The Most Useful Sony FX3 / FX30 Accessory!

[@gbwalther3198]

"Tilted, Tilta," Logo Plate! Ha, Ha. Great. Tom luved ur clear descriptive monologue on how to set up the FX30 with the Tilta Cage. Oh yeah, that safety strap which u demo, afterwards, u could have said, "And then I was really strapped in, just like a safety belt in your car, you can't move forwards and you can't move sideways. You are just stuck there with the FX30 glued to your hand forever & ever." 😎😎

[@tombuck]

Haha, I love that! Kinda reminds me of The Sandlot... "For-ev-er...for-ev-er..."

[@akcine]

It is the BEST grip indeed, sooooo comfortable. I tried every other cage, this is the best for the FX3 in my opinion. Super comfy. And you can add both shoulder strap AND the grip as well btw.

[@tombuck]

Yes! The versatility (versaTiltaly?) is absolutely awesome.

[@ElMeach]

I got the half cage from small rig and saw their strap. Not as cool as the tilta one but just love the functionality and feeling of safety. I just upgraded my video camera from a fs100, which has a strap included, to an fx30 and I felt naked when thinking about not having a strap. I sometimes use the camera on vertical and grab it without the strap and feel like it could fall at any moment. The cage is definitely a fine investment just for adapting the strap. Only problem of being a half cage is upper side of the strap is tied to camera body and lower side of the strap tied to the cage and I have to unscrew the cage and then untie the strap from the upper body and it's a mess. I am thinking into upgrading to a 'full' cage so I can take the cage with the strap just unscrewing the cage and also to not put stress on the strap mounting point directly onto the body.

[@FharishAhmedPortfolio]

I love THE SMASHING PUMPKINS!!!

[@PeterHKwok]

I saw them with Jane's Addiction at UBS Arena by NYC the other week

[@silverscreenmike]

Saw this cage on your other channel when you did the handle mod. I got it and felt safe carrying my FX3 around on my trip to Italy. That strap alone is worth the investment!

[@tombuck]

So glad it's worked out for you! I haven't taken it off since getting it 😁

[@TheNewArtSchool]

The updated smallrig Canon Eos R cage has multiple mounting points at the baseplate of the camera and it never comes lose :)

[@KristophTy]

@5:30 "But they didn't" I laughed entirely too hard at this point of the video. 🤣

[@Smallbore2wheels]

"Man, Frodo" was too good 😂😂

[@m1kel]

that strap is the most comfortable one i have tried. i just hate removing and putting it back in the field i love that cage, it adds protection, has the arca bottom with works for me. i got the tactical gray version

[@tombuck]

The comfort really is top notch. I've never just left a cage on a camera before, but this one seriously hasn't come off since I got it (except for making the video 😁)

[@KeithsTVHD1]

I have the Fx3 and the tilta cage and it is kinda modular.

[@HomesickMac]

Yes, so typical me. Haven't even ordered the FX30 yet but I'm fishing for the accessories. Great video and that spooky editing when the accessories attach to the camera is amazing. Gotta learn how to do it..

[@tombuck]

The key list trying very hard to keep everything still so the camera doesn't move between takes...and that gets harder and harder once you start adding on heave attachments 😁

[@cody_mchardy]

This half cage looks so nice! I definitely think I’ll be trying it out. I was reluctant for size and widget before getting my a7siii as my gimbal camera. Thanks for the recommend!

[@tombuck]

It’s such a great cage! It’s been on my camera full time since April 👍

[@mitchellliam]

11:44 nice! Just ordered one due to this demo. Good work and thank you!

[@tombuck]

Nice! I’m sure you’ll love it. Mine never leaves the camera 😁

[@m1kel]

tilted logo is a collector's item!

[@tombuck]

To eBay with it!

[@vonwolfersdorff]

Using this too, nice cage and bought the Tilta cage for my 7R4 as well

[@bunkertons]

I have the small rig mini handle and its awesome for my tiny hands, lol!

[@Shellvedge]

I just got my first cage with my A1, I got the ulanzi falcam quick release system and it’s fantastic. It does add a little bulk, but since I started using an atomos ninja I love having the ability to add a handle and the monitor like the handle on the fx3 allows for. I got spoiled by the fx3 with a feature I didn’t even plan to use haha. I really love the cage now even though I used to think they were ridiculous looking haha

[@tombuck]

Ulanzi is another one that I only recently discovered but makes really great stuff!

