There was a time when I found myself in situations where my camera felt vulnerable. Whether shooting run-and-gun or trying to attach multiple accessories for a more complex setup, the fear of accidental bumps or feeling limited by mounting options was constantly present. This challenge wasn’t just inconvenient; it risked damaging expensive equipment or compromising the flexibility needed to capture the shots I envisioned. Finding a robust and adaptable solution was crucial.
Before diving into a specific product, it’s essential to understand why someone might seek a camera support frame, often referred to as a camera cage, in the first place. These accessories primarily serve two key purposes: providing enhanced protection for your valuable camera body and offering numerous attachment points for external accessories like monitors, microphones, handles, and lights. The ideal customer for a camera cage is typically a videographer, filmmaker, or serious photographer who frequently uses their camera in varied environments, needs to build out a versatile rig, or simply wants added peace of mind regarding their gear’s safety. Someone who only uses their camera for casual snapshots and doesn’t attach any external gear might find a cage unnecessary, as it adds bulk and weight. For them, a simple camera strap and careful handling might suffice.
When considering a camera cage, several factors should weigh into your decision. Firstly, compatibility is paramount – the cage must be specifically designed for your camera model to ensure a perfect fit and full access to controls and ports. Protection level is another; does it cover vulnerable areas without hindering functionality? The array and type of mounting points (1/4″-20 threads, 3/8″-16 threads, cold shoes, NATO rails) will determine its versatility for your specific needs. Material and build quality impact durability and weight – aluminum is common for its balance of strength and lightness. Finally, ease of installation and removal, and how it affects access to essential functions like the battery door and memory card slot, are practical considerations that can significantly impact workflow.
- For Sony A6700: SmallRig Cage 4336 is designed for Sony A6700, which includes a cable clamp for HDMI, protects the camera while making it easy to record videos with its multiple accessory mounting...
- Excellent Grip Feeling: Featured with an additional hinge arm on the battery door, this product not only fits the curve of the camera perfectly, but also significantly improves the overall grip...
- Full Protection: The all-in-one complete housing fits for Sony A6700 very well, locks the camera by 1/4"-20 screw and M2.5 screw, which maintains full access to your ports, controls and battery door...
An Overview of the SmallRig Cage Kit
The SmallRig Cage Kit for Sony A6700 (4336) is designed as a comprehensive solution for enhancing the functionality and protection of the Sony Alpha 6700 camera. It promises to provide robust housing, multiple accessory mounting points, and improved ergonomics, transforming the compact mirrorless camera into a more capable tool for serious video and photography work. Included in the kit are the cage itself and a dedicated cable clamp for the HDMI port. Compared to earlier SmallRig cages for previous Sony Alpha models, this version is tailored precisely for the A6700, ensuring a snug fit and optimal access, while incorporating refined features like the integrated Arca-Swiss plate and improved grip design. This specific cage kit is ideal for A6700 users looking to build a serious video rig, add significant protection, or improve the camera’s handling, especially when using larger lenses. It might be less suitable for users who prioritize an absolute minimalist setup or rarely use external accessories, as it does add some bulk.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Excellent, tailored fit for the Sony A6700
* Provides significant protection against bumps and scratches
* Vast array of mounting points for versatility
* Includes useful HDMI cable clamp
* Integrated Arca-Swiss base simplifies tripod/gimbal transitions
* Improves camera grip and ergonomics
* Lightweight aluminum construction
Cons:
* Adds noticeable weight and size to the camera
* Can make headphone jack access slightly less convenient when using the cable clamp
* Most accessories (handles, monitors, lights) are sold separately
- 【Wide Compatibility】 This NEEWER universal camera cage for handheld shooting is widely compatible with Canon 5D Mark II 5D Mark III 600D 700D Nikon 7200D Sony Fujifilm Pentax and other DSLR...
- 【Compatible with Fujifilm X-S20】 Only Compatible with Fujifilm X-S20 camera, this formfitting cage gives full access to buttons, ports, LCD screen, battery door, and the integrated pop up flash....
- Camera cage kit which including camera cage, follow focus and matte box.
Delving into Capabilities and Advantages
Having used this SmallRig Cage Kit for Sony A6700 extensively, I can share how its specific features translate into real-world benefits for a busy shooter. The way the cage integrates with the camera, providing both enhanced protection and expanded functionality, is truly transformative.
One of the first things I noticed after installing the cage was the significant improvement in grip feeling. The SmallRig cage features an additional hinge arm on the battery door side that perfectly complements the camera’s existing grip. This isn’t just a cosmetic addition; it makes holding the relatively compact A6700 much more secure and comfortable, especially when using heavier lenses or shooting for extended periods handheld. For someone like me with larger hands, this added depth to the grip is invaluable. It reduces hand fatigue and provides a feeling of greater stability, which is crucial for getting sharp shots and steady video. The ergonomic design feels natural, almost as if it’s an extension of the camera body itself.
Beyond comfort, the full-frame design offers comprehensive protection. This all-in-one housing wraps around the Sony A6700 snugly, secured by a 1/4″-20 screw at the bottom and an M2.5 screw on the side. This dual-point attachment prevents any twisting or movement within the cage, ensuring your camera is locked down tight. I’ve taken my camera into various locations, from crowded events to outdoor shoots, and the cage acts like a protective armour. It shields the camera body from accidental bumps, scrapes, and minor impacts that are almost inevitable during active shooting. Knowing that the cage will take the brunt of any knocks rather than the camera body itself provides immense peace of mind, allowing me to focus on capturing the moment without constantly worrying about damaging my gear. Crucially, the cage is designed to maintain full access to all ports, controls, the battery door, and the memory card slot. You don’t have to remove the cage for basic functions like changing batteries or swapping SD cards, which is essential for a smooth workflow. The only caveat here is needing to remove the strap ring on the right side of the camera before installation, which is a minor one-time step.
