Sweet Camera Rig System on the Cheap

Simple and strong camera rig setup for interchangeable accessories! Quickly swamp/remove gear easily and without spending a fortune.
More Rigging and Accessory Videos ► • 5 Camera Cages Under $100
PARTS MENTIONED:
Camera Cages ► • 5 Camera Cages Under $100
Arca Swiss Clamps on Amazon ► geni.us/arcaclamp
Long Clamps on Amazon ► geni.us/arcalon...
Long Plates on Amazon ► geni.us/arcalong
Medium Plates on Amazon ► geni.us/arcaplate
Short Plates on Amazon ► geni.us/arcashort
There are literally hundreds of Arca Swiss accessories on Amazon which can be used to build the perfect system for your camera!
DISCLAIMERS:
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers.
No gear was supplied to me for this video.

[@CryWolfFilms]

I don't do this often, but just wanted to say how helpful youve been. As a filmmaker on a budget, your videos are a god send.

[@budgetography-filmmakingon2699]

i agree! im really trying to give a similar message to caleb except im more focused solely on budget filmmaking

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you for the very kind words Jesse. Means a lot to me!

[@SpydaJC]

I agree as well, I literally watched half a video before subscribing and I barely ever subscribe...great and very helpful work!

[@BernatRueda]

Yes, thanks a lot Caleb,your videos ara very usful, smart and non pretentious, Great Job!

[@drrrw]

Old but gold. Watched this video for like 4x already but I'm still amazed with the idea. Already did it myself.

Great way of quickly and securely mount stuff on and off. I use a very similar system with identical principle. No tools needed, very strong, no wiggle, small footprint and the arca swiss base plates are so small you can leave them on your handle/monitor/mic. Thank you for these "outside the box thinking" tips. Keep it up.

[@donovanw.2943]

Thanks!

[@JyrkiS]

I have to thank you so much for making these videos. Even if I don't necessarily buy or use gear you show in these videos, you have really helped me to think more about how to use affordable gear. How to get best out of small amount of money I currently have for video making. So thank you!

[@joshbasu287]

Instantly bought a bunch of those clamps to organize my rig. This video was so helpful, many thanks, man!

[@TexCynRVLife]

I like this. I use accessories that attach to my hot shoe, but worry that it can be damaged. This is a much better solution!

[@josephblack123]

Another excellent video tutorial. And that big honking zoom looked like the venerable Nikon 80-200 2.8. Still a superb lens after all these many years.

[@paulmofyourhand]

"Hey this is Caleb with Mirrorless Video Shooter..." :-D

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Because, branding lol!

[@The8BitDuke]

I do something like this with an arca swiss plate and clamp to mount my H4N Pro to the side of my a6300 at work; it's an absolute joy, especially when considering using a ballhead to mount a recorder like that adds a weird amount of bulk in the wrong places, and gives me an assured position to face the unit, depending on how I attach the plate. Never thought, tho, to use it to mount a buncha stuff or even a handle! One of my complains about my current smallrig handle on my personal GH5 is it doesn't fit in my camerabag well when the handle is attached to the cage (I have a non-Nano one). Will have to try this out for a more modular setup!!! Excellent stuff as always!

[@datalaforge]

Going to your channel is like going to Ikea for me. I always leave with a ton of new ideas.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you sir! Means a lot.

[@ShevonSalmon]

Love those brush arrows from the thumbnail

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks! Thought the image alone was too subtle.

[@tankionlinemarkos]

I just cant get enough of these rigging tip videos!

[@meanpicker]

Great vid. Thanks! Figuring out the plate compatibility for all my stuff has been a fun challenge, but man is it sweet when it all comes together and everything is fully interchangeable!

[@marcopervo]

This just gave me a great idea for mounting my bulky shot gun mic to an otherwise minimalist rig. I support the move away from using accessory arms.

[@FramedProductions]

Great video! I love clear, concise overviews like this. Really enjoying your content.

[@DanielAx]

This was extremly as I am about to create a rig for the first time - and I think I am going to do it just like that, thank you!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Boom! Glad I could help!

[@Beardedbraceface]

I recently switched over to Arca Swiss after years of using Manfrotto 501 plates. I was debating on going with the Manfrotto RC2 plates but being able to slide my plates back and forth for balancing on gimbals and things like that was one of the big selling points. Also arca swiss is the same forward and back so I can put the tightening knob on the QR system on the left or right depending on whatever gear I'm putting the adapter plate onto. I really like the small circular ones on Amazon over the square ones you show in this video though since it has multiple mounting holes and I can keep it from accidentally rotating on the one center point.

[@zacherygreen]

Short, sweet, and informative. This is something I can see myself using, I appreciate the videos Caleb!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks Zach!

[@vidualisefilms745]

I love these DIY low cost solutions, Very Original!

[@raymondrak961]

Great video. Kudos!! You're providing practical universal solutions that will save time for a lot of photographers.

[@BeyondGraphx]

much appreciated for these videos, i appreciate the time you took to create these so much

[@JeremyHalterman]

I cannot get enough of your videos. Thanks for all you do! Would you be willing to do a budget on-camera monitor shootout?

