The FX3/FX30 XLR top handle can also work with the Sony A7s III if you have the right cage. Here’s what I found to make it work really well.
Basic list
- Sony XLR-H1 Top Handle Unit
- SmallRig 3667B – Full Camera Cage for Sony Alpha 7R V/IV/S III/A7R IV/Alpha 1
- SmallRig MD4019 – Mounting Plate for Attaching FX30 / FX3 XLR Handle to Camera Cage 2999/3241 for Sony A7 SIII, Camera Cage 3667/3639 / 3594 for Sony A7 IV (A7M4)
Add a rear brace
The XLR Top handle is made of plastic and does not many great mounting options for external monitors or accessories.
Here’s what I recommend:
- SmallRig 4830 – Extension Mount Plate Kit for Sony FX3 / FX30 XLR Handle with Cold Shoe, HawkLock Quick Release Structure, with Built-in 1/4″-20 Threaded Holes & 3/8″ -16 Locating Holes for ARRI
Correcting SmallRig's Support site
NOTE: SmallRig’s support site says that this part isn’t compatible with the MD4019/3667B combo, but this is incorrect.
It doesn’t fit as well as it does on the FX30, but it provides a major improvement in stability over their recommended solution, the SmallRig MD3090.
Video showing wobble and stability issues with the SmallRig MD3090
Video showing wobble improvement with SmallRig 4830 (This is an outtake from my VND/Matte Box combo video.)
Add a top hotshoe
I use this as a place to mount my wireless receiver.
- SmallRig MD3390 – FX3 / FX30 XLR Handle Top Plate for Sony FX3 / FX30 XLR Unit
Use other mics with the shockmount
The included shockmount is weirdly large and most shogun mics will require rubber spacers in order to mount securely.
Bring Extra Batteries
If you phantom power a mic with the top handle, It will drain your camera battery a bit faster. Maybe 15% less total runtime. I’ll run a more scientific test on this in the future.
