PRORig Camera Kit (Sony FX3/30) - Build Guide

Introduction

This guide will walk you through the setup of an UnlimitedIRL PRORig Camera Kit (Sony FX3/30), covering essential components, assembly steps, and recommended configurations for different shooting scenarios.

Parts List

Camera Body: Sony FX3 or FX30
Lens Options
- Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II (FX3)
- Sony E 11mm f/1.8 (FX30)

(Different lenses can be utilized based on you needs. Please contact the UnlimitedIRL team for advice if required.)

Lens Accessory: K&F Concept Nano X-Series UV Filter
Cage System: SmallRig FX3 / FX30 Camera Cage Kit
Hand Strap and Handles
- SmallRig Hand Strap (included with Cage Kit)
- SmallRig Side Handle with Locating Pins
- SmallRig Top Handle with Locating Pins
Tripod: SmallRig VT-20 Aluminum Mini Tripod
Audio System
- DJI Mic 2 (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case)
- DJI Mic 2 Camera Adapter
Power System
- SmallRig V-Mount Battery Plate
- SmallRig V-Mount Battery VB50 (hot-swapping supported as well as larger capacity models including VB99 and VB212)
- USB-C Right-Angled Charging Cable (22 cm)
Cable Management
- SmallRig HDMI Clamp (included with Cage Kit)
- SmallRig USB-C & Multi Cable Clamp for Cage Kit
Protection & Maintenance
- Screen Protector for Sony Alpha FX3 / FX30 Camera
- K&F Concept Multifunction Lens Cleaning Pen

Step-by-Step Assembly

1. Mounting the Cage

Attach the SmallRig FX3/FX30 Cage to the camera body, securing it with the 3 screws (1 on the left, 1 on the right, and 1 on the underside.

Install the top rail (included with Cage Kit) onto the top of the camera body using the 2 screws, making sure the hot shoe port is not covered.

Install the SmallRig HDMI Cable Clamp onto the side of the camera body.

Install the SmallRig USB-C & Multi Cable Clamp onto the side of the camera body.

2. Attaching the Hand Strap and Handles

Attach the SmallRig Hand Strap to improve the stability and prevent the device from slipping while streaming.

Attach the SmallRig Side Handle using the locating pins for a secure and ergonomic grip.

Attach the SmallRig Top Handle using the locating pins for enhanced maneuverability.

(Both of these handles can be used / removed as needed depending on the stream and other accessories you may add in the future)

3. Installing the Lens and Filter

When attaching/removing the lens, work quickly in a dust-free location.

Remove the body cap from the camera and the rear lens cap from the rear of the lens.

Mount the lens by aligning the two white index marks on the lens and camera. Hold the camera with the lens mount facing down to prevent dust and debris from entering the camera.

While pushing the lens lightly toward the camera, turn the lens slowly in the direction of the arrow until it clicks into the locked position.

Remove front lens cap and screw on the K&F Concept Nano X-Series UV Filter to protect the lens. The original lens cap can then be re-installed.

4. Setting Up the Audio System

Slide the DJI Mic 2 Camera Adapter into the hot shoe port on top of the camera.

Connect the DJI Mic 2 receiver by sliding down onto the Camera Adapter where the flat golden pins line up

The transmitters should already be auto-paired with the receiver and the Sony Camera will automatically switch to the wireless mic audio when the adapter is connected.

5. Powering the Rig

Insert the standard Sony NP-FZ100 battery (included with camera) into the battery compartment that can be opened on the underside of the camera.

Attach the SmallRig V-Mount Battery Plate to the underside of the camera cage.

Slide the SmallRig V-Mount Battery VB50 into the Battery Plate

Connect the VB50 using the USB-C ports on top of the battery to the USB-C charging port on the Camera via the USB-C Right-Angled Charging Cable.

6. Mounting on a Tripod (Optional)

Attach the tripod quick release plate to the underside of the Battery Plate using the ¼' screw - ensure to tighten well.

The tripod uses an Arca-Swiss rail to quick secure the assembled rig onto the SmallRig VT-20 Aluminum Mini Tripod for stability.

Recommended Configurations

Handheld Setup

Use the SmallRig Side Handle and Top Handle for a balanced grip.

Tripod Setup

Mount the rig on the SmallRig VT-20 tripod for static shots.

Lightweight Setup

Use the camera without the cage for a compact setup.

Rely on the internal battery only for power (2-3 hours runtime).

Camera Settings

There are many ways to customize your camera settings based on different use cases and personal preferences. However, the following settings are recommended for anyone using these PRORigs for livestreaming.

