On this page I’ll list the apps and accessories I’m aware of that might be useful to you.
Apps
- Please download the try the official Panasonic Image App (iTunes, Android). It’s really great.
- Adam Wilt’s Field Monitor app for False Color and Waveform via Wi-Fi (coming soon: LUTs)
I’ve shown how to connect both apps via Wi-Fi in this guide.
- LUTCalc – to create LUTs or convert *.cube LUTs to *.vlt
Cages
The sad part is the GH5 still has only one tripod thread at the bottom, and no registration pin. The length of the screw should not exceed 5.5mm or 0.22 inches.
Due to the size and weight of the camera it is possible to swivel the camera around the tripod screw while locked down on a tripod. For this reason, for a more secure setup a cage would definitely be useful.
Right now the cage options are pretty limited, but the few I’ve found so far are:
Wooden Camera
I’ve always enjoyed Wooden Camera finishing. A lot of thought goes into the design:
Unfortunately, the price is steep. The cage alone is $399 and the top handle is $250. However, I have no hesitation in recommending their power distribution kit. As for the cage, the thing that ruins it for me is there’s no twist protection (I could be wrong here, please correct me if I am). Secondly, the top plate really is limited in its utility due to the position of the handle, and you need that hot shoe for the XLR adapter!
At this stage I will not recommend this cage.
SSinn
This is one of the earliest releases (available end of March) and is probably the prettiest to look at:
I am not a fan of the NATO release clamp for the top handle, and in this regard SSinn is excellent. That handle isn’t going anywhere. However, if you just need a handle for run and gun that you can take out of the way quickly, a NATO handle isn’t such a bad idea. But, it’s only as good as the person using it.
Also notice the two protrusions at the bottom that prevent the camera from twisting around. The price with the top handle is $270.
CAME-TV
This one is available now for $298. I’ve never been a fan of CAME-TV products. The three things I’ve purchased have left me wanting. So at this price it’s impossible to recommend this. I’m also not a fan of the rod mounting system here. This isn’t to say it’s a bad cage or anything. If they can shave off $100, then it might be a good deal. Remember, the price includes free shipping to many countries.
Based on these options I’d definitely pick SSinn or SmallRig, my favorite being the former. However, I would prefer to see the design realized in person before I can make a recommendation. It’s one thing to show a good render and totally another to actually produce it to look and feel that way. A good cage is a pleasure to use.
What should you look for in a good cage?
I’m sure as the days go by we’ll see a lot more cages with varying price points for the Panasonic GH5 (Amazon, B&H). Most people think a cage will protect your camera. That’s bullshit. Its job is not to protect the camera, but simply to provide mounting points in a stable and secure way. In addition to that you have the option of rigging the camera to different baseplates, and have a top handle/side handle as well.
Here are the important things you need to watch out for:
- It absolutely cannot twist around or have any play. This is a deal breaker. The camera should fit snugly.
- It shouldn’t encumber access to the battery compartment (at the bottom), the SD card slots or any of the ports.
- You should be able to operate the camera freely in your desired mode. Some people prefer to use the camera on a tripod, while others will shoot handheld. Whatever your style, you should be able to access the dials and controls you need easily.
- The top handle should allow for some horizontal adjustment. The center axis of the entire rig might shift depending on the accessories, EVF, monitor, battery, etc., that you might attach. You want to be able to adjust the handle slightly to accommodate that change.
- If you’re using the XLR adapter you need unrestricted access to the hot shoe on top. This is where the CAME-TV and Wooden Camera cages fail. Same goes for adding a shotgun mic, etc. Some of these cages do offer a cold shoe on the top side but that’s an additional adapter and cable from the hot shoe to the cold shoe. Not fun.
- If you’re not using the top handle you need a good side grip. Either the cage comes with a separate attachment or you need access to the camera’s grip. The SmallRig cage protrudes to the side too much and it might make holding the grip uncomfortable. This is why I’m leaning towards the Ssinn. Overall, I prefer cages that can have the right-hand side removed – it reduces weight and gives you unfettered access to the grip and dials.
- You need 1/4″ and 3/8″ mounting holes for your monitor, EVF or whatever else you want to attach.
- It must have enough base area to sit securely on a baseplate.
- It should be well-machined (smooth and even finish, like holding a pebble), and either be of unibody design (like the SSinn), or have hex screws to secure individual pieces.
- Overall, I’d pick the lightest cage if you have multiple choices, because the camera is already heavy enough.
