The PERFECT Sony FX3 FX30 Cinema Rig in 2024

The Sony FX3 (or FX30) is one of the most popular cinema cameras out there. But what if you want to turn it into a true cinema rig? Well this rig build is the pinnacle rig builds... and I dare say it might just make the FX3 rival the FX6

Links To Everything In This Build:
Cheaper V Mount Options:
Alternate Monitors:

STUDIO SETUP

---------------
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.

[benjhaisch]

That Cineback is brilliant. I honestly don’t need it, but still really want one. Caleb is making rad stuff and I love it.

[ommediallc]

That CineBack is awesome... but that price is wild. $199 would be a fair price at the prosumer level!

[Superjeanmarc]

Really nice, but for me, not using the FX3 XLR top handle is a no-go. As a documentary shooter, sound is of uttermost importance. I use an AVX system, directly connected to the XLR ports + a shotgun connected to the mini jack. 

I admit that the original FX3 top handle is not the best but once you upgrade it with the SMALLRIG MD3490 XLR Extensión Rig and the SmallRig MD3990 Top Plate it changes everything.
On the MD3990 top plate, I add a 2172 Mini Quick Release NATO Rail + a SmallRig 2905B Monitor Mount to attach my 5" portkeys BM5 III monitor connected using the 2957B Smallrig Ultra-Slim 4K HDMI Cable.

Instead of the Cineback, I just use the (relatively new) Small Rig 4064B Compact V-Mount Battery Mounting System that directly attaches on the NATO rail of the TILTA Full Camera Cage (also works with Smallrig cage). It's an L-shaped design, compact, 230gr, tool-less mounting system for V-mount battery that doesnt require any rods.
Compared to the Cineback, it doesnt have so many D-tap and doesn't have power switch to avoid drain when the camera is not in use... but for me this is not a dealbreaker and doesn't outweigh the fact of being able to use the FX3 XLr handle. The FX3 flip screen can also be safely tucked away on the side of the V-lock and serve as a control screen, just like on the Cineback.

I also use the VB99 batteries which are awesome and power the camera via USB-C. I dont use a dummy battery because I like the battery to remain closed and in case my V-mount battery runs out of power, the camera doesn't turn off as the internal battery takes over and I have plenty of time to hot swap a fully charged V-mount battery. My Portkeys monitor connects to the 8V output of the V-lock. I get between 4 and 5 hours of runtime with a fully charged VB99 battery.

I also use the SmallRig 3847 Side Handle, that can rotate and as a NATO quick release system to attach on the left side of the cage. That offers a really stable way to hold camera.

And that's my alternative to the CINEBACK but I certainly look forward to see if there is a version in the future that will allow to use the FX3/FX30 XLR top handle.
Congrats for your video.

[michaelrbradley]

$1200 to fix my A1 with a full motherboard replacement later, SONY IS NOT KIDDING with their battery warnings. I used the same dummy battery in the FX3 and A1, and never had an issue with the FX3 (perhaps we have the fan to thank??) but I 10/10 recommend to anyone looking for a Dtap-Sony power solution, just invest in the KondorBlue 65W Power Delivery Dtap-USB-c cables. I’ve loved them, and had no issues. Also convenient to power laptop/ipad on the go with a Vmount. Again, never had a problem with FX3, and obviously not an option if you NEED the usb-c for another in/output option, but I think one of these cables will 100% pay for itself in not needing to fix a Sony camera’s overcooked internals.

[mauriciolee]

I've watched many camera rigging videos buts as of today, April 29th, 2024 your videos is the MOST THOROUGH. Your list helps me tremendously especially when you demonstrate in details how to use each of them. Of course, I won't use all of your recommendations but most of them. My favorite is Cineback. I've never seen anything like that before. Thank you very much.

[jayymorris]

I loved this! The only thing is that for my work flow, I'd need an XLR port and a way to mount an audio receiver so that whoever is working boom can sync the audio with the camera off rip

[PurposedLensPhotoMedia]

Excellent review/overview of the Cineback. 👍🏾

The one thing I changed in my setup was the D-tap to dummy battery connection. I went with D-tap to USB-C PD. This way I am able to have a battery in the camera and have extended power or if I need to break the rig down, I'll already have a charged battery.

Also the D-tap splitter's orientation causes me to have to route the cable against itself instead of going directly behind the 3d printed part.

Other than that the rig is solid and does improve the stability of the footage!

Great video! Keep up the great work! 👍🏾

[andrewjones]

Thank you for the video man. I just recently got my first camera and bought the fx 30. I didn't know how i wanted it built and was struggling to figure out what all these parts and pieces on camera rigs did. You really simplified it and explained why each part was essential for your needs. So i used a lot of your build in mine with some minor tweaks. But you really hit every essential part of the build i was looking and matched the compact style i wanted compared to most builds for so im super excited to start filming with this new camera rig and appreciate the video!!!!

[ravholly]

This is super clean and the best rig out I've seen for the FX3/FX30

[AutumnHxze]

every time i hear "best cinema camera" in a camera that doesnt have internal nd, timecode, zebras & all of those things & is just a more dynamic a7siii i lose 30 minutes off my life. :/ that being said. this build is SICK. and the cineback is GENIUS. and i hope the next instalment of the fx3 actually matches its price point bc u sony folks deserve better than what u settle for:3.

[EuroAutoEnthusiast]

I p/u my FX3 a few days ago and this video is right on time! I really hope there’ll be an XLR update to this cause it’s already 🔥 Thanks Bro 👍🏽

[AMPMReviews]

I love the design. I wonder why the D-Tap splitter is so large. It's the size of a V-Mount battery it looks like.

[Creative.visionzz]

Mannnn I can’t wait to get the cine back, great video

[JeanaDavisLawrence]

Thank you for introducing me to the Cineback! It's made a BIG difference in our A7 and FX3 setup. I use the Hollyland monitor as well and you mention in the video buying a second one to transmit to as a director / client view of the shoot. Did you know that you can transmit to up to 4 mobile devices that have the Hollyland app installed? No need to spend on another Hollyland!

[EisenHendrix]

Awesome rig. Going with these suggestions for batum.

[firstandlastproductionsllc]

One thing I just got for my rig is a smallrig foldable qaudraped support stand for the bottom of it. It sits balanced and very sturdy with the 11.4lbs of camera on top of it. I would highly recommend it.

[MiroSays]

Love the rig. I am waiting for the A7IV version, but I might just buy Smallrig's compact adjustable v-mount plate that includes an arca swiss plate. Combined with a v-mount battery with USB-C and DC out that's already enough for my camera and monitor. On the camera itself, I have a cage, side handle and top handle. The only thing I'll have to figure out is cable routing.

[NARRASSAFilmes]

Now they are working on a rig to use the xlr top handle. I definitely gonna buy.

[hwayfilm]

awesome video love seeing the cineback in use we need a Panasonic version

[TvBoxHead]

So basically its the rig vs software updates? How is anyone supposed to choose? Is there a work around??