The PERFECT Sony FX3/FX30 Run & Gun Minimal Rig

The Sony FX3 and FX30 are still some of the top choices for many filmmakers and creators. Today we're looking at how to rig the FX3 and FX30 for a Minimalist Run and Gun Setup

RIG BUILD
Cheaper V Mount Options:
Alternate Monitors:

CAMERA GEAR

STUDIO SETUP

BUDGET OPTIONS

---------------
Note: I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases when you click the links above. This is a no cost to you, but helps me to keep the lights on and making great videos for your eye holes.

[Ironmerchant]

I ended up building this for my fx30 and I like it a lot for when I’m just behind the camera at shows. I did add a side handle on the left side

[andyhuang]

this setup seems just right for independent documentary films! thx a lot, much appreciated！

[VMLBH]

Just got an FX3 recently and I really appreciate your videos, man. Thank you and keep it up!

[josephfriedman]

I had already put together my FX3 rig but it had gotten a bit heavy and was difficult to take apart. I really liked your suggestion of the SmallRig battery plate that folds down. I think I am going to purchase your suggested components and re-do the whole thing.

[zikarnfelt]

I bought a bummy battery with d tap from Amazon and that works great for me

[prOkrEAt]

Pretty close to my super base setup. Except atomos ninja ultra for recording, and use the smallrig nato to hawklock gor monitor. Can do with or w/o smallrig v mount. Of course love fact one can fully load this out. If i dont use AF sony lenses, ill add a smallrig mini follow focus for manual vintage lenses. Or go all way up with dji focus pro system. I do wish they put 9jt a flat Mi extension cable that fit under the top nato rail for the dji mic 2 in a extention hit Mi shoe on 1/4" bolt on location.

[Votjko]

I recently got the Hollyland monitor and it’s WB is off compared to Z8 screen and final recorded video (it’s more warm/yellow), also it’s so painfully slow when switching from video/photo/camera menu (compared to Ninja V), but integrated Wi-Fi to share what you’re seeing/recording with the client/producer is a great option.
Not sure if it’s possible to calibrate it, but also haven’t seen any other monitor with built in WiFi? Are there any other options?

[LeyliFilms]

Thank you very much for the video! The best rig I've seen so far, I would definitely try it. An only question I have, can I use it on a gimbal? Mine is Ronin S. Thanks a lot.

[lilyloud]

how many batteries do you recommend for a 12 hour day?

[BlackapinoTheTechGuy]

*One Question and One only. How Are you able to Run BOTH your Monitor AND Camera off that V Mounted Battery? Those Look Like Kondor Blue Cables to D Tap but Wanted too know am Looking to stream line mine like this in a way*

[alexanderlarge-dstr]

WHAT USB-C Cable should we use??

FX3 to VB99 PD Certified

[alansarpy]

what shot gun mic do you recommend that is small and compact with great sound quality and is durable for lots of outdoor use to use for this minimal Rig? thanks ! love the channel !

[rolis.j]

small rig vb50 how long camera can film ont that battery?

[worldchangeryee]

will the smallrigg battery last all day shooting?

[mtmccornack]

"Do you even gaff bra?" (I jokes)

[lilyloud]

you suggest the holly land monitor > ninja?

[SquareDealProd]

Powering the camera from the brick battery and no cable lock on the flimsy connection to USB camera port? Bad idea and a disaster waiting to happen. Do you put an internal battery in which will cover in case the USB power is disconnected?

A much safer solution is to run a dummy battery cable out from the camera to the DTAP on the brick battery. The dummy battery from IndiePro that I bought gave me no such message.

If you pull the precarious USB cord out getting it snagged on something shooting, you are looking at a costly repair.

Also the brick battery adds unnecessary weight to a “lightweight” rig. Sony or third party Amazon batteries are great and power the camera 90min-2hrs. Plenty! So the battery plate is not needed either and again adds unnecessary weight as well.

Really importantly, the brick battery blocks the LCD screen making touch focus/tracking impossible to access. If you pull it out to the side the delicate LCD is another accident ready to happen. Best to keep it protected behind the camera. And awkwardly stretching your head and neck to the side of the camera to see the LCD makes no sense (forcing your eyes away from the subject).

And then pressing the LCD pulled out to the side is a pain as it can turn from the pressure, forcing you to re-adjust it, wasting time and making things fiddly.

Shape’s FX3 cage with the wooden handle and strap gives a far more solid stabilizing contact than the SmallRig side strap alone.

If you used a inexpensive and full featured Leye viewfinder with a Zacuto Z Finder mod (far FAR better eliminating glare sunlight on the monitor), it would provide a third stabilizing point of contact again.

Here is my ultralight FX3 rig with a lightweight motorized bluetooth VarioND matte box from Tilta. 7.25 lbs including the lens!

[Lambinoyt]

Great video! Except for the music, that shit is