GH4 Recommendation for Universal Cage Option w/some specific requirements for GH4/GH5

F

filmguy123

Veteran
Short Story:

Looking for a good Universal Open Cage, C Cage, or Cage Frame for GH series + other cameras

Long Story:

I'm looking for a good cage for the GH4 (and GH5 in a few months). And any other camera I might want to drop in. This would NOT be a permanent mount option, the camera would only go in the cage sometimes, and I would want to be able to quickly remove it, or potentially use various cameras in it. I also for this reason do not want a really form fitting cage.

For speed of workflow and quick release, I am setup using a bunch of Manfrotto QR Plates, here:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5563-REG/Manfrotto_394_394_Low_Profile_Quick.html

I love these, but they add a little bulk to the bottom of the camera without it directly connecting to a cage. This is imperative. I want all my gear and cameras outfitted with these, so I need extra room in the cage. The plan is to have these on the GH4 + cage interior for QR, AND on the bottom of the cage itself. This means I can quickly pull in and pull out the camera from the cage (GH4, GH5, or something else), as well as quickly move and connect the entire cage unit (with or without camera inside) to other mounting points with ease.

I plan to mount a 7" field monitor + audio recorder + microphone + light (either 1-2 at a time or all at once) to the cage. This can obviously get pretty bulky, so the flexibility to quickly disconnect from the cage and go to a Zhiyun Crane gimbal with just the camera body is paramount, hence all the QR stuff.
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So, what are my best options? Here's some of what I have found:


TOP TWO


$500 Walimex Pro Aptaris Universal Frame
This cage looks pretty much perfect, but it's excessively expensive @ $499

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1160451-REG/walimex_pro_20984_aptaris_universal_frame.html

I like how it is height adjustable, gives room on the sides for cables and SD card access, battery drop down, room for the QR plates, and a whole bunch of mounting point options.
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$60 Movo Photo SCG-30 Universal Aluminum DSLR Camera Cage
https://www.amazon.com/Movo-SCG-30-...=8-1-spons&keywords=universal+dslr+cage&psc=1
Price is fantastic and reviews seem good, not a ton of down sides. Concerned what the gotcha is for the price (concerned about overall build quality?). I perhaps wish it was a tad bit wider just for balance of mounting options when kitted out with light/mic/7" monitor/audio recorder, but it might work fine! I also like the adjustability of the Walimex, but not for 7x the price. I can't fully tell from this, but it seems like it may not be as convenient for battery or memory card access... but with my QR plates this isn't THAT big of a deal (though if the case, still less ideal
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Other cage options I have seen include:


$270 ProMediaGear Adjustable Video Cage
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...diagear_vrc1k_adjustable_video_cage_with.html
Concerned about overall mounting options and how big it can expand to, but this sort of open C design could well too


$295 Varavon Zeus UNI C-Type Cage
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1276941-REG/varavon_am_zeus_uni_zeus_uni_c_type_cage.html
More mounting points, concerned about overall size, no reviews or further info


$115 Dot Line GearBox 2 Accessory Cage
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/914632-REG/dot_line_cs_gb2_photography_cinema_gearbox.html
Price is good, reviews seem good. Not as mount mounting options on the sides, height is not adjustable, though this isn't strictly necessary. Definitely seems like a poor man's version of the walimex


Thoughts on these products, as well as my workflow and plan? Options I am unaware of?
 
Update: This one also looks like it might be a good fit and reasonable price, but I literally can't find any information about it anywhere:

Sonovel Aluminum Alloy Camera Video Cage
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYXJOHT?psc=1
Perhaps a little more aesthetically appealing design than the more reviewed and tested Movo, with what appears to be room to drop a battery out while remaining connected, and some cable fasteners as well
 
Though I'm not a GH user, I was looking for a cage for my Canon DSLRs. I chose SmallRig cages because of:
First: the cage weight;
Second: price;
Third: versatility.
For a universal cage look at: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SmallRig-DS...209477?hash=item3cf9379e05:g:WhwAAOSwPhdVSwvy , $95.89 shipped, weight 400 gr. Since the height is adjustable, it can be used for smaller cameras.
Another option is this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Smallrig-Ve...406851?hash=item3ac272cdc3:g:v0YAAOSwKfVXIYuT , $110.98 shipped, 400 gr.
Another option is half-frame cage, like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SMALLRIG-Ha...073148?hash=item3d18ccb1fc:g:sZMAAOSwr41XIX2g , $78.98 shipped, weight 250 gr.
 
