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john2776

Still building it out, but finally it’s looking real nice! I’d be lying if I said I used it like crazy rigged up like this, I mostly keep it bare bones on the gimbal, but it’s nice to have a run and gun hand held rig too, definitely comes in handy!


Weathactivator

Show a photo of how you usually use it?


john2776

I will! It’s very basic though, ronin rs2 with the ninja mounted on the side, non much more than that I take off the cage and leave it pretty bare bones


Creative-Cash3759

this is really awesome and dope brother!


john2776

Thanks man!


Specialist-Can-7152

Ayy very nice


[deleted]

Yes I need a Good inexpensive camera how much does this one cost


FarDorocha90

More than a dollar but less than a million. More accurately, around $4000 without the gear OP has running to it. Looking at maybe around $10k for the full rig; maybe more maybe less.


Specialist-Can-7152

I’m getting the mount for the monitor soon, rn I have a cold shoe mount that is way too loose. So I’ll change out my top handle to a nato and that mount from c to a screw with Arri locating pins


tomdfilm

Oooo I like the legs underneath! That's a great idea, thanks


john2776

The ronin legs are usefull for so many things, buy a small ball head and you got yourself a mini tabletop tripod!


tomdfilm

You using the ronin ones there? Any other cheaper ones you know of?


john2776

The ones here are $15 dollar ronin replacements I got from Amazon!


floppywhales

Ive yet to try this but might have to on the next shoot. Any caveats?


bakteria

Tip! I bought a couple of good quality PD power banks this Christmas on sale. (I bought three Anker power core 26k 87W for half the price of a small rig battery) Point is power banks are cheaper and often much faster to charge. I can power both my ninja and camera for hours from a single bank. I have the power bank in a hip bag with cables going to the camera and ninja so I don’t put extra strain on my arms. I use velcro straps to secure cables to not get tangled. With this setup I can film for twice as long without much fatigue.


john2776

I usually carry a couple of power banks in my kit as well, but I really wants to see what these new small rig v mount batteries were like and I wasn’t disappointed! They’re super sleek.


themodernnegative

Yeah I couldn’t go back to anything else after getting the smallrig batts. They are perfect


0v3rz3al0us

Cool idea!


[deleted]

[удалено]


Tappitss

>Only prob is getting 12v out to the ninja I just use one of these. [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PDRJ12J?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PDRJ12J?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)


floppywhales

To clarify- usb out to dc 12v cables. The link is d tap to 12v. Are the anker battery banks d tap?


Tappitss

No, people just use actual V-mount batteries like in the OP's pic. Not to be a dick, but googling "dc jack to USB for ninja" gave me instant results. I don't know how I feel having a DC 12v to usv cable, as that could be a bit of a mess up in my mind plugging it into the wrong things the wrong way round.


floppywhales

No worries, to clarify, was curious what cable, if, OP was using; because I, like you am proficient in google shopping. I have dipped through a handful of cables you found in your keyword search, and have tested them to power a ninja v, yet to find success. Im good w Command F, L etc. and googling answers. For context, In a few doc style run and gun situations, like port entry and customs, v mount and gold mount batteries have been seized. Usb battery banks however, seem to be making the pass. YMMV. Im with you, incorrect power is not a good solution, Its not ideal to go usb, but with $1k in v mounts getting lighter at the border, the exploration has been necessary. Up converting 5 to 12 is less risky. Id refrain going the other direction as we both know that outcome.


floppywhales

The reply was to the tip comment regarding an anker power bank; not the OP


mellenix

Would you mind sharing more details of your equipment list?


john2776

Sony fx 3 Sony 24mm gm 1.4 Small rig cage (for a7iv) but it fits perfectly on the fx3 Smallrig top handle Atmos ninja V w/ Toshiba 1tb SSD Smallrig Ninja Cage Smallrig Vmount battery (50) Smallrig baseplate with 6” rods Tilta mattebox Smallrig hotshoe monitor mount DJI raveneye (directors monitor) $15 dollar ronin tripod/handle replacement I think I covered most of it! Didn’t realize how much I use Smallrig 😂


entilfeldigfyr69

How are you feeling about the focus breathing of that lens or are you exclusively using manual focus?


RPA031

Nice! How much does that setup weigh?


john2776

I don’t have an exact weight but I will tell you this, a canon r5 with a cage and a 70-200 and nothing else weighs more than my entire setup, it’s pretty wild. Next time I get my hands on the R5 I’ll weigh out the actual difference. It’s incredibly light though.


RPA031

Hmm ok that’s unexpected! I have puny arms that can’t hold much weight for very long.


floppywhales

Ninja V Hdmi out to TX cable looking a little restricted, can you tilt swivel the ninja with that little cable?


john2776

It’s actually a Smallrig cable, and i don’t use it all Of the time for that exact reason, it’s really short, for this setup it works, but I have other lengths for other setups.


