a lens. For my S5II I'll also get the BM or maybe the Tilta Half-cage or the Ulanzi Falcam F22, I haven't decided yet.

[@flofroschmayer]

I guess they just wanted to make it as light as possible! I have to look into the other too as well. I had a Tilta Cage for another camera… in my memory it felt very bulky.

[@speichenalarmalexanderdiec9019]

A Voice Like George Clooney .... Holy....🤘nice!

[@flofroschmayer]

Thank you!! From Clooney to Pitt…

[@samb3084]

Good review. I wouldn't say 5g makes any difference in weight though, it's such a tiny amount it's negligible.

[@flofroschmayer]

Absolultey, but strangely it felt like more

[@jimmyji8086]

Might seem dumb I went with original cage for the same reason as you but I also feel like it would take a hit better since it squares up the whole corners of the camera but that may be wishful thinking.

[@flofroschmayer]

Absolutely! I dropped it several times already and the cage did protect it. Still! Don’t drop it! ;-)

[@eddiespectral]

Which is better between the Smallrig Classic and the Sirui S5M2?

[@flofroschmayer]

I can’t say. I am in the Small Rig eco system, so it makes more sense for me anyway because I have other stuff I can combine it with.

[@JeffBourke]

I prefer the first one because it slightly helps prevent accidentally hitting the wheel b

[@flofroschmayer]

True!

[@jorgemiro1613]

What monitor do you use with the Panasonic lumix S5iiX

[@flofroschmayer]

I have a Atomos Ninja V.

[@jorgemiro1613]

And on what smallrig cage version

[@flofroschmayer]

Sorry, I don’t understand the question.

[@pix41]

@@flofroschmayer What monitor do you use with the Panasonic lumix S5iiX And on what smallrig cage version

[@loganwebb5449]

Is the top NATO rail compatible?

[@flofroschmayer]

not the with the Black Mamba Cage

[@eddiespectral]

Why the more expensive Black Mamba doesn't have a NATO rail por grips that the cheaper one (Classic) does? NATO is much more secure than Arri connectors. I can't understand Smallrig. I'll go for the Classic.

[@flofroschmayer]

I guess it is all about ergonimics with the Black Mamba.

[@welldone8235]

two cold shoes on the cage is always better than one

[@flofroschmayer]

Amen!

[@sittingnow]

You have a nato rail built into the cage…get the nato version of the handle 😂

[@flofroschmayer]

True... That would been a solution as well...