[@Shellvedge]

@@tombuck yeah same here, the quick release system is fantastic if you’re starting off with no other components. But it’s a bit more of an effort to get into the system I guess if you already have a stable of QR fittings. Other than the 1/4 20s and the arri mounts, the quick release design is unique to ulanzi falcam I think.

[@mattwruff]

I'm trying the Falcam F22 quick-release system.

[@m1kel]

hahahaha i hate it when you fire those jokes and i end up staring confused if its the time for me to laugh at the joke or should i laugh at you

[@FootDoctorZach]

00:40 nice

[@tombuck]

Mighty Morphin’ Camera Cages!

[@cbtcafe]

Good grief. The slotted screwdriver is magnetic? I’ve had my cage for almost a year and had no idea. That’s why I watch your vids.

[@tombuck]

Haha, isn't the magnetic part awesome!?

[@AllThingsFilm1]

I was close to buying a cage for my FX30. The strap is a huge addition. Providing the security you mention. Your B&H link still shows that the cage comes with the strap, but it is out of stock atm.

[@tombuck]

Hopefully it comes back in stock soon! If worse comes to worse, you could order directly form Tilta and just get the strap as a separate add-on. I wish they didn't change that!

[@luke_1234]

@0:39 nice build effect!!

[@tombuck]

Thanks! So tough not to move the camera in between shots!

[@PeteBreen]

Using a Tilta cage on my GH6 - they make great stuff, but don't get as much coverage as SmallRig. Both make solid products.

[@tombuck]

Yeah, I had really only ever been familiar with SmallRig prior to this, but I’m glad I found Tilta 👍

[@antone9751]

Nice pumpkins ref…Tilta cages absolutely wipe the floor with any other brand. Very well thought out although blocking the tally light is a major design flaw!

[@mattwruff]

I got my FX-30 because it is the perfect match for my Fujinon MK (Super 35) lens. I would normally put a cage on the camera but because it has so many mounting points and the camera is already on rails for the manual control of the lens I not using a cage. I have a cage on the A74. I totally agree that you don't want to damage your HOT shoe but I use the iFootage spiker crab arm to mount my monitor/record Ninja V+ I purchased just the top rail to protect the hot shoe. I HAVE to have a monitor because the Sony LCD is so bad and I'm so old. Remember my lens is manual focus! I purchased just the top rail to protect the hot shoe

[@tombuck]

Those iFootage arms are the best. It's crazy how bad the Sony LCDs are. I was looking at the specs for the one on the new a7RV and it's STILL not as good as the original EOS R from 2018 (but it is improved over the other cameras) 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@gardengraffiti]

Dude. You are a great teacher. Thank you for your channel. You've demystified a lot of stuff for me. I do have a question (but if you don't have time to answer, I understand). Sooooo. Like many others I don’t want to pay a bajillion dollars for those super expensive Type A memory cards. 

If I don’t need to shoot above 30fps, can I get away with V60 cards (there are SDXC, and U3 cards) and still achieve the absolute highest video quality for my FX30?

[@tombuck]

I THINK V60 cards can get the job done, but I’ve personally stuck with V90 just to be safe and I’ve never had an issue. The Prograde ones seem to work well and I usually wait until a two pack of 256gb goes on sale (although 128gb is decent too). Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@PiecesofVinyl]

I have to disagree - I too bought this cage for this grip - and while the grip itself is OK....the real issue is - the best feature of the FX3 is the ACTUAL Grip on the camera itself. I personally think its the deepest and best grip ever - since the Nikon D700 or D500 - the TITLTA cage is not properly contoured to the cameras ACTUAL grip - its has a lot of square edges - for this reason I ended up going with the Smallrig cage - but - it has nothing over the Sony handle - so you cant mount a grip - HOWEVER - SmallRIG - JUST released a NEW CAGE - that not only has a more rounded countor grip to the fit the Sony Grip - it also did away with the rod mount that was a little awkward as well. New SmallRIG Cage - 4138 - and the BEST accessory ever for the FX3 is this - also from SmallRIG - MD3990 - the make the Mic Grip more functional. I was so disappointed in this tilta cage - has been collecting dust since I first got it. They ruined the Sony GRIP!

[@andrefludd]

I don't have this camera. I have no desire to buy it, but I will watch this video and enjoy it anyway.

[@tombuck]

Now this I love, thank you 🙏

[@jwate]

For a hand strap I made one out of the A7s3 neck strap. Turned out super nice. Otherwise I would of never used the neck strap because it just advertises the cameras worth to thieves.

[@tombuck]

That’s awesome! Sometimes nothing beats the DIY approach.

