Introduction

This rig is built around the Sony ZV-E1 which particularly excels in video while also taking great photos. It's a full-frame camera with a 12 megapixel sensor and can capture 4K video at 120 frames-per-second or full HD at 240 frames-per-second.

Each component in this build supports professional‑level video creation while preserving mobility, making it ideal for travel filmmakers, content creators, interview setups, and cinematic handheld work.

1. Sony ZV‑E1

The Sony ZV‑E1 is the central component of this rig. It uses a full‑frame sensor optimized for high sensitivity, meaning each pixel gathers more light than smaller‑format sensors. This increases low‑light performance, reduces image noise, and provides cleaner detail retention in dim environments. The camera records 4K using oversampling and supports high frame rates for smooth slow‑motion playback.

Its advanced subject recognition autofocus analyzes patterns across the sensor to track faces, eyes, and motion with high accuracy. Internal stabilization works in tandem with the camera’s digital correction modes to reduce shake during handheld operation. The camera outputs HDMI for external monitoring, and its compact chassis allows lightweight rig builds without sacrificing professional imaging capability.

2. Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM Lens

This 50mm prime lens provides a natural field of view similar to human perception, making it ideal for interviews, portraits, product shots, and cinematic b‑roll. The f/1.4 aperture allows a large amount of light to pass through the lens, enabling strong low‑light performance and shallow‑depth‑of‑field rendering with smooth background separation.

The lens uses dual XD linear motors for fast and quiet autofocus that pairs well with the ZV‑E1’s real‑time subject tracking. Its optical design maintains sharpness across the frame and controls chromatic aberration. Manual focus is smooth and linear, allowing predictable adjustments during controlled shots.

3. Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G Lens

This wide‑angle prime lens offers a 20mm field of view, which captures a broad scene without excessive distortion. It's well‑suited for environments with limited space.

The f/1.8 aperture gathers substantial light and maintains clarity in darker environments. The two XD linear motors provide fast autofocus with minimal breathing, supporting smooth transitions when tracking moving subjects. Its optical elements control flare and maintain sharpness from center to edges.

4. PolarPro Peter McKinnon Mist Edition II Variable ND Filter (67mm, 2 to 5‑Stop)

A variable ND filter reduces the amount of light entering the lens. This version provides an adjustable 2 to 5‑stop range. Each stop halves the incoming light, allowing you to maintain wide apertures such as f/1.4 or f/1.8 even in bright daylight without overexposing.

The built‑in mist diffusion subtly blooms highlights and softens contrast to create a more cinematic look. Its high‑quality glass minimizes color shifts and mechanical resistance helps prevent accidental rotation between settings.

5. Lexar 256GB Professional 1667x UHS‑II SDXC Card

This SDXC card provides 256GB of storage with UHS‑II architecture, which uses a second row of pins to increase communication speed. Faster write performance supports high‑bitrate 4K and slow‑motion recording. Faster read speeds reduce transfer time when offloading footage to a computer.

6. Sony NP‑FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium‑Ion Battery (2280mAh)

The NP‑FZ100 offers long‑lasting power with a high 2280mAh capacity. It's compact enough to carry spares without adding too much bulk, making it a practical choice for mobile or handheld shooting.

7. SmallRig NP‑FZ100 Camera Battery Charger

This dedicated charger allows fast charging of NP‑FZ100 batteries and includes LED indicators for charge status. It ensures batteries can be cycled quickly during long shoots and keeps the rig powered without relying on USB‑only charging through the camera.

8. Sony ECM‑B1M Camera‑Mount Digital Shotgun Microphone

The ECM‑B1M mounts to the camera’s Multi‑Interface Shoe and uses digital audio transfer instead of an analog cable connection. This reduces noise and preserves clarity. Multiple pickup patterns and onboard processing options allow tailoring the microphone’s directionality and noise reduction to the environment.

This microphone is a great option for capturing high‑quality on‑camera audio with minimal cabling.

9. RØDE Wireless GO II Digital Wireless Microphone System

This two‑person wireless system includes two transmitters and a receiver for capturing dialogue from multiple subjects. It uses 2.4GHz digital transmission and supports onboard recording for redundancy. The compact size makes it practical for handheld setups, interviews, or walk‑and‑talk filming.

This system serves as an alternative to the Sony ECM‑B1M, providing flexible wireless recording with dual subjects.

10. RØDE SC2 Right-Angle 3.5mm TRS Coiled Patch Cable

This patch cable supports audio connection between the microphone system and the camera. Its coiled design minimizes slack and prevents snagging during use.

11. Tilta Full Camera Cage for Sony ZV‑E1

This camera cage surrounds the body with a rigid, form‑fitting frame that adds multiple mounting points including 1/4"-20 threads, 3/8"-16 threads, and cold shoes. It protects the camera and serves as the structural foundation for components such as handles, microphones, and external monitors.

12. PGYTECH OneMo Lite Backpack (Twilight Black, 22L)

This backpack provides padded compartments for safely storing the camera, lenses, filters, monitor, cage components, batteries, and accessories. Adjustable internal dividers allow custom organization.

It offers durable materials, weather resistance, and comfortable straps, making it suitable for travel, location work, and everyday transport of the full rig.

Credit

Thanks to Logan Glover (rigdesigner.com/loganglover) for his contributions to this guide!