To start, press the physical 'MODE' button and rotate the wheel on the back of the camera or use the touchscreen to set the camera to Movie mode.

Setup > Area/Date: To ensure your camera has access to frame rates of 30 and 60, make sure it's set to NTSC using the “NTSC/PAL Selector” - cameras purchased in certain countries, including most of Europe, will be set to PAL by default which will only give you frame rates of 25 and 50.

Setup > Power Setting Option: As you'll likely be streaming for extended periods, we recommend setting “Power Save Start Time” to Off and “Auto Power OFF Temp” to High.

Setup > External Output: The most important settings to have turned Off in this section are “HDMI Info. Display” and 'CTRL FOR HDMI'. The output resolution can be set as needed although 1080p is still the standard for most streaming platforms.

Shooting > Image Stabilization: Under “SteadyShot”, you can choose between two stabilization modes: Standard and Active. Standard mode provides moderate stabilization with minimal image crop, making it ideal for general handheld shooting by reducing small shakes while maintaining a natural look. Active mode offers stronger stabilization at the cost of a slight image crop, reducing the field of view. However, it is more effective at smoothing out motion, making it useful for walking shots or more dynamic movements. The “SteadyShot Adjust” setting can be left set to Auto.

Shooting > Zoom: We recommend setting “Zoom Range” to Clear Image Zoom which allows you to extend zoom beyond the lens’s optical range while maintaining image quality. This feature is useful for prime lenses or getting extra reach without significant loss of detail. You can then use the Zoom Lever (marked with W and T) to utilize this feature.

Shooting > Shooting Mode: First change “Exposure Ctrl Type” to P/A/S/M Mode. While leaving the Exposure Mode set to Program Auto can suffice for beginners, as it adjusts all settings automatically, we recommend using Shutter Priority for most livestreams. This allows you to lock in a consistent shutter speed, which helps maintain smooth motion, especially in varying lighting conditions, while the camera adjusts the aperture and ISO accordingly. For full control over brightness and exposure consistency, especially in stationary or controlled lighting setups you may prefer Manual Exposure, which lets you set shutter speed, aperture, and ISO independently.

Main > Main1: Here you can choose the frame rate you'd like first under “Rec Frame Rate” (usually either 59.94p or 29.97p but you can use 23.98 for a more filmic look). To the right of that, you have “Shutter Speed” - Set the shutter speed to double your frame rate (e.g., 1/125 for 59.94p, 1/60 for 29.97p). Below shutter speed you'll have “ISO”, set this to ISO Auto although you can change this on the fly using the upper jogwheel to boost brightness of the stream (at the cost of image quality). Finally below that, set “Picture Profile” to PPOFF unless you know what you're doing and want the stream footage to have a custom visual style or color grading.

Mic Settings

For the DJI Mic 2 - there's just a few setting to change on the receiver as it's mostly plug-n-play. Once turned on, you can access the settings by swiping down on the screen.

Receiver Settings > Recommended Camera Settings: In this settings page, select “Brand” as Sony and then under “Model”, select either FX3 or FX30 depending on the camera you're setting up. Swipe up again to exit out of this settings page.

Receiver Settings > Power On/Off Camera Simultaneously: Set this functionality to ON. When enabled, this setting powers the receiver and transmitters on or off with the camera, saving battery and simplifying your workflow.

There are other settings for the receiver and transmitters that you can adjust as needed (e.g., Gain, Mono or L/R), but these are the main ones to start!

Troubleshooting & Tips

Folding out the Camera Display: When you're ready to start your stream, loosen the silver thumb screw on the side of the Battery Plate to lower the V-Mount Battery to a horizontal position. This will allow you to fold out the camera's touchscreen display and rotate it for use. Once folded out, raise the V-Mount Battery to the upright position and re-tighten the thumb screw. Follow these steps in reverse when ending your stream to fold away and protect the display when not in use.

Loose Handle/Accessory Connections: Ensure all screws are tightened properly. A hex key may be required.

Battery Management: Keep spare V-Mount batteries or charge between shoots.

Cable Replacement: Just like with any camera setup using HDMI, you will need to replace the HDMI cable after some time - it's always good practice to carry spares. Use the SmallRig cable clamps to extend cable life and to protect the ports on the camera.

Lens Cleaning: Regularly use the K&F Concept Lens Cleaning Pen to maintain optical quality.

Conclusion

With this guide, you should have a fully assembled and optimized UnlimitedIRL PRORig for different shooting scenarios.

Please feel free to reach out to support@unlimitedirl.com , @UnlimitedIRL on X, or join The IRL Discord for further assistance with your IRL Backpack.