GH5 Rig Experience?

npm

npm

Well-known member
Hey everyone. I am on the fence about which direction to go with rig-wise on my GH5. My concerns are low profile, especially height wise, and minimal build up/tear down in and out of a backpack. If possible to leave the XLR adapter on and just pop on monitor/mics out of the bag (or even better, leave them on in the bag). I use a F-Stop Satori EXP with large ICU. Basically get it as close as possible to the form factor/accessory placement of a bigger cinema cam like the EVA1 or C200.

I do some talking head interview stuff, but often times, documentary style run and gun shooting. Handheld, on a tripod/monopod, and sometimes on a Zhiyun Crane 2.

I like the idea of the SmallRig cage with XLR helmet. Anyone use this setup? with the handle pushed forward and level with the top of the XLR helmet, I think that will help with keeping the height down. Then, a rod through the middle of the handle and SmallHD focus on the left side (rod cold shoe mount), RODE NTG3 on the right (rod cold shoe mount): http://www.smallrig.com/smallrig-panasonic-lumix-gh5-dmw-xlr1-protection-kit-2017.html

Other option is, something really low profile setup like this one. How important is a top handle? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRW4ItwETXY

i'm basically concerned about height/packability, and the ability to just have minimal tear down and build up in and out of a pack. Hoping some of you have real world experience here—some things look great on paper but it can be difficult to order something over the internet based on imagery and reviews alone :)

Thanks in advance for any contributions here!!
 
I like smallrig parts from my limited experience so far, but haven't used that cage. My concern would be about the unneccesary height there, when that is your main concern, as well as the speed at which it looks like that top part connects and disconnects (is it allen screws?)

I have the Movcam cage which is form fitted to the GH5 and has an optional top handle with NATO attachment. The top handle is not that important for me. I also don't think that the XLR helmet on that smallrig is that important especially since you want to keep the height down... why add connection points to build it taller?

The Rode NTG3 seems pretty large for a camera mounted microphone on a GH5 whose main goal is to stay small and light. What about a short shotgun like the Sennheiser 8060? Obviously that gets pricey but I am just questioning such a large camera mounted microphone.

For your cold shoe attachments on your horizontal running 15mm rod, check out GyroVu QR system as well (budget version of Cine Lock). They are just as secure AFAIK but the Cine Lock are more silky smooth. Could make it speedy to attach your Focus HD and microphone.
 
Thanks! If I went with that Smallrig cage, I would probably set up the top handle forward and as low as possible and just leave it there. It is indeed allen screw attachment for the foreward and back movement, but a twist lock for the up and down. I agree the helmet adds height, which I don't want, but I've heard the XLR adapter shoe mount is not super secure, so I don't know if I would feel OK leaving it on the camera without the helmet, and throwing it in a pack.

The NTG3 is definitely pretty long for this setup. A shorter mic would definitely be a better fit. The Sennheiser 8060 looks great but do you know of any other budget friendly alternatives?

Thanks for the tip on the GyroVu QR's, they look promising. Are these the ones you are talking about? Just not sure how they would mount to a cold shoe based off the images: https://www.amazon.com/GyroVu-Professional-Plate-System-Articulated/dp/B014GIKQWI

Much appreciated!
 
I can't speak to the microphone but I am sure others could.

The gyrovu units don't mount to a cold shoe, they could replace a cold shoe, they mount by screw. Sorry for the confusion. Cold shoes aren't that much hassle but gyrovu is just another option that is slightly quicker.

I see what you mean by the helmet, I thought you would be removing the audio adapter and accessories for throwing in the bag, and needed quick re-assembly. But if you are keeping everything attached to the cage then, the way the camera will position in the bag seems unlikely to bother the XLR attachment regardless (IE the camera won't be holstered, I assume, but rather set into a padded bag with a mic and monitor attached). So, I'm not sure it will be too relevant for how you will pack it in terms of extra bag protection on the XLR unit mount point.
 
Got it! I think cold shoes will be OK for the rod if I go that route, that's a pretty quick reassembly. I think I would remove the monitor and mic before going into the pack, but leave the XLR adapter. Which is why the helmet seems like a good idea, because I could leave the XLR adapter attached while in the bag. Pull out the rig, mount the mic and monitor to their respective cold shoes and be ready to go.
 
Used a SmallRig Cage for awhile, but swapped to Movcam’s when it became available as it’s much more form fitting, & feels better in the hand.

The SmallRig would better accommodate the wood handgrip shown in the YT video, & they make what looks like knockoffs of Wooden Camera’s Hand Grips (seems SmallRig is copying a lot of Wooden’s designs recently), but I’d skip that accessory for documentary work where I prefer to keep my hands on the camera.

