Quick Refresh: Why Use a Cage?<\/h2>\n
A cage is basically a structure that wraps around all or part of the camera. Here are the key reasons for using a cage:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Protection<\/strong> – the cage serves as an outer shell to protect the camera body from bumps or drops. A metal cage is usually tougher than most cameras’ plastic bodies.<\/li>\n
- Mounting Options<\/strong> – most cameras don’t offer a lot of options for mounting additional accessories required for video production. A cage must provide mounting points with standard screw threads (e.g. 1\/4″-20 & 3\/8″-16) for mounting accessories like audio recorders, monitors, lights, handles, etc.<\/li>\n
- Rigidity<\/strong> – keeping the camera from twisting is especially important when using a follow focus, so some cages provide anti-twist functionality to keep the camera pointing straight ahead.<\/li>\n
- Support<\/strong> – a top handle can make supporting the camera at different angles easier, but a camera’s hot shoe was not designed to support the weight of a loaded camera rig (or even just the camera itself). Instead of risking damage to the camera, a cage provides a strong base for mounting handles and other accessories that would otherwise exert stress on the camera body itself (lights, monitors, etc.).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If none of these benefits apply to you, then you do not need a cage. Go forth and shoot cage-free!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Quick Cage Overview<\/h2>\n
![\"Wooden](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_037_Wooden-Camera-Quick-Cage-693x519.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\nJust the Stats Ma’am<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Manufacturer:<\/strong> Wooden Camera<\/li>\n
- Form-factor:<\/strong> Half-cage<\/li>\n
- GH4-specific:<\/strong> No<\/li>\n
- Mounting Options<\/strong>\n
- \n
- 1\/4″-20:<\/strong> Yes<\/li>\n
- 3\/8″-16:<\/strong> Yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Weight:<\/strong> 426g<\/li>\n
- Price:<\/strong> $399<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
Wooden Camera’s Quick Cage is a half-cage<\/strong>— it wraps around the left and top sides of the camera, but leaves the right-hand side completely open. This provides unencumbered access to the GH4’s controls and also allows you to hold the GH4 as you normally would, using the camera’s hand grip.<\/p>\n
![\"Left-side](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_020_Left-side-cage-coverage-693x519.jpg\")
<\/a> ![\"Top](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_044_Top-cage-coverage-693x476.jpg\")
<\/a> ![\"GH4](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_036_GH4-hand-grip-is-accessible-693x474.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe Quick Cage is made up of 3 components:<\/p>\n
A cheese plate that sits atop the camera.<\/p>\n
![\"Quick](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_031_Quick-Cage-top-plate-693x429.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nA baseplate mounted under the camera.<\/p>\n
![\"Quick](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_027_Cage-Baseplate-693x407.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nAnd a vertical 15mm rod that connects the top and bottom plates together.<\/p>\n
![\"Vertical](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_023_Left-side-cage-coverage-693x519.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nInstallation<\/h2>\n
Installing the Quick Cage on the GH4 is relatively straightforward and only takes a few minutes once you’ve done it a couple times.<\/p>\n
![\"Quick](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_001_Quick-Cage-Components-693x455.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Mount baseplate under camera (screws into camera’s tripod mount)
\n![\"Attach](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_007_Attach-Baseplate-693x519.jpg\")
<\/a><\/li>\n- Mount top cheese plate on camera’s hot shoe (loosely tightened)
\n![\"Mounting](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_032_Mounting-points-on-top-plate-693x519.jpg\")
<\/a><\/li>\n- Align top and bottom plates and slide rod through each plate’s rod clamp and tighten.
\n![\"Insert](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_011_Insert-vertical-rod-693x519.jpg\")
<\/a> ![\"Tighten](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_012_Tighten-rod-clamps-693x519.jpg\")
<\/a><\/li>\n- Fully tighten top plate’s hot shoe clamp.