Do you need to accommodate HDMI monitoring? If so, for a GH4, I'd consider a cage with HDMI lock/support a must.

Have you worked with a cage before? If not, I'd encourage you to buy a cheap generic one and learn what you like and don't like before investing in a good one.

All that being said, that Varavon looks sweet. I've been using a GH4 specific cage from P&C, but I don't like how hard it is to get at the top controls.

IMG_1020.jpg
 
The best "universal" cage ever made, works natively with the GH4/GH5, Blackmagic Pocket Camera, all Sony Alpha cameras, Canon 7D, 5D (PL mounted or not) Digital Bolex, and a dozen others is made by Hot Rod Cameras and is called the Kung Fu Cinema System. You'll find very little information about it on-line, and this is on purpose.

Even though we have intentionally kept the hoopla to a minimum, there's already dozens working in the world and owned by many top Cinematographers. The KFCS has already been used on more major feature films than all the other "cage" systems mentioned in this thread- combined. The only way to get it is to contact Hot Rod Cameras directly.

It's available now, but there will not be a formal launch until this April. At that time we will demonstrate how the Kung Fu Cinema System is so clearly on a different level than anything that has come before. There will also be an introductory discount/rebate on the Kung Fu Cinema System, exclusively for Hot Rod Cameras GH5 order/pre-order customers- no one else will qualify for the discount.
 
Illya Friedman said:
The best "universal" cage ever made, works natively with the GH4/GH5, Blackmagic Pocket Camera, all Sony Alpha cameras, Canon 7D, 5D (PL mounted or not) Digital Bolex, and a dozen others is made by Hot Rod Cameras and is called the Kung Fu Cinema System. You'll find very little information about it on-line, and this is on purpose.

Even though we have intentionally kept the hoopla to a minimum, there's already dozens working in the world and owned by many top Cinematographers. The KFCS has already been used on more major feature films than all the other "cage" systems mentioned in this thread- combined. The only way to get it is to contact Hot Rod Cameras directly.

It's available now, but there will not be a formal launch until this April. At that time we will demonstrate how the Kung Fu Cinema System is so clearly on a different level than anything that has come before. There will also be an introductory discount/rebate on the Kung Fu Cinema System, exclusively for Hot Rod Cameras GH5 order/pre-order customers- no one else will qualify for the discount.
Click to expand...
Tease. ;-)
 
filmguy123 said:
Update: This one also looks like it might be a good fit and reasonable price, but I literally can't find any information about it anywhere:

Sonovel Aluminum Alloy Camera Video Cage
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYXJOHT?psc=1
Perhaps a little more aesthetically appealing design than the more reviewed and tested Movo, with what appears to be room to drop a battery out while remaining connected, and some cable fasteners as well
Click to expand...

That's a cheaper re-badge of a cage sold by someone else. Trying to remember, who, maybe Varavon? Regardless, it looks like it would work well with the GH line...better than what I've got...and the price is much lower than wherever I saw it under the other name.
 
Illya Friedman said:
The best "universal" cage ever made, works natively with the GH4/GH5, Blackmagic Pocket Camera, all Sony Alpha cameras, Canon 7D, 5D (PL mounted or not) Digital Bolex, and a dozen others is made by Hot Rod Cameras and is called the Kung Fu Cinema System. You'll find very little information about it on-line, and this is on purpose.

Even though we have intentionally kept the hoopla to a minimum, there's already dozens working in the world and owned by many top Cinematographers. The KFCS has already been used on more major feature films than all the other "cage" systems mentioned in this thread- combined. The only way to get it is to contact Hot Rod Cameras directly.

It's available now, but there will not be a formal launch until this April. At that time we will demonstrate how the Kung Fu Cinema System is so clearly on a different level than anything that has come before. There will also be an introductory discount/rebate on the Kung Fu Cinema System, exclusively for Hot Rod Cameras GH5 order/pre-order customers- no one else will qualify for the discount.
Click to expand...

I was wondering how you are handling the audio attachment? I believe its powered by the hot shoe.
 
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