{"id":2165,"date":"2014-07-01T07:30:52","date_gmt":"2014-07-01T17:30:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/auto-draft\/"},"modified":"2015-02-11T10:41:16","modified_gmt":"2015-02-11T20:41:16","slug":"panasonic-gh4-cages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/blog\/panasonic-gh4-cages\/","title":{"rendered":"Cage Fight! The 5 Best Cages for the Panasonic GH4"},"content":{"rendered":"
Choosing the right cage for the Panasonic GH4 is an important decision because it is the foundation of your camera rig. A cage must allow you to mount the necessary accessories to shoot effectively.<\/p>\n
Thanks to the popularity of the GH4, there are now several cages available for this camera. This post breaks down the pros and cons of the top 5 cages for the Panasonic GH4.<\/p>\n
First, let’s set some ground rules so that we’re all on the same page regarding what constitutes a viable cage for the Panasonic GH4.<\/p>\n
All cages in this post meet this criteria. Let’s take a look at what sets each cage apart.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n If you’re looking for a straightforward cage, then Fhugen’s Honu cage may be right for you. While it’s not particularly flashy, the Honu provides mounting points on all sides of the GH4 as well as three quick-release cold shoe mounts, providing a lot of versatility in an affordable package.<\/p>\n Bottom line:<\/strong> A straightforward and affordable cage with ample mounting points for accessories.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/a><\/p>\n If you’re looking for a cage that you can permanently attach to the GH4, then Wooden Camera’s Small Quick Cage may be your best bet. The Quick Cage bolts to the top and bottom of the GH4 and a simple 15mm rod with additional mounting points runs vertically along the left side, leaving the GH4’s grip free for holding.<\/p>\n Further Reading<\/strong><\/p>\n Bottom line:<\/strong> A minimal cage that can stay on your camera and quickly mounts to other components to build up the rig as needed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Swedish Chameleon packs a ton of functionality into this small semi-cage for the GH4. The top of the cage has 3 cold shoes and a bunch of mounting points. The right side of the cage has mounting points, but is also a NATO rail<\/strong> so that you can quickly mount compatible accessories that simply slide on and clamp securely to the rail, no screws required.<\/p>\n Bottom line:<\/strong> A cage with versatile mounting options, but the lack of anti-twist functionality and HDMI clamping may pose an issue in some situations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/a><\/p>\n If you’re looking for a full cage that keeps GH4 as compact as possible, Varavon’s Armor cage may be the perfect fit– literally.<\/p>\n This cage actually follows the GH4’s contours so that there is only a small gap between the camera and cage throughout the entire cage. There are cutouts in the cage to provide access to the GH4’s controls despite the tight fit.<\/p>\n Additionally, unlike most full cages, you can actually hold the GH4 like a normal camera when mounted in the Varavon Armor thanks to the included hand strap. Though the mounting points on the Armor’s right side are not accessible when using the hand strap, it’s nice to have this option.<\/p>\n Bottom line:<\/strong> A form-fitting and feature-rich cage only limited by the small number of mounting points.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/a><\/p>\n The Contineo cage has a unibody design that hugs closely to the GH4. However, unlike the contoured shape of Varavon’s Armor cage, the Contineo’s surfaces are flat, providing more mounting points and greater versatility in the types of accessories that can be mounted to this cage.<\/p>\n Further Reading:<\/strong> Viewfactor Contineo GH4 Cage Review<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Bottom line:<\/strong> A solid & versatile cage tailored for the GH4<\/p>\n<\/div>\n All of these cages are viable options, each with their own set of benefits and compromises. The best cage<\/strong> will differ from person to person because your requirements will vary.<\/p>\n For example, if you want the GH4 in a cage at all times, then a semi-cage like Wooden Camera’s Quick Cage may be a good fit because you can still hold the GH4 like a normal camera. Thanks to its hand strap, Varavon’s Armor may also be an option for an always-on cage despite being a full cage.<\/p>\n If mounting flexibility is a priority, then a full cage like Fhugen’s Honu or Viewfactor’s Contineo may be the best option.<\/p>\n I will be reviewing each cage in the coming weeks to help you choose the best cage for your particular needs. Let me know which cage you’re most interested in if you want to see that one reviewed first.<\/p>\n Are you excited about the potential of the Panasonic GH4 and its versatile Micro Four Thirds lens mount, but feel overwhelmed by all the options?<\/p>\n The Panasonic GH4’s MFT system may be completely new territory for a many of you. It’s such a versatile system that it can all be a bit hard to digest.<\/p>\n I’ve been shooting on the MFT system and Panasonic’s GH-series cameras for several years and I want to help you find your bearings quickly so you can get back to shooting awesome stuff! That’s why I’m currently offering free consults to help answer your questions. <\/p>\n Get your free consult today<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Cages<\/strong><\/p>\n Camera Rigs<\/strong><\/p>\n Rig Components<\/strong><\/p>\n Choose the right cage for your camera rig.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2172,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[301],"tags":[353,359,355,249,302,288,247,282,358,357,653,354,356],"medium":[],"theme":[],"tool":[],"series":[361],"yoast_head":"\n\n
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The Minimalist: Wooden Camera Quick Cage<\/h2>\n
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Multi-Functional: Swedish Chameleon SC:GH3 Cage<\/h2>\n
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Like a Glove: Varavon Armor<\/h2>\n
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Form + Function: Viewfactor Contineo GH4 Cage<\/h2>\n
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Choosing the Right Cage<\/h2>\n
Free Consult<\/h2>\n
Rigging the Panasonic GH4<\/h2>\n
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More Panasonic GH4 Guides<\/h2>\n
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