For a long time Audio Technica‘s AT875R has been the go to mic for short onboard ENG Shotguns, & they’re very popular in other fields too. Run about $175, & I’ve had one for a decade, but mostly use it for Scratch Tracks as onboard audio is a compromise, & I almost always have a SoundPerson doing the heavy lifting.

DVXuser search for ‘AT875R’
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/search.php?searchid=10570795

Review of AT875R
https://www.provideocoalition.com/review-at875r-shotgun-mic-at8415-shockmount-from-audio-technica/

I use the GH5’s XLR when taking a feed from a SoundPerson, but usually remove it when handheld, & switch to a RØDE VideoMicro. Again my needs are mostly scratch, but editors have told me they’ve used the audio on occasions, & it sounded decent. The GH5’s XLR Adapter is relatively robust, but it is only connected to the camera with a Smart Shoe, & don’t know if I’d leave it attached while in a bag. Don’t like having a lot of gack hanging off a GH5 when shooting handheld, & wonder if you might be better served by a All-in-One solution like the RØDE VideoMic Pro+. If need be it could be attached to the XLR Adapter, but if all your looking for is onboard sound I’d likely go straight into the camera.

Review of RØDE VideoMic Pro+.
https://www.provideocoalition.com/review-rde-improves-videomic-pro-with-several-new-features/

If you haven’t read it take a look at a recent Newsshooter story about a Sky News cameraman who uses the GH5, & a pair of Sennheiser AVX Radio Mics attached to the XLR Adapter. Would love to see Sennheiser expand the system because I’m fascinated by the size of the receivers.

http://www.newsshooter.com/2018/01/26/sky-news-washington-cameraman-duncan-sharp-shooting-gh5/
 
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Thanks Bern, great info. I have a Video Micro which I really like for super lightweight setup but I'm OK with this one being a little heavier. Probably will be on a tripod or monopod quite a bit of the time. I did some reading on the Audio Tecnica and it seems like a solid choice. Also, Griffon Hammond (documentary guy sponsored by Panasonic) use this Azden mic, and says he can't tell the difference between it and his NTG3. Anyone used this guy before? Seems very similar to the AT: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1348543-REG/azden_sgm_250cx_shotgun_microphone.html
 
What sort of bag would you drop the GH5 into with the XLR adapter on? How would the camera sit?

Also, if you are removing everything else, it's even quicker to remove to the XLR unit... you don't even have to swivel anything down.
 
I have an F Stop Satori EXP pack, with a large ICU. I'm not totally sure how I would fit it in there fully rigged...I figured I would sort that out when I got the rig ��

In an ideal world I could drop it in there with the XLR mount, mic, and monitor all attached. I suppose you've got a point, if I'm forced to remove the monitor and mic, the XLR unit would be a pretty tiny extra step. However I don't think I would have to swivel anything on monitor or mic as they would just drop into a cold shoe.

The MovCam rig definitely looks great and I like how form fitting it is! Only thing is, It's a bit more expensive and I don't really need the baseplate or rods.
 
One of my XLR Adapter’s ports is fidgety, & makes removing a cable a bit of a chore. SoundPeople always comment that’s because the XLR ports are cheap, & I agree.

Also agree with filmguy123 that it be better to just pull the entire XLR Adapter when going into the bag, & leave the cable attached. I usually just hand the unit with cable attached to the SoundPeople when moving camera positions.
 
NPM, you may want to think through that detail. Easy to buy things with something in mind, only to get to it practically and realize that you end up using it a totally different way. I'll leave you with 2 thoughts:

1) Movcam is great but there are other form fitting cages, the smallrig is cheaper and similar enough, maybe just start there and piecemeal anything extra (IE the helmet and handle). You can order the base cage for only $88 on Amazon. Start there, add more if needed once you get a feel for everything.

2) Consider ordering the XLR unit to check it out, and really think through how stuff will drop in/out of your bag. Your perceived need for the "helmet" may be obsolete when you actually physically try out your workflow of dropping everything into the bag as one wholistic unit or pulling the majority of it apart anyway. Also consider the helmet forces the rig to be taller and doesn't allow you to quickly reduce the height without an allen wrench. I am not saying there is not value in the helmet, just encouraging you to ensure there is actually going to be value you in it for you personally, because if there's not, you may miss a better overall solution. Hence the suggestion to order the other pieces first and get a feel for sizing, fit, etc. and really think through how it will actually position in your bag and how you will want to work a month in, on the 300th time you've opened and closed your bag or reassembled the kit.

Good luck! Sounds like a nice setup whatever you land on.
 
Thanks a ton fellas. I think getting the XLR unit, base cage and and going from there is definitely a great idea. Bern—on most of the work I do I don't have sound people and I am just a one man band, so for me this unit is just to get high quality sound with a better selection of mics, as well as dual audio channels. When you say leave the cable attached, do you just mean the XLR cable into the adapter unit?

