I wanted to build a wireless vlog-style camera rig that still feeds into my Atem Mini Extreme ISO for recording or live streaming. Bonus if I can pop the camera off the vlog setup and pop it onto a superclamp or other mount to create random dynamic camera angles!
In the future I’d like to film a studio tour video and a homelab/network rack tour video. Plus I’ll use the flexible camera placement to help with table top product reviews.
PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO
Sony a6400 Mirrless Camera
I chose the Sony a6400 camera for my vlog-style camera rig because the Sony's have really good auto-focus and I like the flip up screen. There are also a lot of after market parts available for the Sony Alpha line of cameras from companies like SmallRig (brackets and such).
If you have the budget, you could go up another level to the Sony a6600 which has internal body image stabilization (IBIS) for smoother handheld shots.
SmallRig L-Bracket (Half Cage) for Sony a6400
This L-Bracket is lighter than a full camera cage, but still allows for mounting a few accessories on the side. I wanted this vlog camera rig to be light weight as I'll often be holding it up with one hand. But also I still needed to be able to mount the wireless video transmitter on the side.
SmallRig Cold Shoe Relocation Bracket for Sony a6400
The Sony A6400 camera has the cold shoe right in front of the flip up screen. To keep the mic out of the way of the flip up screen, use this cold shoe relocation bracket!
Tilting Oben Quick Release
This is the Oben Quick Release I end up using on this vlog-style camera rig build. I use all Oben Quick Releases throughout my entire video studio so that I can move cameras around anywhere quite easily.
Oben Full Ballhead w/ Quick Release BA-117
This is the full ball head from Oben with the same quick release as the tilt head I'm using. This is a bit heavy for a one-handed vlog carry, but great to use around the studio. I show this item mounted on a superclamp in the video, but its also the ballhead I use to mount a camera above my computer monitor like a webcam.
SwitchPod Vlogging Tripod
The SwitchPod is hands-down the best Vlogging tripod you can get! It's a little pricey compared to some of the plastic alternatives you can find online, but the metal construction, high quality design and unique flip out legs make it well worth it.
Deity D4 Duo Microphone
This is a nice compact vlogging microphone with a very unique feature - having two mic capsules to capture audio from both behind and in front of the camera! There are Fair critiques of this product though: it is sensitive to wind noise if you are doing a lot of outdoor vlogging.
Wireless HDMI Video Kit - Hollyland Mars 300 Pro
This is one of the most compact and light weight options on the market right now for wireless hdmi video. I wanted something without a bunch of antennas sticking out of it for a sleek/self contained camera rig. This wireless video kit, along with most any of wireless sytem under $1000, does have some latency of around 80ms.
90-degree micro-HDMI to HDMI cables
These cables are awesome for a camera rig build! They make them in all variation of right angle micro-hdmi ends. The 90-degree ends are low profile so you can squeeze them into your rig build such as between the camera and wireless transmitter as shown in this video.
Small Sony NPF Battery
This is the battery for the wireless hdmi kit. You can get bigger ones for longer runtime, but I was optimizing for lower weight to carry this rig one-handed. The smallest NPF battery size is "550" or npf-550.
Super Clamp
Later in the video, I showed how to attach an Oben ballhead to a superclamp. This makes a really handy mounting rig to place a camera almost anywhere around your studio. You can clamp it to the edge of a desk, a bookshelf, a c-stand or anything else.
Sigma 16mm f1.4 Lens for SONY
This is THE BEST wide angle lens for vlogging. You can buy it with a few different mounting options, this link is for the Sony E-Mount standard which will work with a Sony A6400 or A6600 or other sony alpha cameras.
Sigma 16mm f1.4 Lens for CANON
This is the same lens as above, except with the right mount for Canon mirrorless cameras like the Canon M50. Canon vs Sony is one of those never ending debates on the internet. I like my Sony cameras, but hey if you like the Canon then all the power to you!
DISCLOSURE: This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps support the channel.
TIMESTAMPS
- 00:00 - Why build a Wireless Camera Rig?
- 00:50 - Sony A6400 and SmallRig L-Bracket
- 02:16 - SwitchPod Vlogging Tripod
- 03:50 - Oben Quick Release Ballhead or Tilt Head
- 06:15 - Deity D4 Duo Microphone
- 08:10 - Hollyland Mars 300 Pro Wireless HDMI
- 12:27 - Chosing the Best Vlogging Lens (Sigma 16mm)
- 13:12 - Sample Use: Vlog Mode Wireless Camera Rig
- 13:50 - Sample Use: Side of Computer Wide Angle Shot
- 14:24 - Sample Use: Steadicam Tour Mode
- 15:01 - Building the Super Clamp Oben Quick Release
- 16:11 - Sample Use: Table Top Product Shot
- 16:32 - Sample Use: Overhead Shot with Superclamp
- 18:27 - Summary and Conclusions
#benstechlab #hollyland #camerarig
Posted By Ben
Ben is a software architect and developer who loves all things tech. When he's not at work he likes to play with computer tech, home automation and video production.