GH2 GH2 cage is GREAT (RED Scarlet like)

Kindredmachine

Kindredmachine

Well-known member
We've always used bulky Redrock Micro cages for our DSLR B-cams so recently we decided to try out the D|Cage designed specifically for the GH2 (even locks down on the shoe mount for a ROCK SOLID fit). This cage is FANTASTIC and almost looks like it could be a mini-Scarlet rig (maybe I'm stretching it) but you can find alternate tilt monitor mounts for the top and side handle(s) to get the same kind of "feel" as shooting on a boxy RED and I highly suggest that if you're looking for a way to rig your GH2, this is definately an awesome option.

http://dfocussystem.com/dcage

FYI: I have no association with this company, but we just got our cage this morning but I was pleasently suprised how nice it was. I asked if they were making one for the GH3 and the responce was somewhat alongs the lines of "maybe". I bet it depends on how many of their GH2 cages they sell so I'm sharing our experience with you in case you're interested in wanting one. Here's a photo of it on one of our actual GH2 B-cams.

GH2_rig.jpg
 

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I don't see the point of using a cage, imo it only makes it more difficult to operate the cam.
 
I paid $350 for this, haven't tried it yet though, but will this weekend:

SuperFly_1-300px.jpg
 
maranfilms said:
And even if it didn't, there's not a chance in hell I would pay 350.00 bucks for that cage.
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I respect your opinion regarding the pricing of the cage but if you're spending $1000k+ on a mattebox, $1k-$3k on a DP6 or DP7 monitor, plus lenses etc... I don't see $400 (with rod support bracket) as being too expensive. Ironically, our other B-cam rig is all redrock micro (photo below) and THAT cage was around $900 so this D|Cage is less than half the price, lighter, smaller and cheaper. You can attach handles to the side and or top to increase "usability" if you desire.

In regards to tripod mounting, we use a jag35 small rod mount cheese plate with a quick release plate underneith, so it comes right on and off the tripod in seconds.

GH2_brig2.jpg

FYI: It was this pictured redrock rig we recently took for filming in Turkey and Israel and it was REALLY cumbersome. Heavy, bulky and the GH2 kept coming lose and twisting and with no battery opening, we had to completely remove the camera from the cage to change batteries (an issue you don't have with the D|Cage). The D|Cage also completely locks the cam in so it feels solid as tank by also using the hotshoe on the top to bolt the camera down with anti twist pieces. It really is fantasic and 10x better than using our expensive redrock micro parts.

I really gain nothing from promotion the D|Cage and as someone who has used several different matte boxes (from chrosziel to oconor), field monitors, cages, follow focuses etc... not only with DSLRs but with larger cameras like the AF100, I thought I would share my insight to help save headache for those who are looking for a reliable and solid rig for their GH2.
 
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Was considering the D|Cage just yesterday, & think it's well worth the money, especially as it allows proper spacing with rods. I already have a rig for that use, but it costs quite a bit more than D|Focus' offering, & does not afford attachment of a top handle.

Decided to skip the cage for my use of the GH2, which is just B-Roll, but would jump if I needed to outfit one as an A-Cam. If the cage allowed full articulation of the LCD I'd likely still purchase, but from what I've seen the only ones that do are not form fitting.

Was also interested in the Rewo, but can't find the GH2 cage on their site. Almost seems they've moved onto BMCC designs instead.

I should be getting one of the first batch of GH3s to hit the USA, & may retire the GH2, but if I keep it working I'll look again at the D|Cage.
 
Bern Caughey said:
I should be getting one of the first batch of GH3s to hit the USA, & may retire the GH2, but if I keep it working I'll look again at the D|Cage.
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I'm in the same boat. I like the idea of a cage, but I'm not sure how long the GH2 will be my primarily DSLR-form factor (ish) camera, and the cages are pretty much tooled toward specific bodies.
 
When I thought about going GH2, I looked at this cage:
http://ginirigs.com/gh2-cage/
I also didn´t want to spend as much as for a ReWo or the Dfocus, BUT the locking hotshoe feature on those models really is amazing, it just gives you the feeling of using one solid unit (well, at least with the ReWo which I could test out).
I thought a cage for the GH2 would be perfect, because it's a little too lightweight and small for my taste (not in a "doesn't impress clients enough", but in a "good, solid feel when in my hands" kind of sense...)
 
Yep, I looked at several of the cages but the locking hotshoe is what sells it. I think I'm going to keep just one of our GH2 B-cams as a backup (sell the rest) so that's why we picked up a DCage; hoping they make one for the GH3!!!!
 
Bern Caughey said:
Was considering the D|Cage just yesterday, & think it's well worth the money, especially as it allows proper spacing with rods. I already have a rig for that use, but it costs quite a bit more than D|Focus' offering, & does not afford attachment of a top handle.

Decided to skip the cage for my use of the GH2, which is just B-Roll, but would jump if I needed to outfit one as an A-Cam. If the cage allowed full articulation of the LCD I'd likely still purchase, but from what I've seen the only ones that do are not form fitting.

Was also interested in the Rewo, but can't find the GH2 cage on their site. Almost seems they've moved onto BMCC designs instead.

I should be getting one of the first batch of GH3s to hit the USA, & may retire the GH2, but if I keep it working I'll look again at the D|Cage.
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i too think the ReWo looks fantastic . I emailed them to see of they're going to offer a GH3 cage.
 
Only problem with the kamerar cage is you have to use a quick release system that won't block the battery door on the GH2 as the kamerar cage will. I bought one when they first shipped and sold it because of that very issue. Aside from that, it's a very well built and affordable little rig.

I have a Gini cage and absolutely love it. Needed one before the DFocus came to market but that one looks nice as well. Dave designs great stuff.
 
Chenopup said:
Only problem with the kamerar cage is you have to use a quick release system that won't block the battery door on the GH2 as the kamerar cage will. I bought one when they first shipped and sold it because of that very issue. Aside from that, it's a very well built and affordable little rig.

I have a Gini cage and absolutely love it. Needed one before the DFocus came to market but that one looks nice as well. Dave designs great stuff.
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Yes, the cage is not perfect but the quick release like I have is great. Personally though as of now I felt that a more universal cage like this made sense. The cage the op mentions looks excellent as well, but I would rather spend that $300+ as of now on something else. Also this cage is ROCK Solid and looks professional.
 
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