Pocket Cam - To cage or not to cage

That is my question. Should I drop the $$$. Help please. Is this something really needed or does it just look cool. And what is affordable. Sub $150?

I dropped my Pocket as I was shooting some personal footage. I immediately ordered a cage for it. For $100, I couldn't be happier with my Contineo cage from ViewFactor. Awesome form and weight, great for mounting additional accessories, and I picked up the rubberized handgrip for it that I really like.

http://www.viewfactor.net/products/blackmagic/contineo-bmpc-cage.html

Definitely worth checking out at least, I would recommend picking it up.

Matthew

Thanks Matthew. Good point on the dropping. I hope not to do that. But yeah, that is the main reason for the cage!

I have that cage. It works as advertised, is cheap, light, and lets me hang microphones, lights etc as required from the unit.

Works well, but only necessary if you need it, if you know what I mean. If you are using the camera 'naked' I personally would not bother buying the cage just in case you drop it. I suspect the extra weight of the cage would only increase strain on the lens mount with a fall anyway. That is not what the cage is for.

I feel like my Pocket cam is very fragile, especially the screen.
I bought the Viewfactor Contineo.
It's quite heavy and bulky compared to the Pocket Camera itself. And I've ditched the plastic screen cover as unusable. But the cage gives me confidence to carry my Pocket cam around. It's a bargain at $100.
I would recommend it.

I personally am very interested in this. Looks like a solid option for me.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/TiLTA-BMPC-Cage- ... 20dc028295

I guess it depends on your budget. I just ordered the new Movcam cage. It works out about the same as the view factor once you add the riser and 15mm clamp etc.

The killer for me was that Movcam have built a right angle 15mm clamp into the top handle, so I can have a rod to mount my evf on without adding more and more bits to it.

I am probably not going to get a cage.

My setup would be as basic as the bmpcc with a rode videomic pro on top using a cold shoe mount convertor, a LCDVF BM Loupe all attached to a mnafrotto mv500 monopod.

I personally am very interested in this. Looks like a solid option for me.

Ditto that - report back if you end up ordering one Rob and let us know your thoughts. If you need to add an external monitor, mic, handle, this unit appears to handle those best. Too bad they don't have any sellers in NA.

The Tilta cage also comes with a HDMI lock and cable that isn't listed.

I caged my pocket as soon as I got it with a Wooden Camera 15mm system so i can more easily attach follow focus as well as mattebox ect-- as the cage system brings it to the correct height for all that gak. I couldn't be happier with it especially as I can now attach cable stain reliefs to the camera, EVFS, tophandles great for leveling a tripod) ect.

Have you guys had any heat dissipation issues if the cage encloses the handle/battery part of the Pocket?

I was leaning towards cages that don't cover the handle/battery part because of this. The Swedish Chameleon cage is one of those I was looking at.

I dropped my Pocket as I was shooting some personal footage. I immediately ordered a cage for it. For $100, I couldn't be happier with my Contineo cage from ViewFactor. Awesome form and weight, great for mounting additional accessories, and I picked up the rubberized handgrip for it that I really like.

http://www.viewfactor.net/products/blackmagic/contineo-bmpc-cage.html

Definitely worth checking out at least, I would recommend picking it up.

Matthew

Love this cage on my pocket. Love the weight it adds, and it adds a retro-ish look to the camera with the wood grip (a must). Wouldn't walk around with it on but it's a must have for production work.

pocket_viewfactor.jpg (71.64 KiB) Viewed 38791 times

I got the Wooden Camera cage, prefer it as it adds only required mounting points with out adding significant weight or making camera awkward to hold. Combined it with my existing rail,system using a quick disconnect, so I can move camera from tripod/rail mount, to hand holding quickly.

I added a Viewfactor Contineo to mine, plus a Multiforce clamp. Without it, it's basically not worth wasting time attempting to use the Pocket on a Merlin2, but with it the only aggravation is the gigantic plate for the Merlin2. The extra weight + extra height make the camera + Merlin2 setup usable.

Also, I can attach the camera to the same rods that I use for my BMCC, which is very nice for production. And in reality, it's not adding that much weight and bulk to the camera, so I'm quite happy with it. The clamp is even more user friendly than the Shape stuff that I have, which I already quite like.

Now all I need is a good external battery solution and a good way to reliably back up SD cards in the field, and it will be a great back country field camera.

I think this (half)cage from Swedish Chameleon looks quite interesting: vimeo.com/79626948

I think this (half)cage from Swedish Chameleon looks quite interesting: vimeo.com/79626948

Love this cage. Hate the fact that it's $400.

I go cageless to take advantage of the small form factor. Just the naked camera with the Pany 12-35/f2.8 IS, Tiffen Vari ND filter, Rode VMP, a sunshade for the LCD screen, and my phone headset to monitor the audio. When indoors I remove the ND filter and sunshade and the cam becomes even smaller. Everything is compact and un-intimidating. The image stabilization from the lens works great for going handheld but I also carry a light tripod to use whenever possible (more stable and shooting handheld makes my right wrist hurts after a while). Works great for me.

