Camera Foundry launched their CineBack rig for both Sony FX3 and FX30, which are practically the same camera regarding build and ergonomics. The new CineBack features top and bottom plates and quad D-Tap outputs straight out of a V-mount battery. As of the time of writing the first three batches are already sold out.
What makes a Cine camera? Is it advanced and various codecs? Sensor size? Recording time? Frame rates? Is it just a branding decision? Well, a bit of all, I guess. But one significant trait revolves around ergonomics and build. One of the key differences between hybrid, still-based camera designs, and cine gear is down to the way they are built.
Build dictates certain operational workflow. This workflow set cine cameras apart by making them more suitable for filmmaking. Though Sony’s FX3 and FX30 took a somewhat cine-oriented design approach they both feature the same fixed side grip as hybrid cameras do. They also share rather reminiscent dimensions with their hybrid stablemates, forming a bridge between alpha and FX.
Function follows form
Camera Foudry’s CineBacks are fairly simple contraptions. Sandwiching the camera between two metal plates (jam-packed with 1/4″ threaded connections) they create a wide variety of mounting options. At the rear of the device is a V-mount with a quad D-Tap splitter to dispatch power to any device or accessory in need. A power switch is a nice touch, cutting down all power delivery from the V-mount battery to avoid unnoticed drain. On the left side is a cradle of sorts, to house the screen in a 90° position. The screen may be facing in or out depending on the specific need. There’s also the option to face it front, rear, up or down of course.
What’s in the box, and what’s not
The CineBack package includes the top and bottom plates and the rear power module with battery and D-Tap splitter. All come pre-assembled. With them, you’ll get an Allen wrench, three 1/4″ screws, and one 1/4″-3.8″ adapter. This won’t work out of the box, and some additional accessories are required. You’ll need a SmallRig 4183 FX3 Cage and a D-Tap to FZ100 cable to power the camera. This specific cable by Kondor Blue was tested by the manufacturer.
Who is it for?
If the FX3 or FX30 are everything you could have hoped for, but you’re just not finding joy with a small camera workflow, the Camera Foundry CineBack is probably what you’ve been looking for. It makes these super compact, hybrid-designed cameras just a tad more robust and weighty. It transforms the workflow and ergonomics into the realm of dedicated camcorders and cine cameras while still maintaining relative compactness. Oh, and there’s the huge battery and four-way D-Tap as a bonus.
Price and availability
The CineBack will set you back €260,95/$279.95, though as of writing all first three batches of the CineBack for the FX3/FX30 are already pre-ordered and sold out. Camera Foundry’s team is dialing up production but is now assembling the first batch, meaning it’ll probably take some time to crunch through all pre-orders. The last batch is due to shipment in January-February 2024, So take the necessary consideration.
Will you use such a rig in your future productions? do you see such modularity as a useful tool or more of a hassle? Let us know in the comments.
