It’s hard to deny the impressive photo and video capabilities of smartphones today, especially with Apple’s flagship phones, the iPhone 15 Pro 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max, offering recording capabilities that rival many dedicated mirrorless and cine cameras available. Despite the prowess and technical abilities of these mobile devices, SmallRig’s Mobile Video Cage offers an important dose of stability and accessory compatibility to benefit mobile filmmakers and content creators.
I was sent the Brandon Li Edition cage to review, specifically this kit with dual handles, which features a truly eye-catching “desert oasis gradient” finish along with the filmmaker’s signature on the cage for a unique look. Unfortunately, being an owner of the smaller iPhone 15 Pro, the Brandon Li Edition didn’t fit my phone (it’s designed solely for the iPhone 15 Pro Max)—so I ended up getting and using the standard black cage with dual handles. These kits are functionally identical, but I have to admit I do prefer the stylish green-to-black colorway of the Li Edition compared to the subdued black version. The Brandon Li Edition also has the distinction of including a filter-ring adapter, unique carry bag, and a magnetic 52mm variable ND filter.
The Mobile Video Cage is essentially a robust, form-fitting phone case with ten ¼"-20 mounts and two cold-shoe mounts—these accessory mounts open a whole world of rig-building possibilities to make the most of your mobile recording needs. The Dual Handle kit I used includes a pair of accessory handles: one Wireless Control & Quick Release Side Handle and one Quick Release Side Handle. These clip directly to the sides of the cage (using the ¼"-20s to help align the handle); either to the long side or short side depending on whether you want to use the phone in vertical or horizontal orientation. The Wireless Control Handle’s distinction is that it includes a wireless remote-control trigger that connects to your phone via Bluetooth and can be used to trigger the iPhone’s shutter (or accidentally turn the volume up when you’re not in the camera app). The handles have a satisfyingly quick and secure clipping mechanism that makes adding them to the cage, or moving them around the cage, extremely simple.
The handles themselves have flip-open bottom caps that secure a handy hex key for installing or removing the clamping mechanism (there are two screws that secure the handle and mechanism together), or for shifting the orientation and position of the handle relative to its clamping point.
The cage itself is like a simple, yet very rugged, protective phone case but designed for much easier insertion and removal of your phone. There’s a locking hinge, accessible by a small button on the side, to open the top part of the case, and the hinge closes with a very pleasant click. The tolerances feel perfect―there is no play between the phone and the case, and the case is rubber lined to keep your phone secure without scratching its sides. There are also pass-through buttons on the sides to control volume and lock/unlock your phone. And, since it’s an open cage, MagSafe charging is still possible. There’s an opening for your phone’s USB-C port for cabled charging or for connecting USB-C drives or accessories.
The other interesting facet of the cage is the front lens panel, which neatly accommodates the iPhone’s three-camera system and provides compatibility with some of SmallRig’s optical accessories (like the variable neutral density ND2-32 filter and 52mm magnetic filter ring adapter that are included with the Brandon Li kit). These accessories connect via SmallRig’s M mount (different than a Leica M mount) which uses a straightforward insert and half-twist installation method.
After inserting my phone, connecting the wireless remote, and installing the handles, the result is a very stable, very usable handholding method for shooting with the iPhone. I’ve never used a cage with my phone before, but I was surprised by the physical legitimacy the handles give the recording process, especially compared to casual one-handed use of the phone. I love that the handles are so configurable and can be oriented as side handles for stable eye-level shooting or as a top handle for low-angle shooting; as a top handle, this mimics a camcorder’s top handle and makes this a perfect rig for filming action sports, like skateboarding.
And for even more intense, professional-grade recording sessions, I love that the cage integrates mounts and shoes seamlessly without adding extra bulk or weight. There’s plenty of room to attach an external mic or slot in a holder for an external SSD or, for more stripped-down use, you can also easily attach the cage directly to a quick-release plate for simple use atop a tripod.
I liked using the SmallRig Mobile Video Cage; it’s not something toward which I’d typically gravitate, since I’m still on the fence about using my phone as my primary recording device. However, the cage and ability to build it out into a true rig has made me more curious about the possibilities of using my phone for more applications. I know the recording technology is there, maybe it’s this cage that can help me bridge the gap to make better use of it.
What are your thoughts on SmallRig’s Mobile Video Cage? Let us know if you plan on adding it to your setup in the Comments section, below.
0 Comments