SmallRig Micro HDMI Adapter Review [SmallRig 3021]

[@eyckpoetter]

Some add: I got the adapter to give it a try and mounted it on my ZV-1 cage. There is only one position on the cameras side near the ZV-1´s micro-HDMI port where it fits and excess cable loops out then. HDMI A points downwards. I was not able to put it on top of the camera cage, because part of the adapter then blocks important knobs on the camera and for putting it the other non-blocking way on top the cable is too short. So, for a fixed studio setup the adapter can do a part of the job with a ZV-1, that is it fixes the HDMI A connector. But as you said, there is some stress left on the micro HDMI camera port due to the short cable lenghth and the cables stiffness. So, not a great solution, but works a bit for certain situation/camera. Limited use then: For my ZV-1 it now replaces my ´dangling normal adapter cable´. Smallrig should produce the adapter with a longer, slimmer and less stiff cable.

[@BensTechLab]

Wow, thanks for coming back to the video a few days later to share your experience!! Very kind of you. Hopefully this helps someone out.

[@AVdigitalPRODUCTIONZ]

Same issue, but I only used one screw to mount to avoid the cable from bending.

[@BensTechLab]

Glad some people understand! I wonder if we could 3d print something to improve this?

[@ac1320]

I had the same revelation when mine came in. I was however able to make use of it on my a6400 cage. Still puts some strain on it though. I screwed it onto the top 2 threads in front of the port doors, facing down. Seems like a wasted opportunity from a company that usually is on point!

[@BensTechLab]

Maybe a cable clamp could reduce the strain on the a6400 port? Ironically I missed the return window on this item, so I still have it and could test more options...

[@actingwithgarethharris9920]

I was excited to receive my HDMI adaptor today. For Sony ZV-e10....You're absolutely right. It will do for now but cable to short and, even more frustrating, having the HDMI cable coming out of the "top" is really bad design. It needs to drop so as to release tension (which was the whole point). Fascinated to know what their response is. Maybe we should all contact them and help them correct this oversight.

[@Vendetta725]

It's been more than 2 years since I've read many comments and reviews on the poor design of this Smallrig HDMI adapter. I don't think Smallrig is even listening or has plans of redesigning it.

[@instructormatt_]

Totally agree. I picked one up for my a6600 in a SmallRig cage but also found it to be unusable. I ended up using it on my a5100 cage, which I keep mounted on a tripod for use as a webcam. It mounts to the two horizontal screws at the bottom of the cage so the full size HDMI port faces forward. It works fine there, but I wish it were an inch or two longer.

[@BensTechLab]

Appreciate hearing your experience with the A6600 vs A5100! I'm hoping if we get a bit of customer feedback to SmallRig they'll just make an updated one. Drop a like on the video, if you didn't already, so we can get SmallRig's attention. ;-) It can't cost much to add an inch of cable. I think they were only thinking of the use case with a camera mounted monitor on top.

[@CoffeeTalkandTechJohnRyan]

so I took one of the allen heads out to help turn it a bit to get the least strain on the adapter. I have to say I totally agree with you though.

[@BensTechLab]

Thanks! Yah, people who shoot videos "teathered" to an HDMI recorder (like an Atem Mini ISO) understand this video. People who are just attaching a field monitor like an Atomos Shinobi don't understand and vote me down. 😂

[@CoffeeTalkandTechJohnRyan]

@@BensTechLab well I get it cause when your using the hdmi port so much putting the wear on the adapter is the key. Exactly why I wanted it. Also to use full size fiber hdmi cords for extended lengths.

[@eyckpoetter]

Hi Ben, probably the adapter will ´better´ fit to a - now popular small-sized - Sony ZV-1 with its cage (or half-cage), which I have and use up to now with a ´normal´ short HDMI micro-to HDMI-A-cable (that dangles around) to connect it to my Atem. Anyway, nice video making me aware of that smallrig part. Thank you!

[@BensTechLab]

I can see how it might work better on a smaller pocket camera! I still like the idea of SmallRig making a slightly longer version for those of us running full time HDMI to an Atem Mini product in a studio environment. I would love to have some strain relief instead of the normal "dangling" hdmi adapters!

[@CosminRotaru]

Maybe the cable will assume the position over time and release some of tension. Anyway, I think the idea is to isolate cable movement from the camera port (like when used on a gimbal or any other situation where the camera would move in relation to the attached monitor) and provide a sacrificial port instead of trashing the onboard camera port with repeated plug in/out the cable. If you have a fixed position for the camera and monitor (like in a studio situation where you don't need to pack/unpack the video equipment) this will not solve any issue.

[@BensTechLab]

You know what, I think removing the screws and putting them through from the other side may allow me to to use it pointing down. Maybe I’ll have another go of this thing!

[@CosminRotaru]

@@BensTechLab you could also use small zip ties if it's ok to have the cable more or less permanently attached 🙂

[@AlexKnightVancouver]

I love Smallrig as a company and generally have much love for their products, but these adapters are garbage. I have replaced these before and cannot trust them. Every single one that I have purchased has deteriorated within 6 months of use. I only use my cameras in a temperature controlled studio. Without fail, the PVC jacketing comes apart, exposing the shield and conductors. I had one camera lose video output and I'm convinced it was because of the severe deterioration of the cable. Smallrig has good support and has sent me replacements, but at this point I'm looking for another cable clamp solution for cameras that have micro HDMI.

[@steelgriffin1]

Nice desk pad! Cool design. Where did you find it

[@BensTechLab]

This one was from “Bitwit” Kyle on YT. Honestly my cheaper camera lenses would sometimes focus hunt on a solid black desktop, so the subtle pattern in the desk mat helps the auto focus stay on target while placing or removing review items. The overhead shot here is actually just a stock kit lens on the A6000!

[@TheTimor321]

thank you!

[@BensTechLab]

👍 Happy this is useful!

[@sniper_d_calaile1516]

It’s compatible for the Sony a6600?

[@4130Media]

but longer cable will defeat the purpose.. this is supposed to be a faux port on the cage instead of a proper extension

[@BensTechLab]

Did you watch the whole video? I specifically address this. I'm not asking for several meter long cable - I'm asking for maybe 1-2 cm longer, just to allow it to face any direction when attached to the camera cage. For people using this in a fixed studio, the HDMI is not going to an on camera monitor but rather tethered to a video recorder/switcher/multiview device such as an Atem Mini Pro ISO from Black Magic Designs.

[@fredericsidler]

Did you get any information from SmallRig. I was about to buy it for my A6100, but facing up is not an option for me ;-(

[@BensTechLab]

Unfortunately no, i got the cold shoulder. Honestly I love 90% of smallrig items!! I have a bunch! But this one needs another 1cm on the cable.

[@fredericsidler]

@@BensTechLab thank you for your answer. Too bad they did not listen for your suggestion. Have a great day.

[@Vendetta725]

Is the body of the adapter made of Aluminum alloy or is it just plastic?

[@BensTechLab]

It is plastic. So I guess you could try to reverse the screws/bolts if that fit on your cage.

[@nunoandradebluesdrive]

I wonder if using just one screw and mounting it on a small angle make this useful on my sony a6600..

[@sniper_d_calaile1516]

It’s compatible with the Sony a6600?

[@nunoandradebluesdrive]

@@sniper_d_calaile1516 I believe so as stated here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGGunZSOdtx_e7Msi=BkG2foyyXADFW_CL . but it seems like it's not as robust a solution as we might believe.

[@martinadamcz]

This cable is peace of sh*t, dead after 2 weeks