The issue I see in the sweedish cage video is that there is no way to use standard placed (e.g. 15mm studio, or liteweight) rods with it easily--- so no way to attach a mattebox, follow focus (do not trust a FF on 1 rod) ect. Sure you can do rods adapters, but then they often get in the way of tripods.

For personal use where you want a tiny form factor with an MFT pancake lens for running around on your vacation or family reunion or in town etc, I don't think it's necessary and you can save your bucks. But if you plan to use the camera rigged in a demanding production scenario, I believe a cage is almost essential. You can get away without it, but your life on set will be a bit more difficult. The cage gives you many options, and a little bit of piece of mind at the same time. My 2 cents. For a little over $100 for the Viewfactor cage, that's VERY affordable. And you can take it off and put it on whenever you want. I have the Viewfactor for my BMCC and I love it, and it never comes off.

I do think the Pocket needs some sort of protection, and a way to fix adapter/connectors for HDMI and external battery at least. If you are going to monitor audio you will need some REAL sturdy connector, like a 1/4" jack at least. What better place to hang that from that a cage?

Small form connectors, which are a disgraceful evil on all small appliances, need to be bypassed by some sort of adapter box or strip.

No, I've seen some affordable cages (Contineo, Shape, Tilta), and some a bit expensive (Movcam), and I wonder which qualifies as best. Has anyone tested/compared them all? Weak points, strong points of each?

For me a cage needs to allow free access to mem cards and battery at least, though the latter I intend to bypass with an external Sony L-battery adapter.

When I started this search I liked the Contineo, but I think the others deserve a fair chance to challenge it.

I like the Wooden Camera cage for its minimalist approach, great access to battery/card and control buttons, and it has great cable clamp system you can add, which should work well for the HDMI cable connection.

I like the Wooden Camera cage for its minimalist approach, great access to battery/card and control buttons, and it has great cable clamp system you can add, which should work well for the HDMI cable connection.

+1 on all the above. Plus in about 2 weeks Wooden will be releasing a Pocket-specific compact cable clamp system. They planned ahead by drilling and tapping small M4 holes matched to receptacles on the camera. Photo of prototypes from Ryan at Wooden:

Well I went with the viewfactor. Price wise it was right and a nice design!

Thanks for all the info folks!

Get a cage on it and wrap the camera up in protective covering as the thing can be scratched by going nowhere near it!!

Maybe because the Pocket is so new, but it's proving difficult to find specific accessories designed for it.

Take external battery adapters, for instance. There's only the Switronix, which has some issues of its own, like not allowing memory cards swapping.

I mention this because the chosen cage should have some way to secure this battery adapter and an external monitor at least.

From what I have investigated until now, this belt Ikan plate looks interesting:

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http://ikancorp.com/productdetail.php?id=571

Maybe because the Pocket is so new, but it's proving difficult to find specific accessories designed for it.

Take external battery adapters, for instance. There's only the Switronix, which has some issues of its own, like not allowing memory cards swapping.

I mention this because the chosen cage should have some way to secure this battery adapter and an external monitor at least.

From what I have investigated until now, this belt Ikan plate looks interesting:

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http://ikancorp.com/productdetail.php?id=571

that does look interesting. I might grab a Nokia 3310 mobile phone belt case and rock it like the 90's in style again

Of course nothing can replace actual handling of stuff, and unfortunately most of these things I have rely on what people experienced when they used them.

But what I foresee is that the cage should hold the external monitor and battery. The monitor can be screwed on the upper part of the cage, replacing the handle or on the handle itself. But I don't see where to attach the battery to and keep a compact profile.

Take a look at these two, even if others should be similar:

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http://www.cinegearpro.com/tilta-bmpc-lightweight-cage-437.html

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http://cheesycam.com/shape-cage-for-blackmagic-pocket-cinema-camera/

It's much better to place the external battery holder on the back, over the rails.

Ditto that - report back if you end up ordering one Rob and let us know your thoughts.

I just ordered it and I am looking forward to seeing the quality!

If you're using a monitor, mic, and handle, and light, I think it's essential to have a cage. You could get one of those bars you put on an adapter, and try to fit them all on it, but I think you'll just make things more unbalanced, and risk one of them getting loose, and sliding off.

But if you're not going to Monitor and handle route, and just using a mic, I wouldn't bother with a cage. Even if the fall protects the exterior, I bet the interior is going to suffer from the impact. Plus the lens has nothing to protect it.