Getting the cage alone will not blow up the size of the camera and it'll still fit in my pack. From there, I can figure out what I actually need, what will fit and build out a minimalist, practical rig.
 
npm said:
Bern—on most of the work I do I don't have sound people and I am just a one man band, so for me this unit is just to get high quality sound with a better selection of mics, as well as dual audio channels. When you say leave the cable attached, do you just mean the XLR cable into the adapter unit?
Click to expand...

Yes, he means when you kit down the rig, leave the on-camera shotgun mic's XLR cable plugged into the XLR unit. It saves a step, but more importantly, saves constant plugging and unplugging on the XLR unit itself. If given the choice, prefer removing the full unit from the hot shoe constantly VS plugging/replugging the cables into the XLR unit constantly. You'll see why when you have it :)
 
doesn't the hotshoe on the right side of the Movcam cage, where you would put the mic, get in the way of the XLR ports ? I've read that using a cage with a left side hotshoe was the best option when using the XLR adapter ?
 
coutard said:
doesn't the hotshoe on the right side of the Movcam cage, where you would put the mic, get in the way of the XLR ports ?
Click to expand...

It’s usually best to get an onboard mic as far away from any handeling noise, so if I needed useable audio I’d likely hang it off of InVision’s ‘Video Hot Shoe Microphone Suspension’, which appears would work well with the Movcam’s Cold Shoe.

http://mymic.rycote.com/products/shock-mounts-suspension/invision-video/invision-video-hot-shoe/

Been meaning to have a Y-Cable made from Cable Techniques ‘Low Profile XLR Connectors’ for use with the GH5’s XLR Adapter.

https://www.cabletechniques.com/lopro-xlr-mini-xlr

Something like this, but shorter, & with 3-Pin connectors on both ends.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...s_ct_lp_pyf_18_xlr_5_pin_straight_female.html

Seems one of these preassembled pigtail cables that utilize Low Profile connectors might work for a onboard mic connected to the GH5’s XLR Adapter.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...ues_ct_lpxr_10k_low_profile_xlr_3_pin_10.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._ct_lp_cc_6_lpxlr_3f_to_lpxlr_3m_premium.html
 
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I've got the newer version of the SmallRig (2049), but without the helmet. It fits perfectly with the peak design clutch for the right hand. Comfortable to hold and very low profile. Way cheaper than the Movcam. For throwing the camera in the bag with the xlr I would consider the helmet.
 
I bought a smallrig cage when I got the GH5 but now I want to get a battery grip so it will have to go - I'll go back to the smallrig kits that I used to build my own rig for the GH4 and adapt - you can make it to suit yourself
 
Bern Caughey said:
It’s usually best to get an onboard mic as far away from any handeling noise, so if I needed useable audio I’d likely hang it off of InVision’s ‘Video Hot Shoe Microphone Suspension’, which appears would work well with the Movcam’s Cold Shoe.

http://mymic.rycote.com/products/shock-mounts-suspension/invision-video/invision-video-hot-shoe/

Been meaning to have a Y-Cable made from Cable Techniques ‘Low Profile XLR Connectors’ for use with the GH5’s XLR Adapter.

https://www.cabletechniques.com/lopro-xlr-mini-xlr

Something like this, but shorter, & with 3-Pin connectors on both ends.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...s_ct_lp_pyf_18_xlr_5_pin_straight_female.html

Seems one of these preassembled pigtail cables that utilize Low Profile connectors might work for a onboard mic connected to the GH5’s XLR Adapter.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...ues_ct_lpxr_10k_low_profile_xlr_3_pin_10.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._ct_lp_cc_6_lpxlr_3f_to_lpxlr_3m_premium.html
Click to expand...

very useful links, thanks. I was looking for this kind of suspension.
but I was also talking about a wireless receiver...do you manage to use one without getting annoyed by the cables ?
 
macobra said:
I've got the newer version of the SmallRig (2049), but without the helmet. It fits perfectly with the peak design clutch for the right hand. Comfortable to hold and very low profile. Way cheaper than the Movcam.
Click to expand...

That does look like an improvement over the original SmallRig.

coutard said:
...I was also talking about a wireless receiver...do you manage to use one without getting annoyed by the cables ?
Click to expand...

The times I’ve had a wireless receiver attached to the GH5 the SoundPerson strapped it to the the Cage’s Top Handle.

This is the second time I’ve written this in a few days, but would love to see Sennheiser expand on the AVX system, or better yet build similar receivers, & functionality, for other frequency bands.

http://www.newsshooter.com/2018/01/26/sky-news-washington-cameraman-duncan-sharp-shooting-gh5/

IMG_0440-600x450.jpg
 
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