Where the SmallRig Cage truly shines is in its multitude of mounting points. This is where the versatility for building a professional rig comes into play. The cage is covered in 1/4”-20 and 3/8”-16 threaded holes. These aren’t just random holes; they are strategically placed to accommodate various accessories. I’ve easily attached side handles for better two-handed control, articulated arms for external monitors, and various other rigging components. There’s a dedicated 3/8″-16 top location hole, perfect for attaching top handles that make low-angle shots or carrying the rig much easier. Additionally, the integrated cold shoe mount on top is indispensable for attaching microphones, LED lights, or wireless receivers without needing extra adapters. The compatibility extends to SmallRig‘s ecosystem, including various straps (hand straps, wrist straps, shoulder straps), allowing you to configure the camera setup exactly how you need it for any given project. This vast expandability means the camera can adapt to everything from a minimalist vlogging setup to a full-blown cinematic rig.
The inclusion of a dedicated cable clamp for the HDMI port is a thoughtful and highly practical feature. For anyone doing video work that requires an external monitor or recorder, a stable HDMI connection is paramount. Accidentally bumping the cable and having it disconnect can ruin a take or, worse, damage the port itself over time. The included thumb-screw cable clamp secures the HDMI cable firmly to the cage, preventing accidental pulls and ensuring stable signal transmission. It’s quick to assemble and disassemble when needed. A minor point to note, as mentioned in the product description, is that if you need to use the headphone jack located near the HDMI port, you will likely need to remove the cable clamp first. This is a small trade-off for the security the clamp provides to the HDMI connection.
Another standout feature is the integrated Swiss Arca-Type quick release plate built into the base of the cage. This might seem minor, but it’s a huge workflow enhancer. It allows for rapid transitions between different support systems that use the Arca-Swiss standard – be it a tripod, monopod, or certain gimbals (like the DJI RS 2 / RSC 2 / RS 3 / RS 3 Pro). Instead of needing to screw a separate plate onto the cage every time, it’s already built-in and perfectly aligned. This saves time on set and makes the whole process of moving from a tripod shot to a handheld setup, or transitioning to a gimbal, significantly smoother and faster.
The build quality is typical SmallRig – excellent. Made from lightweight aluminum, the cage feels incredibly sturdy and durable without adding excessive weight to the overall setup. At 152 grams, it’s substantial enough to offer serious protection but doesn’t turn the compact A6700 into an unwieldy brick. The finish is smooth and feels premium. Installation is straightforward, using the included magnetic tool cleverly stored at the bottom of the cage (though I agree with one user review that keeping it in your bag might be safer than relying solely on the magnet).
While the cage adds numerous benefits, it’s worth reiterating the slight increase in size and weight. The A6700 is prized for its compact nature, and adding a cage naturally makes it larger. This is a necessary consequence of adding protection and mounting points, but it’s something to be aware of if you need the absolute smallest possible camera setup. The benefit of enhanced grip and protection usually outweighs this for most users building a rig, but it’s a factor to consider. Also, while the kit provides the essential cage and cable clamp, you’ll need to purchase additional SmallRig or compatible accessories to fully utilize the mounting points for a complex setup. This isn’t a drawback of the cage itself but an expectation when building a modular system.
Overall, the integration of features like the improved grip, full access design, integrated Arca-Swiss plate, and comprehensive mounting options makes this SmallRig Cage Kit a powerful tool. It solves the initial problem of vulnerability and limited rigging options by providing a secure, versatile, and ergonomic foundation for the Sony A6700.
What Users Are Saying
Looking around online, the sentiment from users of the SmallRig Cage Kit for Sony A6700 seems overwhelmingly positive. Many highlight the precise fit and sturdy construction, noting how it perfectly contours to the camera body without any play. Users appreciate the added grip, finding it makes the A6700 much more comfortable and secure to hold, especially for those with larger hands. The protection it offers is frequently mentioned as a key benefit, acting as an effective armour against potential damage. People also praise the sheer number of attachment points, stating it provides immense versatility for mounting various accessories, making it indispensable for video production. The integrated Arca-Swiss plate is a popular feature, simplifying quick transitions between different supports. Reviewers consistently commend SmallRig for their attention to detail in designing cages tailored to specific camera models.
Final Assessment
Recapping, the core issue for many active photographers and videographers using cameras like the Sony A6700 is the need for enhanced protection and the ability to easily integrate accessories for a more versatile setup. Without a solution like a camera cage, you risk damaging your valuable equipment and are limited in building a proper rig for more professional work. The SmallRig Cage Kit for Sony A6700 (4336) is an excellent answer to this problem. It’s a great fit because it offers comprehensive protection, drastically improves the camera’s handling and grip, and provides an extensive array of mounting points to accommodate almost any accessory you might need. It transforms the camera into a robust, modular system ready for diverse shooting scenarios. If you’re serious about expanding the capabilities of your Sony A6700 and protecting your investment, this cage kit is a highly recommended upgrade. To learn more or to check out the SmallRig Cage Kit for yourself, Click here to check the product out.
Last update on 2025-07-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API