One more thing. Another option you could buy is either the Camera Caddie Scorpion or a Shape Paparazzi, to give you an all in one option if you want to go the safe route by being future proof. You're be able to use both for other cameras, not just the pocket. It acts as a handle and stablizer, and allows you to add accessories around it.

http://www.shapewlb.com/en/product/products/shape-support/paparazzi-serie/paparazzi-i_16.aspx?id_page_parent=96

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/773955-REG/Cam_Caddie_0CC_0100_KT1_Starter_Kit.html

Just received the Tilta Rig and first impressions are that it is quite robust! I will have to put it through its paces for a bit, see if the baseplate will come loose or anything, That seems like it's weakest point. Very small attachment point. For now it is indeed very sturdy, but I can see that becoming a point of failure in the future, as only just over an inch is in contact.

I like the Wooden Camera cage for its minimalist approach, great access to battery/card and control buttons, and it has great cable clamp system you can add, which should work well for the HDMI cable connection.

+1 on all the above. Plus in about 2 weeks Wooden will be releasing a Pocket-specific compact cable clamp system. They planned ahead by drilling and tapping small M4 holes matched to receptacles on the camera. Photo of prototypes from Ryan at Wooden:

I communicated with Ryan at Wooden Camera yesterday and the "Pocket Lock" cable clamps will be available next week. I have no idea if they look like the prototypes pictured above. There are apparently two versions: "HDMI", which includes a pigtail and "Power" . HDMI is $40, Power is $30. I went ahead and preordered.

For those that own the Viewfactor cage, is it black or is it metal grey? All screenshots I've seen show both, but they only sell one version.

i just ordered one. will let you know soon


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I've ordered one for mine mainly because I had to send a Pocket Cine back due to a loose bottom mount. Turns out the bottom mount is only glued in, the 4 screws are actually too small for the mechanism inside. So buying a cage will hopefully distribute weight more efficiently and relieve tension off of the bottom mount. I use an 18-135 zoom lens that is pretty heavy. I need some sort of counterbalance when using a tripod, so hopefully having a rigged cage will give me that.

For those that own the Viewfactor cage, is it black or is it metal grey? All screenshots I've seen show both, but they only sell one version.

It's metal grey, and solid!

One difference between the VF and most others is the amount of protection. The VF cage covers the whole camera, and there is an optional polycarbonate backing for those weird mounting spots.

Has anyone bought the Shape Cage for the camera? If so, what's the ups and downs? I've pre-ordered the Zacuto viewfinder, and I'm worried I might have an issue putting that on. Also worried if the camera has less of a grip with the cage on.

To be honest, I think a cage is a must. I feel like im gonna drop my camera without one. Plus the footage seemes to be a lot more stable when shooting with a non OIS lens due to the added weight. Plus is you plan on using a viewfinder or a mic then its a must.

Plus it looks so damn sexy

Does anyone know what exactly the Pocket Cam looks like underneath the rubber at the front? I wonder

To be honest, I think a cage is a must. I feel like im gonna drop my camera without one. Plus the footage seemes to be a lot more stable when shooting with a non OIS lens due to the added weight. Plus is you plan on using a viewfinder or a mic then its a must.

Plus it looks so damn sexy

Is the MOVCAM good? Also, which EF to MFT adapter are you using?

Check out my new video, just a method of not caging and to save on cost rigging up your system.

To be honest, I think a cage is a must. I feel like im gonna drop my camera without one. Plus the footage seemes to be a lot more stable when shooting with a non OIS lens due to the added weight. Plus is you plan on using a viewfinder or a mic then its a must.

Plus it looks so damn sexy

Hi Dimi,

looks like you have a clamp-on mattebox on your lens - did you encounter any problems with it putting more starin onto zoom-lenses, as most of them have protruding elements and therefore aren't in a stable "housning" like one whose lements move on the inside of the tube only.

Thank you!

Have you guys had any heat dissipation issues if the cage encloses the handle/battery part of the Pocket?

I was leaning towards cages that don't cover the handle/battery part because of this. The Swedish Chameleon cage is one of those I was looking at.

I was thinking that because the BMPCC has a metal (magnesium alloy) chassis, connecting it to a metal cage (presumably aluminum) might actually help disperse heat. I don't know anything about the heat dispersion qualities of the magnesium alloy and aluminum, but maybe someone here does?

Has anyone felt their cage radiating heat at all? (That would be a good thing.)


Thanks,


Tyson

Have you guys had any heat dissipation issues if the cage encloses the handle/battery part of the Pocket?

I was leaning towards cages that don't cover the handle/battery part because of this. The Swedish Chameleon cage is one of those I was looking at.

I was thinking that because the BMPCC has a metal (magnesium alloy) chassis, connecting it to a metal cage (presumably aluminum) might actually help disperse heat. I don't know anything about the heat dispersion qualities of the magnesium alloy and aluminum, but maybe someone here does?

Has anyone felt their cage radiating heat at all? (That would be a good thing.)


Thanks,


Tyson

I've not noticed any heat issues on mine (tilta) at all.. the cage has been hugely helpful. No regrets..

Highly recommend a cage, the cam is durable but the added mounting abilities and better hold of the VF contineo is too good to pass up.