[@jas_bataille]

Already did. Look the AndyCine 180$ swivelling 1080p monitor with anamorphic squeeze, focus peaking all you need, 4K support (no 4K resolution on the screen indeed but 4K support still)... just the best bang for your buck you can get.

[@47roo]

This looks great. You could also use a long plate underneath the camera instead of adding extra bulk with rails!

[@TylerVincent]

You area a blessing to mankind!

[@Ry311GP]

Awesome. I actually have the arca swiss plates and mount from a previous project.

[@redbeardmultimedia5171]

Just found this video and I'm switching everything over to Arca Swiss. The only problem I'm running into is finding affordable Arca Swiss clamps that can sit flush with whatever they're mounted to. Most everything I've found (under $100) has the knob that prevents it from sitting flat on a large base or surface.

[@FrankyEames]

Great hack! This is super helpful for modular camera setups! Thanks for the great content as usual. 👍

[@TeachDem]

What is the name of your monitor please

[@mdturnerinoz]

Your video was just in time for some projects I'm planning! Awesome, thanks!!!

[@abstrak.methodz]

Always awesome Caleb...thanks for spending your money to help those on a budget out haha. Thanks again!

[@trevorpinnocky]

I have to say this was pretty clever, even by your own standards.

[@MarioCastillion]

That's why I'm GLAD I ever stumbled upon your channel. You provide us with useful information, man. Which top handle is shown in the video?

[@AlexDriveBY]

So cool. Thank you Caleb for this idea!

[@AdHdEntertainmentLLC]

Thanks I have been recently buying gear and this is very helpful

[@yamanismith-murrell4676]

You're amazing! This has now become my go to setup. Great video bro ✊🏾

[@tptrsn]

This is awesome stuff Caleb, thanks! I think I'm going to convert over to all Arca stuff.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

I love the system so much. Strong, affordable and several options.

[@jamesdoe5824]

Arca swiss ftw. If anyone is more of a photographer, check out peak designs accessories. All of their gear uses arca swiss as well and they have some handy gear.

[@adamwitte2033]

This could make my life so much easier , thank you!

[@LONEWOLFFILMS]

Your videos help so much man! Thanks allot man

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@canidousaccount3049]

Thanks for this very useful video. What top handle is that one? it doesn't seem to be attached with a hot shoe. A hot shoe mount probably wouldn't resist the load of the accessories put on that rig system.

[@845a]

Great video and suggestion! One thing I'm curious of is how is the clamp not twisting upon weight and torque as you move the camera with the handle. I would have more conference adopting this if I knew that one screw from the clamp to the cage does not move/twist at all as opposed to having 2 screws to prevent it from twisting. Any instances of this moving?

[@wisun]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@CJamesPhoto]

Awesome info! i have most of this gear already, dont know why i didn’t think if it 😅

[@twoblink]

Great video.. I love arca swiss for everything as well..

[@ShawnHHVP]

Great tutorial! Gonna look into this!

[@BernardBertrand]

pretty clever Caleb ! well done ;-)

[@funnibird]

What monitor is that. I would like to get it because it is so small.

[@profdraper]

As per many for the same unanswered question here - please advise 'what is the top handle?' and URL as you have kindly provided for the rest of the gadgets. Thanks.

[@itisjambo]

Clean-shaven! lookin good brutha.

[@blackdogHH]

Really really good words and content. Thanks a lot.

[@Victor60824]

Thanks, thanks and thanks!! Nice rig, good idea!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you sleeping!

[@robuhrigartfilmmusic4848]

what size is the long bracket in this video? this set up reminds me of the good ol days when i was younger and filming with MiniDV Cameras. Id like that feeling back. this is my favorite looking set up at out every rig video i looked up for my canon t7

[@dablet]

your vids are great! thank you. i think the smallHD 4.5 inches is too small though. hard to make sure things are in focus. maybe at least 5.5 inches?

[@johnblystone2936]

What a beaut video, super-useful thank you!

[@jerometerry26]

Wow. Really great video!!!

[@RichardCallaby]

Extremely helpful video!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks Richard!

[@ilfusarrista1943]

really nice, but in this camera you may need to mount a monitor, battery and ssd at the same time

[@VitinhoXXL]

Great tip

[@StayNLight]

Thank you for this. You are AWESOME!

[@JavierGonzalez-vf6rr]

I need a cage. Definitely

[@DavisTibbz]

thank you. keep doing what you do!

[@keredhenry9471]

Very help!thank you for very help tips!

[@GoExperimental]

Can someone tell me whats used as a backdrop here? is this some sort of a green screen thing?

[@DontMakeMomCry]

Go Experimental It looks like solid color seamless grey backdrop paper, like Savage brand products available from your local photographers supply store or B&H/Adorama. Some shade of grey with a light pointed at the paper, just behind the subject.

