It’s possible to shoot an outstanding video with simply a camera and lens, but most of the filmmakers add additional equipment to their collection. Plenty of cinema cameras are built with mounting options to add accessories like external recorders, matte boxes, and monitors. However, it’s limited for the camcorders and DSLR. The design of the cameras is built mainly for capturing still pictures instead of a video. It means that that you need a rig.

Things to Consider:

Before you buy, it’s essential that you evaluate your needs to make sure that your rig boosts your filmmaking. The best part of a camera rig is that it’s flexible and has a wide variety of uses. You can begin small and then slowly add new features as required. Plenty of the rig systems are built around similar fittings is that you can quickly mix and match between diverse manufacturers. This saves money and also makes upgrading easy because you can use the old components.

Mounts and Cages



Mount is a platform to which you can attach your camera. It can differ in size, and few even include an attachment for the rail or rods. A mount that includes a quick release plate makes it simple to swap the camera between various set-ups.

A cage guard camera body and offer attachment points for multiple accessories. Most of them feature cable clamps that prevent external recorder cables or monitor from being accidentally displaced. Smallrig Black magic camera cage is the best in the market.

Long shooting with mirrorless and DSLRs usually requires plenty of battery, so just ensure that the battery door of your camera stays accessible. Just note that amt can be attached to most of the cameras. On the other hand, a cage fits a particular camera. It means that if you change the camera in the future, you may need a new cage.

2. Ergonomics

It’s vital to consider the joints of the body and how they affect the movement of the camera. Just note that most of the shakes come from the wrists. But by having you elbow out while shooting can help you to get awesome Dutch angle or tilted shots. But it puts more stress on the arms. The vertical handles on a rig should allow you to keep your both elbows pressed into your midriff to prevent sudden movement.

Big shoulder mounted cameras are built so that their center of gravity sits over the shoulder of the operator that reduces the load on their hands. Also, before selecting your first rig, review the weight and size of the camera.

3. Handles

A camera handle gives smooth footage when capturing low-level shots. It also makes your rig simple to transport. Also be careful while adding a top handle to the hot or cold shoe on DSLR because they are not mainly built to withstand the weight. Thus, it’s best to add a handle to the cage.

A single vertical handle at the front of a rig is great for the shot takes. However, if you are shooting for an extended time, a second handle will provide extra control and comfort.

4. Adapters and Arms

Arms allow to you add gear such as lights and monitors in such a way that would enable their position to be adjusted while making sure that the camera body controls remain clear. However, an adapter helps you to connect your rig components together.

5. Shoulder Pads, Rigs, and Braces

Shoulder pads and braces increase the overall stability of your shots. A brace which rests on the top or front of your shoulder can give you the support without adding much weight. If you have bulky rigs you can get the extra support via a curved shoulder rigs or pads because they counterbalance weight well.

6. Accessorize Right

The placement of the accessories on your rig is essential. Make sure that then it does not interfere with another component.