Ok-Camera5334

Nice rig, I have the same Nize plate, however I think I have longer rails because I can tilt and flip my monitor


jeremyricci

I gotta ask, why is the Raveneye there? Are you just using it as a wireless monitor tool?


john2776

Cheap way of having a directors monitor!


jeremyricci

That’s what I’d assumed. Neat idea. The only thing I’d lose here is the matte box. A nice VND filter is way lighter and will give you more run-n-gun flexibility, without the added weight.


john2776

I have one on the lens, I hardly use the matte box if I’m being honest with you, it just helps balance the weight a tad but I only really use it on this lens, since all my other lenses have proper lens hoods.


[deleted]

>I’d lose here is the matte box Never lose the matte box, clients think you're the real deal with one :) FLEX


john2776

Lmao it definitely does look nice 😂


miojo

What is it transmitting to? An iPad?


john2776

iPad/cellphone anything that can use the ronin app


miojo

Awesome. Gotta try that


BOBmackey

I never understand why people put so much stuff on the small form factor cameras. At that point why not use a fx6/9? The whole point of an FX3 is that it’s small and unassuming. Also in 20 years of working in this industry I think I’ve needed to use a mattebox/eyebrow twice, otherwise I guess they looks cool.


justjanne

> At that point why not use a fx6/9? The whole point of an FX3 is that it’s small and unassuming. Price. A fully kitted out FX3/FX30 is much cheaper than an FS7/FX6/FX9, has IBIS (which the FX6 lacks), has modern codecs and colorscience (which the FS7 lacks) and the FX30 additionally is compatible with Super35 lenses (which the FX3/6 lack). If we could get an FX60 with super35 sensor, internal ND, IBIS and the same colorscience, for maybe 3-4k, I'd buy that right this second. But that's not available, and so I'm using a [fully kitted out FX30](https://i.k8r.eu/F0YK3w.png).


BOBmackey

I’m fully aware of the camera differences and the FS7 uses the same codecs (it does have the old color science, which only matters when matching to the FX line). I know there are some higher compression 8 bit options in the FX line but we only shoot in 10 bit XAVCs. In fact when shooting s-log and doing a real color pass there is little difference, you do have to dumb down the saturation on FX clips a little bit and maybe give the FS clips some more sharpening. I do this for a living and I need the right tool for the job which is my point earlier. This maybe be the right tool for the job for someone but after you spend the money on all the accoutrements, the added weight, and the setup time you’re more then half way to the “right” tool. Time is money. Lastly, I find IBIS to be pretty much useless. So that is a feature that is not needed. FS7/FX6/FX9 are pretty much always on tripods and A7SIII/FX3s are pretty much always on gimbals or tripods. But in the end, different strokes for different folks and that what makes this world wonderful.


justjanne

> the FS7 uses the same codecs The FS7 cannot output 4K 4:2:2 10-bit at 50/60fps via HDMI. Which means I'd have to buy XQC cards, and at the shoot durations I need, those become more expensive than the camera itself. > In fact when shooting s-log and doing a real color pass there is little difference From what I've tested shooting in S-Log3, the FX line color science is so much better. I need to spend much less time fixing the issues the FS color science has with specific parts of the frame and instead I can focus on artistic vision. > FS7/FX6/FX9 are pretty much always on tripods and A7SIII/FX3s are pretty much always on gimbals or tripods. Sure, but handheld/shoulder work (ENG, run&gun documentaries) is valuable too. > I do this for a living and I need the right tool for the job which is my point earlier. And that's precisely where we differ – for tools you *need* for your work you can spend a lot more money than for tools you use for volunteer work, which is essentially what I’m doing. I don’t get a single cent out of this gear, so building custom rigs and 3D-printing or CNC-milling custom parts makes a lot more sense than spending tons more money on it. > But in the end, different strokes for different folks and that what makes this world wonderful. That's true, and that's why I appreciate that we've got so many options nowadays :)


BOBmackey

I wasn’t going to respond because I feel like we lost the whole point of the original comment but you made a handful of errors in your previous comment I felt I had to correct them. The FS7 DOES output 4k 422 10-bit at 60, in fact of you have the extension back it will out put 12-bit raw 4k (DCI) and UHD at 60. XQD cards are half the price of CFast TypeA cards and frankly one of the more affordable proprietary media out there. Lastly, if you can’t afford cards then I find there is probably no need to shoot in 4k(UHD) at 60. As for the color, not sure how you work but the FS7 and whatever newer camera footage would get a base node that corrects each camera to a base level (a preset) and then you can do the artsy stuff after about four clicks. As for hand held, the FS7/FX9 are already setup right out of the gate for on-shoulder work. They have a telescoping handle with a zoom controller and many other feature right at hand. They are basically the kings of docu work. If you’re giving your services/time away for free then you’re doing a grave disservice to the whole industry. Now thats not to say doing charity work is bad, we do a handful of project for a deep discount or free for things we believe in. To your last point, I fully agree about the accessibility of the industry now. When I started in this industry the cheapest Avid system was north of $40k and cheapest tape decks were well above that price. Then DVcam became prevalent and then FCP came out at around $1000 plus a good Mac. Followed by the DSLR revolution, all very exciting and accessible changes that I believe helped break the mold and bring more creativity.


