Kondor Blue Canon EOS C70 Cage Introduced

Camera Cage

by Jeff LochFebruary 4^th, 2021

Accessories manufacturer Kondor Blue just introduced its Canon EOS C70 cage and rigging solutions. This cage is like a “no-cage” design with a top plate, bottom plate, and side plate that you can mount (and purchase) separately to fit your needs. Let’s take a closer look at it!

The Canon EOS C70 was announced back in September 2020. Even if it’s a trendy cinema camera amongst independent filmmakers, it seems like accessory manufacturers are taking their time to develop cage and rigging solutions. Indeed, up until now only two solutions were available from Zacuto that we covered here and Vocas. But, Kondor Blue did their homework, and they just introduced their Canon EOS C70 cage and a “base rig” that includes an additional bridge plate, rod, and top handle.

Kondor Blue Canon EOS C70 cage – top plate

Kondor Blue’s cage solution for the Canon EOS C70 consists of three main parts: a top plate, a side plate, and a bottom plate.

Let’s start with the top plate that attaches to the camera via two screws: one 1/4″-20 on the camera’s hot shoe and one on the left side that replaces the camera focal plane marker’s screw. The focal plane marker is then relocated to the top plate’s side, but you can remove it if you don’t need it.

Like all of the components, the top plate is also made out of aluminium, and it doesn’t cover any of the camera’s buttons. It features a lot of mounting points and rigging possibilities, including:

• Two built-in NATO rails, including one compatible with the Canon top handle that comes with the camera.
• Two cold shoe mounts.
• Dozens of 1/4″-20 mounting points on the top, back, and sides of the top plate. Also, there are two 3/8″-16 ARRI-style mounting points.
• One bubble level, that I find extremely useful. I still don’t understand why cinema cameras don’t have an on-screen level indicator like DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
• A magnetic tool that slides at the bottom of the plate.

This top plate design from Kondor Blue is one of the best and most versatile designs I’ve seen for the Canon EOS C70; compared to the Zacuto or Vocas ones that can be a bit limiting.

Side plate

Next is the side plate that attaches to the camera’s left side 1/4″-20 mounting thread. The design is rounded around all the edges, so you can still use the handgrip comfortably, as well as the Canon grip strap.

The Kondor Blue side plate gives you thirteen 1/4″-20 and two 3/8″-16 ARRI-style mounting points.

Bottom plate

Finally, there’s the Kondor Blue bottom plate that attaches to the Canon EOS C70 via two 1/4″-20 screws. This bottom plate features a lot of 1/4″-20 mounting points that are, according to the company, made from Helicoil steel for extra durability. A magnetic tool integrates nicely at the back of the bottom plate.

The bottom plate also comes with a removable HDMI protection clamp, which is nice to secure your rig.

There are four M4 threads in front of the plate compatible with Kondor Blue’s lens support. The bottom plate is also compatible with the company’s bridge plate to get the perfect 15mm rod height.

Price and availability

The Kondor Blue top plate for the Canon EOS C70 retails for $125.00, the bottom plate for $70.00, and the side plate for $55.00.

Bundles are available, as well as a Base Rig kit that includes all three components of the cage, the Kondor Blue top handle that allows you to start/stop the camera’s recording, an RF Cine Cap, one LWS ARRI bridge plate, and two 12 inches 15mm rods for $450.00.

All products are available for preorder now on Kondor Blue’s website and should start shipping in late March 2021.

What do you think about this cage solution for the Canon EOS C70 by Kondor Blue? Did you receive your Canon EOS C70 yet? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!