\n![\"Attach](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_010_Attach-Top-Plate-693x519.jpg\")
<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n![\"GH4](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_038_GH4-in-Quick-Cage-693x519.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\nNotice: Battery Access<\/h3>\n
The Quick Cage allows full access to the GH4’s battery, but you need to be mindful of the camera’s fore\/aft position when you mount it on the Quick Cage’s baseplate.<\/p>\n
If you mount the GH4 too far forward or rearward, the battery door will by blocked by the baseplate.<\/p>\n
![\"Battery](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_004_Battery-door-blocked-by-cage-baseplate-693x491.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPosition the GH4 on the baseplate so that the battery door is between the baseplate’s inset to allow the battery door to open fully.<\/p>\n
![\"Full](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_005_Battery-door-fully-opened-693x484.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nBottom line:<\/strong> Installation is quick and simple. Just pay attention when attaching the baseplate so that the GH4’s battery door is not blocked.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Build Quality<\/h2>\n
Calling the Quick Cage “well-built” would be an understatement.<\/p>\n
This thing is solid<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
Robust Components<\/h3>\n
The top plate, baseplate, and vertical rod are all 15mm thick, meaning that the cage exhibits zero flex<\/strong> and provides a very rigid structure for the camera.<\/p>\n
![\"Cage](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_025_Cage-thickness-693x432.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nFinishing Touches<\/h3>\n
All of the Quick Cage’s edges are smooth and beveled, protecting you from wayward scratches. Furthermore, the entire cage is anodized, giving the Quick Cage a smooth satin black finish that will not easily scratch off.<\/p>\n
![\"Smooth](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_026_Smooth-and-beveled-edges-693x488.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWooden Camera’s attention to detail even extends to the Quick Cage’s threaded holes, which are as smooth as silk. You can easily screw in bolts with just two fingers. By comparison, many of the threaded holes on Fhugen’s Honu<\/strong> cage required a good amount of cleaning before they were even usable.<\/p>\n
![\"Smooth](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_033_Smooth-threads-693x439.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\nBottom line:<\/strong> The Quick Cage is built to last.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Protection<\/h2>\n
By definition, a cage<\/strong> should provide some level of protection for the camera it contains.<\/p>\n
The Quick Cage’s heavy duty construction does a good job of protecting the camera. As a half cage though, it does not provide protection over the entire camera, but rather over the top, bottom, and left sides.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nThis is the trade-off of a half cage– full access to the GH4’s controls means less overall protection from impacts. The GH4 is much more protected within the Quick Cage than without, but a full cage may be more appropriate in hazardous environments.<\/p>\n
\nBottom line:<\/strong> The GH4 is not fully enveloped by the Quick Cage, but the camera is well-protected wherever the cage provides coverage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Mounting Points<\/h2>\n
For a half cage, the Quick Cage is absolutely covered with threaded holes for mounting additional accessories such as articulating arms, monitors, LED lights, microphones, and handles to the cage.<\/p>\n
![\"Zacuto](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_046_Zacuto-EVF-mounted-on-Quick-Cage-693x519.jpg\")
<\/a> ![\"Zacuto](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_047_Zacuto-EVF-mounted-on-Quick-Cage-693x620.jpg\")
<\/a> ![\"Zoom](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_049_Zoom-H5-recorder-and-handle-mounted-on-Quick-Cage-693x542.jpg\")
<\/a> ![\"Zoom](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_050_Zoom-H5-recorder-mounted-on-Quick-Cage-693x566.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nMost of the Quick Cage’s mounting points are concentrated on its top plate.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nThreaded 1\/4″-20 and 3\/8″-16 holes blanket the top plate from edge to edge using an industry-standard layout to ensure compatibility with gear from other manufacturers.<\/p>\n
\nTip:<\/strong> Since the Quick Cage’s top plate covers the GH4’s hot shoe, you may want to pick up some cold shoe mounts<\/a>
\nso that you can attach mics and other accessories directly to the cage.<\/p>\n![\"Cold](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/SmallRig_Cold-Shoe.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nNo space was wasted on the Quick Cage. There is even a row of threaded 1\/4″-20 holes on the front<\/em> of the top plate to allow you to mount a 15mm rod clamp for additional rigging options.<\/p>\n
![\"Front](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_034_Front-mounting-points-693x493.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe Quick Cage’s vertical 15mm rod that joins the top and bottom plates also has threaded holes, providing additional flexibility in how gear can be mounted to this cage.<\/p>\n
![\"Mounting](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_021_Mounting-points-on-vertical-rod-693x519.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nFinally, the Quick Cage’s baseplate also has a plethora of threaded holes for mounting everything from tripod plates to custom-made 15mm rod clamps. There are even holes for a tripod plate’s registration pin (a feature lacking on most DSLR-sized cameras), allowing for twist-free tripod mounting.<\/p>\n
![\"Baseplate](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_006_Baseplate-mounting-options-693x519.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nOf course, being a half-cage, the Quick Cage does give up some surface area in exchange for unencumbered access to the GH4’s controls and grip.<\/p>\n
![\"Controls](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_045_Controls-are-accessible-693x519.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nIf the top plate wasn’t so flush with threaded holes, this could be an issue. As it is though, it is unlikely that you will run out of mounting points on the Quick Cage.<\/p>\n
