SmallRig has developed a new camera cage that is compatible with both the original RED KOMODO and the brand-new KOMODO-X. It is available to purchase as part of a Basic or Advanced Camera Cage Kit, which include accessories such as top and side handles, a monitor mount, a dual 15mm baseplate, and more. Pricing starts at $209.
Basic Modular Cage Kit for RED KOMODO and KOMODO-X
all prices excluding sales tax/VAT
Back in May, RED introduced the RED KOMODO-X, which doubles the frame rates of the original KOMODO (up to 6K80p) and brings several other improvements such as a new locking RF lens mount, an integrated V-mount battery plate, better audio, and more. You can read all about it in our previous articles here and here.
While the two cameras feature a very similar design, the “X” model is slightly longer at the back and its bottom 1/4”-20 and 3/8”-16 threaded holes are further apart than on the original KOMODO. This makes the KOMODO-X incompatible with many existing cages, including SmallRig’s original cage for KOMODO.
SmallRig Camera Cage for RED KOMODO and KOMODO-X – features
As a result, the company came up with a redesigned rigging solution that is compatible with both cameras. The new cage is built of aluminum with stainless steel parts and consists of 5 main components – a bottom plate that can be screwed to either the original KOMODO or the “X” body, two side plates, a top NATO rail, and a lens adapter support.
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Just like with the original cage, the left and right side plates integrate a NATO rail as well as several 1/4”-20 threads for additional accessories. Some of these feature locating holes for a more robust connection, and the two side plates now extend towards the rear section of the body, thus providing more convenient mounting points for cable management, for example.
The top NATO rail can be mounted independently from the other components and can easily be removed to access the camera’s top pogo pins, for example when using RED’s Outrigger Handle with both cameras or the DSMC3 Touch 7.0” Monitor with KOMODO-X.
The bottom plate has two magnetic slots to store a flat-head screwdriver and an Allen key. Moreover, the cage now comes with a lens adapter support that screws to the front of the bottom plate. According to SmallRig, the support is compatible with Metabones’ PL to RF and EF to RF T Cine Speed Booster ULTRA 0.71x focal reducers.
Basic and Advanced Kits
It looks like SmallRig’s new cage is not available to purchase individually, but only as part of their Basic and Advanced Camera Cage Kits. The Basic Camera Cage Kit is compatible with both cameras and includes the camera cage, a NATO top handle, and a swivel and tilt monitor mount.
On the other hand, since not all of the included accessories are compatible with both cameras, the Advanced Kit exists in two flavors – for KOMODO-X or the original KOMODO.
The Advanced Camera Cage Kit for KOMODO-X consists of everything included in the Basic Kit, plus a rotatable NATO side handle and a dual 15mm baseplate. The latter accepts Manfrotto 501 plates at the top and ARRI dovetail plates at the bottom.
Lastly, the Advanced Camera Cage Kit for the original KOMODO consists of the same accessories included in its “X” counterpart with the addition of a V-mount battery plate and a D-Tap to LEMO power cable.
Price and availability
The SmallRig Basic and Advanced Camera Cage Kits for RED KOMODO and KOMODO-X are now available to pre-order from B&H and CVP. Pricing is as follows:
- Basic Camera Cage Kit for RED KOMODO and KOMODO-X – $209 / €192
- Advanced Camera Cage Kit for RED KOMODO-X – $469 / €433
- Advanced Camera Cage Kit for RED KOMODO – $599 / €553
For more information, please visit SmallRig’s website here.
What do you think of this new cage from SmallRig? As a RED KOMODO owner, would you consider updating your cage to this new version? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