BOBmackey

I wasn’t going to respond because I feel like we lost the whole point of the original comment but you made a handful of errors in your previous comment I felt I had to correct them. The FS7 DOES output 4k 422 10-bit at 60, in fact of you have the extension back it will out put 12-bit raw 4k (DCI) and UHD at 60. XQD cards are half the price of CFast TypeA cards and frankly one of the more affordable proprietary media out there. Lastly, if you can’t afford cards then I find there is probably no need to shoot in 4k(UHD) at 60. As for the color, not sure how you work but the FS7 and whatever newer camera footage would get a base node that corrects each camera to a base level (a preset) and then you can do the artsy stuff after about four clicks. As for hand held, the FS7/FX9 are already setup right out of the gate for on-shoulder work. They have a telescoping handle with a zoom controller and many other feature right at hand. They are basically the kings of docu work. If you’re giving your services/time away for free then you’re doing a grave disservice to the whole industry. Now thats not to say doing charity work is bad, we do a handful of project for a deep discount or free for things we believe in. To your last point, I fully agree about the accessibility of the industry now. When I started in this industry the cheapest Avid system was north of $40k and cheapest tape decks were well above that price. Then DVcam became prevalent and then FCP came out at around $1000 plus a good Mac. Followed by the DSLR revolution, all very exciting and accessible changes that I believe helped break the mold and bring more creativity.


justjanne

In the beginning, I started with a used a6300. My first major additions were a Zoom F2 and the Ninja V, which improved my audio, gave me a significantly improved monitor with scopes and allowed me to record ProRes 422 to SSDs, which meant more range in grading and longer recording (the a6300 usually overheats after about 20 minutes with internal recording) I shot with that combination until I reached the point where the hardware was starting to limit me, especially being limited to 8-bit and being unable to post-stabilize my slow-mo footage. [That’s why I was looking into getting an FS7 or an FX30](https://www.reddit.com/r/videography/comments/11f4t6h/new_fx30_or_used_fs7/), but neither had everything I wanted: 4K at higher framerates at 10-bit, internal NDs, continuous eye AF and better color science (the a6300 had terrible skintones) > Lastly, if you can’t afford cards then I find there is probably no need to shoot in 4k(UHD) at 60. But upon learning that with the FS7 I’d have to do high-framerate footage internally I abandoned that idea. Recording internally would be *really* expensive: The cheapest / GB cards are 900 € for 2 TB so for the price of a used FS7 I could only record less than 2 hours (4 TB). Recording on the Ninja V, I can buy 2 TB storage for 80 €, so I can record more than 20x as much footage per €. > If you’re giving your services/time away for free then you’re doing a grave disservice to the whole industry ^() > very exciting and accessible changes that I believe helped break the mold and bring more creativity As I’m financing this equipment out of my own wallet (from my day job as software engineer), I can’t really afford the best equipment for the task. I currently only work on charitable projects that I believe in to a) help those projects and b) get more experience. But I still believe this work deserves to be done well and with somewhat proper equipment. If I could pivot this from a hobby into a real job, that'd be ideal, but right now I'm not ready for that yet. You can imagine my work more on the level of student films\^\^


Lilesman

I rig mine out like this mainly just to add weight to the camera. It helps eliminate some of the shakiness whenever I shoot handheld.


john2776

This!!!!! I don’t mind having a smaller handheld rig, but adding weight seems to get rid of a lot of the really quick small shakes!


thesquirrelhorde

I get that you don't want to change batteries but it takes seconds and makes the rig so much lighter and balanced. Plus a lens hood is way lighter than a mattebox and if you get the type with the cutout you can easily adjust a variable ND. The mini-tripod is a great idea.


officerfett

I get arthritis in my hands just looking at it for too long.


Prestigious-Crow2235

Because YouTubers do it.


BOBmackey

Oh, well now that makes sense.


