SmallRig Night Eagle Cage for the Nikon Z6III: a Variety of Video Rig Options

[@ivangabaldon9730]

Hello Raymond, thanks for another great video. I was wondering... have you been able to rig your Z6 III with any external battery solutions? The NPF plates with USB-C PD by SmallRig that I use in combination with a dummy battery to power my Z6 II without any issues is instantly rejected by the Z6 III. The camera turns on, displays a message about "insufficient data from battery", then turns off. I also tried feeding power to the Z6 III via its single USB-C port from an Anker PD power bank that also works fine with the Z6 II, but the Z6 III doesn't even turn on with that. In any case that's not a viable solution for me, since I need that same USB-C camera port to connect my Nikon MC-N10 control grip. I'd be willing to upgrade from NPF plates to a V-mount type battery solution, but only if I can confirm compatibility. Neither B&H customer service nor Nikon's own support line could offer a solution to this. I never imagined that my "upgrade" to a Z6 III would decrease my ability to configure a cinema-type rig, so I may have to just return this camera while I still can. Would love to hear your thoughts on this. keep up the great work.

[@MattIrwinPhotography]

Fantastic Ray, what a wonderful comprehensive look at the latest from Nikon and SmallRig, I might have to get some of those accessories :)

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Cheers Matt! It's like the best Meccano set.

[@nativestrong7253]

The cage is very lite weight. Highly recommend it as a simple case for the camera in the event of a bump.

[@jonclark8271]

A mini affordable wireless follow focus caught my attention. Look forward to more information on that one. Thanks for the review.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

I did link in the description. I just didn't have time to cover it in this video and I like to give products a good testing before I "go live."

[@JasonLorette]

Awesome review! I’m still wishing they would release an L-Bracket for the camera…I’m a little shocked they haven’t by now honestly. 📸😎

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Fingers crossed!

[@roberthilliard4833]

SmallRig has an L bracket. I have one, it's SmallRig Z 6III L-Shape Mount Plate, L Bracket for Nikon Z 6III 4523. I actually use it nearly all the time. It's possible to take the "L" off it and use it as a baseplate alone. Brilliant

[@JasonLorette]

@@roberthilliard4833 I have the L-bracket for my Z6II, which I’ve taken the side portion off and just use the bottom for my Z6III…but I don’t see any for the Z6III even using the product number to search that you suggested.

[@roberthilliard4833]

@@JasonLorette Guys, I've tried several times to reply but for some reason... Here I go again. The cage I mention is definitely on the Amazon UK site as well as the Nikon UK site, plus in a number of good independent retailers. I can't explain it, though

[@ProdigalSuns]

Great review👍

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@spagettysnaps]

This is cool. Wish I knew how to shoot video and do KZbin a quarter as good as you do. Thanks for the video.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. It takes a lot of practice but keep at it!

[@SovanoraHounKhin]

Very nice 👍

[@AlexMcDougallPhotography]

Excellent review thanks, have you had any issues with the the eye sensor not switching automatically and also dust on the unprotected sensor?

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Sensor dust is always an issue. Cameras, like the Z9 and Z8, with shields help but don't completely eliminate the problem. It raised its blobby head in my most recent video in some B-roll I shot at f/8 -- which I just didn't use. So we do our best in terms of best practices during lens changes, etc. It's just the nature of the beast, really. No issues with the eye sensor.

[@unknown_user_235]

Thanks a lot for the video. I am bird photographer. I would like to attach mic (sennheiser mke 600) to nikon z6iii. However using normal hotshoe basically will block my head from looking at the viewfinder (mic is long and cable extends quite much). That's why I came across cage systems (which I was not quite familiar). However, I always use handheld and I need quick access to top-right buttons such as exposure compensation, record etc. Since I am not familiar with this systems, could you explain how useful is cage system in handheld setup? I don't want to have handle etc. I am happy with how I use camera except microphone problem. If that is an issue and I cannot find any other solution, I will stick with sennheiser mke 400 which is shorter.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

As I hope the video illustrates, all controls are easily accessible ... at least to my hands/fingers.

[@unknown_user_235]

@@RaymondParkerPhoto I just quickly checked your channel. Impressed with rich content and subsribed. Thanks your your comment.

[@roybixby6135]

That hood looks good and versatile - i just ordered one .. 🦘

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

The new matte box?

[@ElGuapo915]

Ray, does the card door still open completely with the night eagle cage? The smallrig cage I have on my Z6ii does not allow the door to open to its max range and my large finger have a hard time grabbing/pinching the card out of the camera.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

The Night Eagle cage doesn't impede the card door at all and once that pesky strap ring is gone it opens without any impediments! 😀

[@ElGuapo915]

@@RaymondParkerPhoto thank you for replying, and I hope you're doing well/better. Thank you for making all these videos!

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

You're welcome. I love making videos. The process is a bit more complicated these days but I intend to do my best to keep making them.