[@Wbc1811]

0:40 how long did it take you to get that amazing shot, and how exactly was it achieved? It must have been a nightmare to keep the camera in the same spot, and the camera moving! Chefs kiss

[@tombuck]

It wasn’t too bad thanks to the motorized slider. It did take a few tries though, so I learned that starting with the camera fully rigged out was better. Then I just repeated the shot, removing one item each time (and making sure no lights or anything changed and trying to move the camera as little as possible when taking stuff off). Then I just kind of brute-forced it in Final Cut by lining up all of the shots and dissolving between them 👍

[@quiztasiarocks]

Hey Tom, would you buy an FX3 if you wanted a new camera today or would you go with something else?

[@stevekille447]

That looks perfect, I definitely would like to get this cage, but it looks like it’s no longer available, and I don’t even see something with the strap & the Manfrotto plate, any suggestions?

[@PhotographicMedia]

Definitely have messed up my hot shoe before. It is annoying to fix the metal brackets on top and with a loose connection, the flash would occasionally not fire.

[@tombuck]

Yep, it’s definitely something that gets learned through mistakes 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ElijahPark]

hey tom, ive been hearing the xlr handle’s preamp quality is pretty bad and not worth the extra money to purchase. would love your input on it compared to the rodecaster or other xlr compatible devices. thanks always!

[@tombuck]

It was honestly the selling point for me. It’s definitely not a Rodecaster, but most shotgun and directional mics are condensers that run on phantom power, and it has more than enough gain for that. You can even use a booster if you want to run a dynamic mic like an SM7B. Pretty much all of my videos for the past 2+ years that don’t have a mic in frame have been running through the audio handle and I’ve been really happy with the results 👍

[@ElijahPark]

@@tombuck huge thanks all the way from South Korea, Tom. love the insights n perspective you share. been a big help

[@OptingForTheOutdoors]

Will Sony add shutter angle to these 'cinema' cameras? Seems weird these have the photography shutter speed selection. These cameras look amazing, still though

[@tombuck]

I sure hope so. They did a pretty robust firmware update for the FX3 recently, but shutter angle was still missing, along with a few features that are found on lower end models. It's pretty confusing, honestly.

[@PatrickBoberg]

Hilarious, I bought this exact cage last month. But I also got the left handle. Changes the game.

[@tombuck]

Yes, love the other handles too. I just don't use them as often because of cables in the way.

[@ItsRyukin]

My camcorder can even into a rig cage! ^-^ Um. well, I was going to have my own camera rig for my camcorder. But what it turned out, It's just kinda fragile a bit and not that much. It's made out of a basic camera rig cage from a Canon EOS M50 (The mirrorless one) and a bracket sticking out. (At least it do have screw mounts and 2 hotshoes with the one being glued on the rig cage) And that's a really basic camera rig that I've ever created. I've also tried to apply the rig with smartphones, But since I have my camera grip for smartphones. (It's something like you put your phone in the grip to hold it like a real DSLR something like that) That rig cage is kinda useless to me, But at least I'm hoping if I could get the rig to work again sometime. 😌 I just love creating new stuff, I'm gonna say. 😊

[@tombuck]

This is actually super awesome. I love the DIY approach 😎

[@JSyntax]

Is it possible to only get the top plate? I'd prefer to keep my setup super lightweight.

[@tombuck]

I don’t think so, but maybe if you reach out to Tilta directly they can help you?

[@HESSHH]

Waiting for z9 vdo 🥰

[@tombuck]

I've got it for a month, so it'll be a loooooong one that covers the whoel time I've got it! It's quite a beast of a camera so far.

[@1vegasdood]

Cold shoe, hot show, could be an issue....you are a rapper in wait. 😂🤓🤣 Yea, my Smallrig cage for my GFX100S can never feel 100% secure. Drives me nutz.

[@1vegasdood]

Just got my FX30 and just got my Tilta....I feel a little slighted because my Tilta decal is not askew. But, seriously, thanks for this vid...this is an amazing rig and I luv being able to also secure the camera on the sides. Great, great rig and you get credit for this...I think I will visit the Tilta shop in Burbank in June.

[@RamblingsWithDan]

I can't believe the Tilta logo is tilted! 😆

[@tombuck]

VERY happy about that.

[@kristaylor7119]

Hey Tom, would you still buy an FX3 today if you were looking for a new camera right now?

[@tombuck]

Oh heck yeah! I'm absolutely in love with my FX3, and it's gotten a few nifty updates via firmware that I appreciate (like focus breathing compensation and a better overall on screen layout).