[@KevinLin145]

I really like Arca Swiss style systems as a photographer. It is small, light weighted, and easy to use when travel. However I some times can't say the same thing for video. Sometimes I just find Arca system isn't big and secure enough to hold the entire camera rig set up. I'm not just talking about the plate, but also the base plate, tripod head...etc. Perhaps any one has any recommendation on bigger and more sturdy options?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Hey Kevin! The only real spec that is limited in the Arca Swiss system is the plate width and locking dimensions. There are tons of larger Arca Swiss plates/clamps that are well suited for larger setups. For example, the Kessler quick release system is Arca and can handle massive setups without issue.

[@soufdemo3010]

Thanks a lot for the informations, If i use this monitor on my canon EOS 2000D Can it solve the problem of the external Microphone ?

[@ravichander479]

excellent info

[@thecarters3656]

Great video! Thanks

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks Carters!

[@strauss6597]

awesome idea!!!

[@Floppin]

Could you show some cheap but good mounted Monitors?

[@costaairconditioning9593]

WOW, THANK YOU VERY VERY much for this...

[@rudyp2201]

What sound system you are using on this video? Sounds nice and clear !

[@GearJones]

As Always, a very useful video. Any tips on keeping the Arca Swiss plate from twisting when mounted on top of the cage?

[@SwitcherStudio]

What is that Battery plate accessory at 1:55?

[@KirubelStifanos]

That is supper cool, Thank you!

[@Eypee]

How did you attach the top handle to the long quick release plate? I'm thinking of getting a good handle from smallrig, but those have screws for the cage and not for the long quick release plate. I'd have to get one with cold shoe mount right?

[@alantay9409]

Hi Caleb Awesome video! What is the cage you are using on your Panasonic that is on the video? I use GH4 and GH5 for filming. I like a form fit cage that I can use on either camera that don't break the bank.

[@bhgemini]

I wonder how well this would work with the BMPCC 4K?

[@elizanjuguna2682]

Hi, Thanks for your informative videos, l have actually bought some led lights you demonstrated on your channel thank you. I have a Nikon D5000 and l tried to video my intricate hand on work l'm doing that requires me to do close up videos. The problem l'm facing is the videos are not clear. How can l achieve good quality videos with out braking the bank and what software should l use to edit them?

[@TheBasicPilot]

Very Clever!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks Pilot!

[@NitzanPapir]

great vid as always!

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

as always, very helpful. BIG thumbs up. any recommendations for a decent tripod that accepts the arca plates?

[@MichaelWernerMedia]

Hey Caleb, great video! Really out of the box thinking. Curious, what top handle are you using? Thanks!

[@FLOODOFSINS]

Interesting video, Do the different sizes come with different weight limits? How would I connect or attached a zoom H5 or dr-44wl to this? How are these different than other friction arms that I see online?

[@Floppin]

Could you show some good cheap video tripods?

[@ZachBoyce]

What type of Swiss ARCA are you using to mount camera cage to tripod? Looks like something with a locking switch. I'd like to find something with at least two female thread mounts. Best I can tell there are only two, one by small rig and by Kessler for over $100.

[@malachismith3910]

Brilliant!

[@SheaHarris]

Link to the audio interface video?

[@studiocordesvocalles]

You are just awesome dude thank you !

[@AlexElan]

El fad Mehdi I

[@Superbustr]

How are you supposed to attach a follow focus, a shoulder pad, handle grips and large v lock batteries without a rail system?

[@Lambotours]

Can i mount a mic and monitor at the same time ?!

[@costaairconditioning9593]

Can I ask what cage and Top handle you have there... Also post your affilate links to them if you have any... I def want to support your channel

[@LukeCampbell21]

I just bought the Davis & Sanford Grounder on your recommendation… thanks its just what I was looking for! Have you tested these rigs with the tripod? Do they fit?

[@ecmjr]

Very Sweet!!!!

[@billcampbell9988]

Caleb, thanks for this. The plates and clamps look a little small to me, and I've had some difficulty in the past with lightweight grips. Could I buy these with confidence they'd support a "package" of camera+everything that might run to, say, 6 lbs or more? I don't mean they just won't break in half; I also mean that I can get enough leverage on the knobs to tighten the clamps so that nothing slips, and threads don't strip... you get the picture. I think I'd be comfortable with gear that's spec'd to 10 lbs capacity. Also, does "daisy-chaining" the components the way you've done here reduce the stability of the rig?

[@Beardedbraceface]

I recently switched to arca swiss over mantrotto 501 plates and so far I love it. I was leery that they wouldn't hold as well as the 501 (which is probably still true) but so far they have felt really solid. I don't get my rig up to that large though. Heaviest I go is usually GH5 with monitor and metabones speedbooster + Canon 70-200mm which runs around 5 lbs more or less. 501 plates were a bit overkill for DSLR/DSLM stuff in my opinion and stick out on the front and back.

[@christopherp.4948]

Hey, Caleb, et all. What length is that quick release top plate that holds the handle and monitor? And what is a decent affordable top plate brand?

[@ribe3434]

You are the best.

[@kingdavfilms7500]

WHAT TOP HANDLE IS THAT?

[@championdrummer1]

Which cage is that?

[@SBBLURAY1]

Awesome. Thanks.