\nBottom line:<\/strong> The Quick Cage has ample mounting points that provide industry-standard compatibility.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Rigidity<\/h2>\n
For a cage to be effective, it must effectively keep the camera from twisting when in use.<\/p>\n
Thankfully, the Quick Cage provides good rigidity for the Panasonic GH4.<\/p>\n
Anti-twist Block<\/h3>\n
The Quick Cage includes an anti-twist block that braces the rear of the camera to prevent it from rotating on the baseplate (and thus getting out of alignment with the rods, etc.).<\/p>\n
![\"Anti-twist](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_003_Anti-twist-block-693x519.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThis works well, except for when you want to use the GH4’s articulating LCD screen.<\/p>\n
![\"Anti-twist](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_008_Anti-twist-block-stops-LCD-articulation-693x485.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nFortunately, the anti-twist block can be removed. This allows full range of motion for the GH4’s LCD screen, but it also means that you lose the block’s anti-twist benefits.<\/p>\n
![\"LCD](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_009_LCD-free-after-removing-anti-twist-block-693x479.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nIt would be nice if the Quick Cage provided some anti-twist functionality in front<\/em> of the camera rather than in the rear. However, if you do not use the LCD screen (e.g. you use the EVF or an external monitor), or you don’t need to adjust it’s position, you can use the anti-twist block without issue.<\/p>\n
Wide Base<\/h3>\n
Even without the anti-twist block installed, the Quick Cage’s wide baseplate provides a good amount of surface area to keep the GH4 from rotating. With the baseplate tightened down, any rotation at all requires a decent amount of force. Securing the top plate to the GH4’s hot shoe improves the camera’s rigidity even further.<\/p>\n
\nBottom line:<\/strong> Even without the anti-twist block, camera rotation in the Quick Cage is minimal at worst.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Full Access<\/h2>\n
One of the key benefits of using a half-cage like the Quick Cage is full access to the camera’s hand grip<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
![\"GH4](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_035_GH4-hand-grip-is-accessible-693x493.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWith the Quick Cage, you can use the GH4 as you normally would, as if the cage weren’t there at all. This is great, because it means that the GH4 can live<\/em> in this cage and still be used for video or stills without any real issues.<\/p>\n
The LCD also has full range of motion since the vertical 15mm rod sits at the front of the cage.<\/p>\n
![\"Vertical](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_022_Vertical-rod-position-693x519.jpg\")
<\/a> ![\"LCD](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_013_LCD-screen-has-full-range-of-motion-693x521.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\nBottom line:<\/strong> Full access to all controls means that the camera can live in the Quick Cage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Ergonomics & Usability<\/h2>\n
The Quick Cage’s design and mounting options provide several options to help you shoot more effectively and comfortably.<\/p>\n
Steering Wheel Grip<\/h3>\n
In addition to allowing full access to the GH4’s hand grip, the Quick Cage also provides another place to grip the rig via its 15mm vertical rod.<\/p>\n
![\"Vertical](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_024_Vertical-rod-can-be-used-as-a-grip-693x511.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nGripping the cage’s vertical 15mm rod turns out to be a rather comfortable way to hold the camera. This “steering wheel” grip is similar to the grip employed by stabilization devices like the Fig Rig<\/strong>, though the Quick Cage’s grip is not as wide.<\/p>\n
![\"Manfrotto](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Manfrotto_Fig-Rig-693x774.jpg\")
<\/a> ![\"Steering](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_039_Steering-Wheel-Grip-693x390.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nTop Handle<\/h3>\n
The top plate also allows for mounting a top handle for additional options for holding the camera. A top handle is especially useful when shooting from a low angle.<\/p>\n
![\"Low](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_042_Low-mode-using-NATO-Handle-693x550.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThanks to the Quick Cage’s industry-standard mounting point layout, you can attach virtually any handle to the cage, including Wooden Camera’s own quick-release top handle.<\/p>\n
![\"Quick](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_041_Quick-Cage-with-NATO-Handle-693x555.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWooden Camera’s top handle is one of the best handles I have ever used. It’s so good that it merits a separate review, so for now, just know that this top handle is as well-made and as thoughtfully-designed as the Quick Cage itself.<\/p>\n
Quick-Release Cage<\/h3>\n
The Quick Cage has a unique quick-release feature that allows you to strip your rig down in seconds.<\/p>\n
To detach the camera, simply loosen a single knob, slide the cage back, and lift the cage off of its baseplate.<\/p>\n
![\"Loosen](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_017_Loosen-baseplate-clamp-693x461.jpg\")
<\/a> ![\"Slide](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_018_Slide-cage-back-693x519.jpg\")
<\/a> ![\"Lift](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_019_Lift-cage-off-baseplate-693x519.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\nNote:<\/strong> The baseplate has a safety locking pin to keep the cage from accidentally sliding off when it is attached. The pin engages with a satisfying click to let you know when it is engaged.<\/p>\n
- Mount top cheese plate on camera’s hot shoe (loosely tightened)
- 3\/8″-16:<\/strong> Yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Form-factor:<\/strong> Half-cage<\/li>\n
- Mounting Options<\/strong> – most cameras don’t offer a lot of options for mounting additional accessories required for video production. A cage must provide mounting points with standard screw threads (e.g. 1\/4″-20 & 3\/8″-16) for mounting accessories like audio recorders, monitors, lights, handles, etc.<\/li>\n
![\"Wooden](\"https:\/\/suggestionofmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wooden-Camera_Quick-Cage_037_Wooden-Camera-Quick-Cage.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n