Any Nitze or Smallrig users who can talk about quality?

I'm new with my S5 and looking for a cage.

Josh Cameron and a few other YouTubers strongly recommend the Nitze cage over the Small rig.

I'm open to either one of them but find it difficult to know, for example, which side handle to get (there are options with no explanations).

If you own a cage, how's the experience. I've never used one before on my Fuji or Nikon cameras but got the S5 for video production.

Many thanks!

As a former staff work for SmalRig, honest to tell you that we also buy some Nitze cages to compare the quality, they are just near the same quality, however SmallRig brand is more popular then Nitze.

SmallRig cage for S5 here: https://www.smallrig.com/smallrig-camera-cage-for-panasonic-s5-camera-2983.html?afmc=3zn

Nitze cage for S5 here: https://amzn.to/35RTNCp

I think you can refer to the product review to choose one for you, and for handle, you can contact the two brands to recommend one for you.

Having just got the S5 for video work I had the same decision to make, I went for the SmallRig Camera Cage for Panasonic S5 in the end and very happy with it.

I would not put a lot of trust in YT reviews, they are far from unbiased, and most are no better than paid reviews.

Getting the product in your hand is the best way to judge what will work for you.

I have a S5 cage from Smallrig, but haven't try a S5 cage from Nitze so can't compare or comment which is better for S5.

But I have used cages from both brands. They are both great. They just design their cage slightly different way so it's really down to what style do you like more. But you can't go wrong either way.

silverlakerCA said:

I'm new with my S5 and looking for a cage.

Josh Cameron and a few other YouTubers strongly recommend the Nitze cage over the Small rig.

I'm open to either one of them but find it difficult to know, for example, which side handle to get (there are options with no explanations).

If you own a cage, how's the experience. I've never used one before on my Fuji or Nikon cameras but got the S5 for video production.

Many thanks!

Click to expand...

I had the same struggle. Tried both. And both are nice. However, I went with Smallrig.

Smallrig advantages:


- Has an extra pin, so you don't get twisting
- Smaller footprint (and to me nicer)
- Has rubber protecting right below the lens mount, so you don't get scratches easily (not that huge difference, you can stick an anti scratch pad to the Nitze as well)
- Check out this picture, Smallrig is more comfortable to hold, because that corner where you hold your lens is not cutting into your hand



Nitze advantages:

- You don't have to remove the strap holder in order to install the cage
- It has a nice specifically designed port clamp for the S5, so if you plan to use monitor and open the screen at the same time, it is really nice. Smallrig's clamp blocks the screen from opening, however, I don't think thats an issue, as if you use a monitor usually you don't want to open your camera screen. In any case, Nitze's solution is better here.
- Better reach to your buttons and dials

You can't go wrong with either. Do note that Smallrig always has some kind of discount code, so could be cheaper.

I am VERY appreciate of your detailed remarks about Smallrig v Nitze.

I'm leaning to Nitze because of your comment that I can use the flip out monitor while using the cage. I'd seen that '+' somewhere else and kept that in the back of my head. I believe the Nitze also has a fast-release top handle.

Otherwise, both companies have good products and cost about the same. Now I need to just do it and give it a go.

Thanks, again!

silverlakerCA said:

I am VERY appreciate of your detailed remarks about Smallrig v Nitze.

I'm leaning to Nitze because of your comment that I can use the flip out monitor while using the cage. I'd seen that '+' somewhere else and kept that in the back of my head. I believe the Nitze also has a fast-release top handle.

Otherwise, both companies have good products and cost about the same. Now I need to just do it and give it a go.

Thanks, again!

Click to expand...

You can flip out the monitor using both. The only issue is the compatible hdmi clamps when you are using an external monitor.

I use Smallrig for my video work to add NinjaV and microphone however if you’re looking for photography purpose I would recommend NICERIG which has swissarca type for portrait and landscape modes also give camera protection.