Panasonic really hit the nail on the head with the S5 IIX. They took many of the biggest complaints with the first version and addressed them while also adding some new features and functionality.
The S5 IIX is one of the best hybrid mirrorless cameras if you want to shoot video. Reminds me a little bit of the classic GH-series releases.
Anyway, if you are a fan of the S5 IIX and you are looking to make the most out of your camera then you’ll want to rig it up. Not too much though as that compact form factor is always appealing.
For a good example of a minimalist cine rig we checked out this build from Anson & Co.
I hope this isn’t surprising any regulars here, but the first thing we are going to talk about is the cage – you can’t build a solid rig without a decent cage to build on. In this case we are seeing the SmallRig Black Mamba.
This has made a few appearances in the past rigs we have looked at and it’s simple, effective design is great for so many builds.
Image Credit: SmallRig
Up top you’ll see a simple monitor mount that attaches to the cage’s mounting point with ARRI locating pins. Solid and relatively low profile.
On the bottom is a SmallRig Baseplate for the 15mm rods. Those are simple carbon fiber rods, which come in various sizes depending on what you need for your lenses.
On the baseplate is a standard Manfrotto baseplate for mounting to the usual support systems.
Image Credit: Panasonic
Powering the camera is an ANDYCINE V-mount battery pack attached to SmallRig’s battery plate. The adapter has good power routing options.
A Kondor Blue Dummy Battery with a D-tap connection is then used to power the camera itself. There is also a D-tap cable being used to power the monitor.
The latter seems to be the OSEE Lilmon 5. You may want to switch it out for an Atomos Ninja Ultra if you need to do some recording, but for the most part with the excellent internal recording options and SSD recording of the S5 IIX you can stick with the OSEE.
Another Kondor Blue cable is being used for the HDMI connection.
Image Credit: OSEE
When recording to an SSD you’ll need a place to mount it. For that, you can attach a Niceyrig SSD holder. This goes between the adapter and the camera which keeps it nice and out of the way. The drive in question is a Samsung T5.
The next part is the most subjective element: the optics. For instance, you can generally use AF-capable lenses with the most common choice being the Sigma 24-70mm and for certain shots – the 70-200mm.
In front of that lens is a Peter McKinnon Variable ND with 2-5 stop range. You can also add a Tiffen Black Pro-Mist.
That’s it! It’s a simple yet effective rig that can be easily used both handheld or on a tripod.
What do you think? Anything you would add (or subtract)?
[source: Anson & Co.]
Order Links:
- Panasonic Lumix S5 II Mirrorless Camera (B&H, Amazon)
- Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX Mirrorless Camera (B&H, Amazon)
- SmallRig Black Mamba Cage for Panasonic S5 II/S5 IIX (B&H, Amazon)
- SmallRig ARRI-Style Monitor Mount (B&H, Amazon)
- SmallRig Camera Baseplate (Amazon)
- SmallRig 15mm Carbon Fiber Rods (B&H, Amazon)
- Manfrotto MVH502AH Fluid Video Head (B&H, Amazon)
- Kondor Blue Dummy Battery for Panasonic S5 IIX (B&H, Amazon)
- SmallRig V-Mount Battery Adapter Plate (B&H, Amazon)
- ANDYCINE Mini V-Mount Battery Pack (Amazon)
- OSEE Lilmon 5 On-Camera Monitor (B&H, Amazon)
- Kondor Blue HDMI Cable (B&H, Amazon)
- Niceyrig SSD Mount for Samsung T5 (B&H, Amazon)
- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens for L-Mount (B&H, Amazon)
- Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports Lens for L-Mount (B&H, Amazon)
- PolarPro 82mm Peter McKinnon Signature Edition II Variable ND Filter (B&H, Amazon)
- Tiffen 82mm Black Pro-Mist 1/4 Filter (B&H, Amazon)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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