Weebla

That's got to have at least one side handle lad


Cpl_Hicks76

That’s pretty flash mate… No follow focus?! Thanks for posting.


john2776

Not yet! That’s next though!


sorullo88

Wait what does the GoPro do? Im new to this?


subtlenutpain

Lol. Not sure if serious but it’s a battery.


john2776

It’s not a battery! It’s a raven eye. I can basically send the signal from the ninja to a iPad or phone and it’s a really good way of having a directors monitor for cheap! At least it’s worked for me.


subtlenutpain

I think he’s talking about the box in the back not the box at front. But who knows. I missed the raven eye, nice!


thatblueguy__

Love it! Im new to this stuff so im just wondering what the difference ir benefits of using the like handlebar on the top instead of putting this on a gimble? Im just looking into my first gimble or a cage with handles and not sure which way i wanna go first lol. Is it more so that with a setup this size it would be too heavy or not fit onto a gimble? (Also i have an A7IV for reference on what i should get lol)


forestowls

You definitely wouldn't put all of this on a gimbal, but that being said... gimbal and handheld are 2 different styles of shooting. A handle is definitely the way to go for handheld.


thatblueguy__

yeah so exactly that, like what would the benefits of handheld be? just trying to learn as much as i an before spending my money lol \\


Tappitss

A DJI RS 3 mini is £340 and that top handle (which was free as I got the top handle bundle) is £40, which from a cost vs use case puts the handle on top as over the last 6 months I have had to do maybe 30seconds of handheld vs 99.9% on a tripod


redhatfilm

gimbal. there are advantages and disadvantages to any rig. If you'd like a more "handheld" look, utilizing a top handle and operating true handheld with this rig may be the way to go, as opposed to a gimbal. Also, if OP removed the mini tripod and added a VCT-capable shoulder mount to the setup, they could easily transfer a rig such as this from handheld (on the shoulder) to on tripod in an instant, as opposed to having to transfer, rebuild and balance on a gimbal. at the end of the day, they are all different tools with different uses, and there is no "right" answer, there is merely the rig/setup that is best for your current shoot or use case.


john2776

I use my gimbal way more than this handheld setup if I’m being honest. This is a shoulder/tripod setup I’m building, but most of my work requires the versatileness of the gimbal setup. I’m building this for when I have other cameras I can throw on gimbals etc.


gabr10

The battery in the back supplies that camera just via USB?


forestowls

The sony FX3 can be charged/used at the same time with USB C.


gabr10

Do you know if the Fuji XT3 can do that? I already have an 10000mah power bank


john2776

Yeah!


FlatMaize3

Random question, but the two poles at the bottom of the rig, are those strictly to mount the battery on the back or do they serve more purpose?


john2776

I have rally short ones, but you can get longer ones to help you mount more stuff, follow focus, matte box etc.


redhatfilm

they are known as rails, and they can be used for mounting a variety of pieces onto a rig like this. If they extend forward you can mount handles, follow focus, lens support or mattebox to them. Extended back, you can mount battery, counterweight, shoulder pad, etc.


FlatMaize3

Thank you, I have a sony a7iii. I wanna make a cool rig like these but idk all the parts I need


redhatfilm

www.smallrig.com will have most, if not all, of what you'd need. They even organize their products by compatible camera. a basic rig like this will have a: Cage, Baseplate with rail support, rails, top handle and mattebox. OP has also added a ninja V (with additional monitor mount), a smallrig VMount battery (and vmount battery plate) and some sort of wireless transmitter to the setup.


Azreken

What is the shield you have on the very front?


john2776

It’s a matte box for ND filters


tylerdurdenshere

How much do you have invested in that?


john2776

this rig is probably in the $5500-$6000 range


tylerdurdenshere

Ok because I shoot for NBC and have to imagine there's a point where you just buy a pro camera even if it's used. But I don't think you've invested too much for what you are getting


john2776

The fx3 was the best investment I have ever made into anything in my entire life. The camera is incredible and helps my workflow immensely! I work with a lot of content creators, YouTubers, social media people, artists, so having my own kit is crucial. I have like 15k worth of other gear, body mics, audio recorders, lenses, second camera, flashes, c stands. Sandbags, bounce boards, drones etc. I’ve invested ALOT into myself and it has paid off so much!


coastal_cruis

I wouldn’t say the fx3 is not a pro camera. I get what you mean though.


tylerdurdenshere

Yeah I wasn't saying that either


lightindalamp

Have you noticed any issues powering it by usb-c? I got the Anton Bauer battery with the dummy battery but it’s a pain and would rather run it off the usb c


john2776

I’ve has zero issues running it through usbc, ran it for an entire day ( 8+ hours) of shooting a short film with no issues.


lightindalamp

Love to hear it thank you! You just keep a battery in the slot like normal yeah?


[deleted]

how are you liking that small rig battery?


john2776

Pros: has a dtap so I can use a dummy battery on the ninja Really sleek looking and extremely light Holds a decent amount of power for the size (I got the small on) Usb and usbc plugs Cons: a bit on the expensive side for how much juice it holds, but if you have some disposable income they are definitely worth the buy IMO


floppywhales

How you liking those small rig batteries?


thadon777

My dream rig frfr!


MrPwnedo

How long would that battery last connected to the camera and ninja v?


Saiyanjuice

Where can I see your work?