Introduction

This rig is built around the Sony a7S III, a hybrid camera that excels in both photo and video. It's a full-frame camera with a 12.1 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 camerawork for any purpose.

1. Sony A7S III Mirrorless Camera

The Sony a7S III is a compact camera designed for controlled, high‑quality recording in a portable body. It uses a full‑frame sensor that allows for strong low‑light performance and a wide dynamic range, helping preserve detail in both bright and dark areas. Its magnesium-alloy construction and enhanced weather-resistance make it more durable than typical compact bodies.

The a7S III’s autofocus system includes subject tracking and eye detection, giving the operator precise control over focus during movement or complex scenes. The camera has two memory card slots, which are versatile and support both high-speed CFexpress Type A cards and standard SDXC/SDHC (UHS-II or UHS-I) cards, allowing for backup, relay recording, or separate file types.

2. Sony FE 24–105mm f/4 G OSS Lens

This zoom lens covers a 24–105mm focal length range allowing for wide framing at the short end and tight, portrait‑friendly framing at the long end, making it a versatile all‑purpose lens. It maintains a constant f/4 aperture ensuring strong low‑light performance and consistent exposure across the zoom range.

The lens includes Optical SteadyShot (OSS), which uses internal lens elements to counteract small movements. This reduces visible shake, which is useful when holding the camera by hand. Its zoom and focus rings provide smooth mechanical resistance, allowing controlled adjustments without sudden jumps.

3. Sony E 55–210mm f/4.5–6.3 OSS Lens

This telephoto zoom lens covers a 55-210mm focal length range suited for medium to long distances. It uses a variable f/4.5–6.3 aperture, which means the aperture range narrows as you zoom in. Wider apertures (lower f-numbers) let in more light, while narrower apertures (higher f-numbers) let in less. At 55mm you’ll have more light available than at 210mm. This design helps keep the lens compact while still offering a long zoom range.

The lens includes Optical SteadyShot (OSS), which uses internal lens elements to counteract small movements. This reduces visible shake, which is useful when holding the camera by hand. Its zoom and focus rings provide smooth mechanical resistance, allowing controlled adjustments without sudden jumps.

4. PolarPro Peter McKinnon Signature Edition II Variable ND Filter (82mm, 2–5 Stop)

This adjustable neutral‑density filter reduces the amount of light entering the lens by 2 to 5 stops. A “stop” refers to a doubling or halving of light, so this range gives control over exposure without changing aperture or shutter speed.

The filter rotates smoothly, allowing fine‑tuned exposure control in bright environments. Its optical glass and coated elements help maintain image sharpness and color accuracy.

5. PolarPro Brass Step‑Up Ring (77–82mm)

This step‑up ring allows the Sony 24-105mm (77mm thread) lens to accept the PolarPro ND filter (82mm thread). Step-up rings enable you to use the same filter on lenses of varying thread sizes.

6. Sensei PRO 49–82mm Aluminum Step‑Up Ring

This step‑up ring allows the Sony 55-210mm (49mm thread) lens to accept the PolarPro ND filter (82mm thread).

7. Lexar 256GB Professional 1667x UHS‑II SDXC Memory 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.

8. Atomos AtomX Sony L‑Series Type Battery Eliminator

This battery eliminator replaces the camera‑style battery normally used in the monitor and instead allows power to come from the camera (or another source like AC adapters or V-mount) through the DC cable. It enables continuous power delivery without needing to swap batteries during long shoots.

9. SmallRig VB99 Pro Mini V‑Mount Battery

The VB99 Pro is a compact 99 watt-hour V-mount battery designed to supply power to the camera and other components. It includes multiple output options such as D-Tap, dual USB-C (one bi-directional for PD fast charging), USB-A, and 12V/8V DC ports, allowing several devices to be powered simultaneously.

Its 99Wh capacity keeps it airline‑travel compliant while still offering long runtimes on set. A built-in color display provides real-time battery information, and the reinforced housing offers added durability while maintaining a compact form factor for lightweight rig builds.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Atomos Shinobi II 5.2" HDMI HDR Monitor

The Shinobi II features a 5.2‑inch display and supports HDR previewing, which shows a wider range of brightness levels on screen and provides a clearer visual reference for framing, focus, and exposure.

It receives video through HDMI input and displays exposure tools such as waveform, vectorscope, and focus peaking.

13. Kondor Blue Coiled DC 2.1mm to Right‑Angle DC Cable (16–32")

This cable transfers power from the V‑mount battery’s DC output to the monitor's DC input. The coiled design minimizes slack.

14. SmallRig Camera Cage for Sony A7S III

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 mounts with ARRI‑style locating pins, and cold shoes. It protects the camera and serves as the structural foundation for components such as handles, microphones, and external monitors.

15. SmallRig Snap‑On Quick‑Lock NATO Side Handle

This handle mounts to the cage using a NATO rail and provides comfortable side‑grip ergonomics. It improves handheld stability and reduces fatigue during extended shooting, and the quick‑lock design allows fast repositioning or removal.

16. SmallRig NATO Top Handle Lite

This top handle attaches to the cage via an ARRI‑style anti‑twist interface mount. It allows low‑angle shooting, easier handling, and secure mounting of components such as monitors, lights, or microphones. Top handles also improve rig balance when carrying or operating the camera.

17. SmallRig Mini Quick Release NATO Rail (1.9")

This 1.9‑inch NATO rail acts as a mounting interface for NATO‑compatible components such as handles or monitor mounts. The quick‑release design allows attachments to slide on or off without tools.

18. SmallRig Compact V‑Mount Battery Mounting System

This system mounts the V‑mount battery to the cage using a V‑lock interface. It includes adjustment points for positioning the battery relative to the rig and a quick‑release mechanism for fast removal. The system helps manage cable routing and balances the rig's weight distribution.

19. SmallRig Swivel and Tilt Adjustable Monitor Mount with ARRI‑Style Mount

This monitor mount uses ARRI‑style locating pins to prevent twisting and ensures a stable connection. It tilts and swivels, allowing the operator to position the monitor at angles suitable for handheld, tripod, or overhead setups. The mount supports small to medium‑sized monitors securely.

20. Kondor Blue Coiled Right‑Angle High‑Speed HDMI Cable (Kondor Blue, 12 to 24")

This high‑speed HDMI cable supports stable transmission of high‑resolution video signals. The right‑angle connectors help reduce port strain, especially in tight rig setups. The coiled section expands from 12 to 24 inches, keeping cable management controlled and preventing unnecessary slack while maintaining full flexibility.

21. Kondor Blue 12 to 24" Coiled USB-C Right Angle Braided Cable

This USB-C cable allows the monitor to control features on the camera. It also allows the monitor to power the camera.

22. Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 30L

This backpack provides structured storage for cameras, lenses, accessories, and personal items. The 30‑liter capacity offers room for full rig kits, and the internal dividers allow custom layout configurations. External access points and weather‑resistant materials make it suitable for travel and location work.