Creating a complete camera rig for filmmaking can extend the functionality of your kit and enhance your creativity when making video. After a lot of research and trial, Sony Artisan and video creator Miguel Quiles has perfected his filmmaking setup to ensure he has all he needs. In this video, Quiles shares his full camera rig for filmmaking, including the Sony Alpha 7 IV and Sony 20-70mm f/4 G, which also happens to be a great setup for capturing still shots. Watch below for more and keep reading for a step-by-step walkthrough of his filmmaking gear. See more videos like this one on the Alpha Universe YouTube Channel.

Pro content creator Miguel Quiles shows how he sets up his Sony Alpha 7 IV and the key accessories he uses for 4K video.

A Handy Hybrid Combo That’s Great For Filmmakers

Why the Sony Alpha 7 IV? Quiles says it’s one of his favorite hybrid cameras for shooting still and video. “Having the ability to shoot videos in 4K up to 50 frames per second is something that, I think, any aspiring filmmaker would want to have access to. And this camera gives you that along with excellent autofocus features.” 

The Sony 20-70mm f/4 G has become Quiles’ walkaround lens for still and video, and the one he pairs with his Sony Alpha 7 IV for filmmaking. “Having one lens that gives me a nice, wide shot, as well as the ability to zoom in and compress my image at 70mm in such a compact lens, is really handy.”

Additional Accessories To Round Out Your Rig

While these are the core pieces that make up his rig for filmmaking, Quiles has also found a number of additional accessories that extend the functionality of his kit even more. He likes to use the handle from the Sony FX3 attached to the rig because of its high quality audio capabilities, but also often opts for the Sony ECM-VG1 Shotgun Microphone. “It [the handle] has two XLR inputs, but most of the time I just ended up using this shotgun microphone that’s made by Sony. All of the controls are here on the handle and can be tuned in for your specific needs.”

In order to properly attach the handle to his Sony Alpha 7 IV, he uses two other pieces: a Smallrig camera cage and an additional piece in between the cage and the handle to secure it. The handle also has an extension accessory to help make it longer and provide more mounting points for other accessories. 

Quiles also says it’s important for a camera rig to have several points of contact beyond just using the handle, so he’s attached a separate wooden handle to the camera cage as another way to hold the camera. “There’s also an additional accessory on the handle that adds a cold shoe mount on top of the handle. This is where I would connect my Sony lavalier pack when I’m using it for audio.”

Additionally, his setup includes a Kondor Blue baseplate with two 12-inch rails so he can connect even more pieces to the build – like a chest pad for another point of contact to keep your camera steady. Another essential piece that Quiles says you need for any filmmaking rig is a Neutral Density Filter – the ones he uses are from Freewell. “This is what helps you get the correct exposure when you’re filming in bright daylight conditions.”

The screen on the Sony Alpha 7 IV is excellent for creating video, but if you do want to have a larger screen while filmmaking, Quiles does have some recommendations. “The monitor I’m using here is the Atomos Ninja V. I have it connected using a Kondor Blue HDMI cable, and with that you can use the monitor as a bigger screen or you can use it to record the video feed that’s coming directly from the sensor on the Alpha 7 IV.”

The final piece that brings the entire rig together is the mini V-mount battery made by Smallrig. “Using this adaptor and cable I’m actually powering the Atomos recorder that way. You could use the V-mount battery to power the camera itself by connecting a USB-C cable as well.” 

For more details on each accessory found in Quiles’ filmmaking rig, check out his blog.