SmallRig Advanced Compact V-Mount Battery Mounting System Review

The SmallRig Advanced Compact V-Mount Battery Mounting System looks to be an instant hit with a compact robust design that enables you to easily and neatly mount that all-important additional battery power. It’s an all-in-one design that provides you with an instant way to integrate a V-mount battery into your shooting setup.

This is the type of rig that many mirrorless shooters have been after and key features include; a toolless installation process, 90° rotatable V-mount battery plate for easy flip screen access, and a compact, lightweight design that ensures convenience and portability.

The rig’s design means that it offers compatibility with a wide range of camera models, it’s a fitting solution for videographers keen to streamline their operations, extend their shooting durations, and boost stability.

The build and handling of the SmallRig Advanced Compact V-Mount Battery Mounting System is superb, reflecting a well-thought-out design process and commitment from SmallRig to the quality of their products. It also shows that the comany has a firm ear to the ground and is constantly listening to their user base.

The Rig, once tightened is exceptionally sturdy, despite its lightweight nature. The battery plate, quick-release plate, rods, and chest pad all integrate seamlessly, providing a secure fit for your camera.

Assembly is straightforward, living up to the toolless claim, while the quick-release feature facilitates swift transitions between handheld and tripod shots. However, the chest pad, though comfortable, is small, and the rods only barely extend past the battery, which some users, including myself will find limiting.

The SmallRig Advanced Compact V-Mount Battery Mounting System has features that streamline your videography process. It supports an extensive range of camera brands and models, providing an all-in-one solution for powering your gear with V-mount batteries. In this review I’ve coupled the rig with the Canon EOS R5 C, R5 and Sony Alpha 7 IV and III.

Getting started is easy with a toolless installation process and a quick-release feature, enabling you to switch between handheld and tripod shooting swiftly. Although to make it toolless you do need to have an Arca Swiss compatible plate already attached to your camera or have an Arca compatible cage fitted.

Once fitted the you have the V-mount battery plate at the back of the camera covering the screen and viewfinder, so a monitor is advised. The battery itself simply slots and clicks into place, then power cables can be plugged in as needed for your camera.

To access the screen you can rotate the V-Lock plate 90° backwards, ensuring access to the camera’s flip screen. The compact system is designed for portability and can be easily folded down for storage or transport when detached from the camera, it’s all very neat. Furthermore, it has a chest pad for enhanced stability during handheld shots.

The SmallRig Advanced Compact V-Mount Battery Mounting System is impressive in use, and it lives up to its claims of providing a compact, lightweight and sturdy solution for videographers. The ease of assembly stands out with it taking seconds to mount your camera securely (Assuming an Arca compatible plate is available), making it a genuinely tool-less installation. Once in place, the base plate of the rig fits onto the camera securely, providing a firm and sturdy hold. When it comes to switching between handheld and tripod shooting is incredibly straightforward, thanks to the quick-release feature enabling the rig to be quickly detached and set aside.

The 90° backward rotation of the V-mount battery plate is a simple idea that really works. Flip the plate down and it offers unobstructed access to the camera’s flip screen. This function proved beneficial during shoots, allowing me to make quick adjustments without hassle through the touchscreen interface and then I could pack it away again when not in use. I usually use an ATOMOS Ninja V as my main monitor rather than the Canon screen.

The most striking feature of the rig as I’ve already mentioned is its use as a power supply solution, although it in itself doesn’t provide power. The V-mount battery capability really does revolutionises the use of power-hungry cameras, such as the Canon EOS R5 C. It drastically extends shooting times, eliminating the need for constant battery changes.

While the chest pad does provide some added stability, its small size and the shortness of the rods make it less effective than it could be. Nevertheless, the overall stability improvement for handheld shots is significant, making this system a valuable asset for videographers.

The SmallRig Advanced Compact V-Mount Battery Mounting System is well-made and designed that has appealed to me as soon as I fitted it to my camera.

The compact design, robust build quality, and wide-ranging compatibility make it a versatile addition to any videographer’s toolkit. The battery management solution is a standout feature, making it essential for videographers using power-intensive cameras.

While the chest pad and rod system could benefit from some improvements, it doesn’t significantly detract from the product’s overall effectiveness and in some situations, they are extremely useful to have.