Rigging Up the Lumix S5 IIX from Scratch

If you have been patiently waiting for the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX to arrive you are finally in luck as it should start shipping in the next couple weeks.

Fortunately, we can already check out plenty of rig solutions since its sibling, the base S5 II, has been out for a while and all the accessories should work perfectly on both.

The only thing to account for is taking advantage of some of the extra functions on the S5 IIX model.

For a compact rig solution that allows you to maximize the potential of the S5 IIX we can turn to filmmaker Josh Cameron. It’s going to give you everything you need to get rolling with the camera.

A minimal rig means that you don’t actually need all that much to build it up. This setup also relies a bit more on autofocus lenses and is able to cut some weight like a follow focus.

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX Mirrorless Camera

Image Credit: Panasonic

Core to this rig is the Tilta Full Cage. The reason to go with the full cage for this build has to do with a few extra accessory mounting points that are available.

A major one is an integrated NATO rail at the top that will support a handle. The Nitze handle he uses is nice and compact and works well for him. He usually attaches a monitor mount to the front of the handle.

Tilta Full Camera Cage for Panasonic S5 IIX

Image Credit: Tilta

Personally, I would actually go for a different handle. He doesn’t talk about this one in the video but I think it is worth mentioning the Kondor Blue PRO-BLADE SSD Handle.

It supports the SanDisk PRO-BLADE SSD Mags and provides a very streamlined solution for external SSD recording from the S5 IIX.

Kondor Blue PRO-BLADE SSD Recording Handle

Image Credit: Kondor Blue

Back to his rig, the monitor of choice is the Atomos Ninja V. Main reason for this being that the S5 IIX can output raw video and the Atomos will record it in ProRes RAW. It’s also just a nice monitor.

Atomos Ninja V Monitor/Recorder

Image Credit: Atomos

The next bit of kit is for if you aren’t going with the Kondor Blue SSD handle. It’s an SSD Holder. If you are a fan of Samsung T5s (or the newer T7 Shield) or any other popular SSD you can set this up to record directly from the camera.

On the front is the last piece: the Tilta Mirage Matte Box. It’s a nice final touch for the look of the kit and has practical benefits as well. Pick up some rectangular filters and benefit from a bit more flare control.

Tilta Mirage Matte Box

Image Credit: Tilta

Looks like a nice and compact handheld rig for the S5 IIX. You won’t be missing out on any of the X’s advanced functions either.

[source: Josh Cameron]

Order Links:

  • Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX Mirrorless Camera (B&H, Amazon)
  • Tilta Full Camera Cage for Panasonic S5 II/IIX (B&H, Amazon)
  • Kondor Blue PRO-BLADE SSD Recording Handle (B&H)
  • SanDisk Professional PRO-BLADE SSD Mag (B&H, Amazon)
  • Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD (B&H, Amazon)
  • Nitze Lil Stinger Top Handle (Amazon)
  • Atomos Ninja V Recording Monitor (B&H, Amazon)
  • SmallRig Universal Holder for External SSD (B&H, Amazon)
  • Blackmagic Design Video Assist 5” 12G HDR (B&H, Amazon)
  • Tilta Mirage Matte Box (B&H, 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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