[@GuilDormeus]

Brilliant tools 🧰

[@AD6DMDennis]

Despite all my rage it's still just a cam and a cage. 🤦‍♂😂

[@tombuck]

Some say what is lost [on your memory card] can never be saved. 😬

[@akammer1000]

Nice video! With more vertical shooting in mind, would you think this cage would do well with mounting top handles to the sides and have them well be balanced?

[@tombuck]

Yes for balance, but you might end up blocking some ports.

[@akammer1000]

@@tombuck Yes that's why I was thinking mounting the top handle not on the port side. Thoughts?

[@papolini109]

Hey Tom . So if you use the top handle xlr to record the audio for this video I will trust it. I bought a Sony fx30 with the xlr handle and wasn’t sure about to spend that money but now I’m happy. And that handle goes in to my next purchase. Thanks

[@tombuck]

I really love the top handle for audio. Some people don’t like the build quality because it’s plastic, but I haven’t had any issues. I did get a Kondor Blue extension for it to add some mounts and length, but that’s it!

[@papolini109]

Cool I’ll need that extension too for an external monitor.

[@geek-elite]

I had a strap just like that on my old Canon 7D years ago, but I could never find a good position for my hand while it was attached. It sort of forced my hand into a straight-on position on the grip, which made it really uncomfortable to angle my index finger up to the shutter button and front dial. Do you find any of the same type of issues with this strap at all? I ended up just switching to a Peak Design wrist strap.

[@screensanctum]

hey tom. i have a Sony HDMI out question. when i use my a7III or ZVE10 or ZVE1 with OBS to stream with a capture card (cam link 4k) in OBS i can only ever output to 59.94 FPS. even if my camera is set to 30 FPS. Do you know why this is? does sony not output 30fps via HDMI? Thank you.

[@tombuck]

That's really strange. I haven't used those specific models, but my FX3, a7SIII, and a7IV all output whatever they're set to. This makes me think that your situation might be an issue either with the capture card or OBS. Some piece of hardware or software that's converting the footage form the camera.

[@screensanctum]

@@tombuck i did some reading, and apparantly the Elgato Camlink 4k only outputs 1080p to 60fps and 4k to 30fps. that kinda sucks. i have a cheapo cap card that does as you described. BUT which capture card do YOU use? I'd like to look it up. Thank you.

[@JeffBourke]

it's pretty annoying that they compromised the cage to suit the audio handle which many people do not have/like/use. An actual FULL CAGE would be preferred.

[@checkeredflagfilms]

old school guy here. if it doesn't have a viewfinder, not interested. (either camera) impractical imo for run and gun accurate camera work. nice handle tho.

[@tombuck]

It'd be cool if they had an optional EVF like Blackmagic does, but for video work I don't miss the viewfinder very much.

[@farkam]

any idea if the camera grip works with the small rig cage?

[@tombuck]

Looking at my SmallRig cage for the a7SIII, the strap WILL fit through the shoulder strap loops. This is kind of amazing. 🤯

[@sebsyo]

What is the monitor mount called at 11:04?

[@tombuck]

It's an iFootage MA3-4. I really love their arms because they're super sturdy. Pricey, but worth it.

[@sebsyo]

@@tombuck thanks mate! Great video as always 👏

[@trogameinglive7709]

whats your camera name? studeo record?

[@erickperdomo277]

I got a Smallrig 3277 cage...older one...I don't need the XLR handle...is there any strap that could work for this cage? Thanks

[@tombuck]

It looks like you might be able to just buy this strap and use it on that cage, but I'm not 100% sure.

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

@@tombuck hey...I looked at the cage and it has a couple of loops so it could work...Smallrig also makes a strap...let me take a closer look. Thanks. I miss camcorders!

[@stowgood]

My sony mic doesn't come on and off as easily as yours. I must investigate.

[@tombuck]

The B1M? It’s definitely a little tricky. I usually put my thumb on the back top edge of the camera and then use the side of my index finger knuckle to move the mic out while still supporting it/not putting pressure on it at weird angles.

[@stowgood]

@@tombuck thanks for the tip I will try. I normally have to wiggle it for like a minute to get it free.

[@paulm8157]

Man Froto, ever review an L-bracket for the Sony A74 that doesn’t block battery and multi-port access? Cameras in cages = good; chickens in cages = bad. Go figure.

[@keef78]

settle down billy corgan ;D

[@bmefilms6879]

you got a bootleg cage bruh!

[@ROBOTRIX_eu]

lol..NATO rail..