Ready to get your Sony a7S III in cinema shape? You’ll definitely want to get it all rigged up then—this isn’t an FX3 after all with its so-called “cage-free” design.
Making the camera easier to hold for long shoots, keeping it and all your accessories powered up, and getting the right tools in the right spot are all advantages you’ll gain from building out a proper rig.
If you want to see an a7S III build that is both fairly inexpensive at $300 and only takes a few minutes to run through you should look at this one by MAURO’S FILMS.
The rig being shown off is a very complete-looking setup for a mirrorless camera. It is ready to be shoulder mounted, has a solid top handle for carrying around, and even has the extra bits that should make operating the camera even easier.
Image Credit: Sony
The core of the kit is SmallRig’s Basic Shoulder Mount Kit. This consists of the shoulder mount, some rods, and handgrips for a secure grip.
It also features the SmallRig Mini Matte Box up front and the Mini Follow Focus for making adjustments to the lens.
Image Credit: SmallRig
To the rear of the rig, you’ll find a V-mount battery adapter plate. This will allow you to power up your camera and any accessories, such as a monitor, for a long time.
Big batteries are usually a lifesaver for kits built around mirrorless systems since it eliminates one of the biggest issues with small cameras.
Image Credit: SmallRig
For the camera itself you’ll need to pick up a case. He opted for the professional camera cage kit that includes a right side handle for a more comfortable grip.
Mounted to that is a NATO top handle to make carrying the rig around a bit easier.
There is also a clamp and magic arm that is perfect for getting your monitor in just the right position.
Image Credit: SmallRig
Now, we are definitely going to start going beyond the budget, but there are the other accessories you’ll want to add to your kit.
There’s the Sirui 50mm Anamorphic Lens up front for that cinematic look, a Core SWX Hypercore NEO 9 battery to check out, and the RODE VideoMicro for cleaner audio. The monitor is the OSEE G7, a well-specced and quite affordable option.
We ran through this build, but it is a fairly simple build if you are going to do it yourself. You could even just pick up some pieces over time if you are just getting started.
Image Credit: SmallRig
Going with the cage first, then getting the shoulder mount, and then getting things like the matte box and follow focus will be a good order to follow.
Even if you aren’t shooting Sony this is a fairly universal build—minus the cage of course. Just make sure to find a cage that works for your camera.
What do you think about this fairly affordable rig? I’ve been very appreciative of how SmallRig has been coming out with good quality stuff for great prices.
[source: MAURO’S FILMS]
Order Links:
- Sony a7S III Mirrorless Camera (B&H, Amazon)
- SmallRig Basic Shoulder Mount Kit (B&H, Amazon)
- SmallRig Mini Matte Box (B&H, Amazon)
- SmallRig Professional Camera Cage Kit for a7S III (B&H, Amazon)
- SmallRig Mini Follow Focus (B&H, Amazon)
- SmallRig NATO Top Handle (B&H, Amazon)
- SmallRig Clamp and Magic Arm (B&H, Amazon)
- SmallRig V-Mount Battery Adapter Plate (B&H, Amazon)
- RODE VideoMicro On-Camera Microphone (B&H, Amazon)
- Core SWX Hypercore NEO 9 Mini 98Wh Li-Ion Battery (B&H, Amazon)
- Sirui 50mm T2.9 1.6x Anamorphic Lens (B&H, Amazon)
- OSEE G7 7” On-Camera Monitor (Amazon)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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