The Best Sony FX3 Rig Accessories for Filmmakers in 2025
Why Build Out Your FX3 Rig?
The Sony FX3 is one of the most powerful compact cinema cameras available today, offering full-frame 4K recording, incredible low-light performance, and pro-level audio capabilities. However, to truly unlock its full potential, a well-built rig is what will really bring you to the next level.
While the FX3 is lightweight and portable straight out of the box, adding key accessories improves its usability, ergonomics, and production value. I don’t want to just rip into this blog saying that the only way to shoot with the FX3 professionally is to have a full rig built out. I’m never going to tell anyone that there is a right or a wrong way to shoot and honestly 50% of the time, we don’t have our full rig built out. This is why we LOVE the FX3. We find ourselves on a ton of shoots where we don’t have the full rig built out and we are using the FX3 in pretty much it’s out of box look - usually just with a smallrig cage slapped on. That’s right, no on board monitor, no v-mount; just the camera as is. It’s great for shoots where you need to be able to switch from horizontal to vertical (and if you are scoffing at this than you’re not building out serious ad sets for clients - if you know, you know) and sometimes you just need a lower profile.
I’ll always say that when it comes to video production, there’s no single “right” way to do things—it’s all about finding what works best for you, your style, and, most importantly, your clients. Every filmmaker has their own preferences, workflows, and tools that help them bring their vision to life. That being said, I have to admit, one thing that really gets under my skin is when people look down on the Sony FX3 just because it’s not as big or as “serious-looking” as other cinema cameras. There’s this outdated mindset that bigger automatically means better, and I think that completely misses the point. If you don’t have a smaller, more versatile camera in your kit—something that lets you adapt quickly, shoot in tight spaces, or switch from handheld to gimbal work with ease—you’re seriously limiting yourself. The FX3 isn’t just a backup or a “budget option.” It’s a powerhouse of a camera that, when used correctly (and sometimes with the right rig), can hold its own in high-end productions. I also want to thank my friends who recommended that we purchase this camera in the first place since that really gave us the confidence when we were just starting out to know that it was okay to have a smaller camera AND still be really good at what we do! Anyway!
But in the case that you do need a rig - for an interview style shoot, or on a shoot with a big client who wants you to pull out the bells and whistles, or on a shoot where you really want to have a bigger monitor so you can dial in those cinematic shots - here are our top three accessories to give you that epic rig. Oveall, the right rig setup enhances stability, monitoring, and overall efficiency and you can’t hate that!
In this guide, we’ll break down three must-have accessories that we use on our FX3 rig:
Our External Monitor – for precise framing and exposure control.
Rigid Pro Cini Back – for added durability and mounting versatility.
SmallRig Wooden Handle – for secure and comfortable handheld shooting. The great news is you might already have something like this!
Plus, we’re including a bonus deep dive into one of our most essential lighting setups: our C-stand book light, built with the Nanlite FC-500B, Ultrabounce Floppy, and other key components. Obviously this isn’t rig related but it’s just something I love talking about!
If you’re looking to build a powerful, professional Sony FX3 rig, this guide will help you choose the right accessories to elevate your productions.
1. Hollyland Mars M1 Enhanced Monitor – Precision Framing and Exposure Control
One of the biggest limitations of using the FX3’s built-in LCD screen is its size, brightness, and positioning—especially in bright outdoor environments or when working with gimbals. That’s why an external monitor is one of the first upgrades we recommend for serious filmmakers. The Hollyland Mars M1 Enhanced Monitor offers wireless video transmission with minimal latency, ideal for real-time monitoring by directors or crew members not in the immediate vicinity of the camera setup. The monitor can be mounted on the rig itself (we mount it on top of our Smallrig handle) or combined with a Hollyland M1 Mars Transmitter to give other crew members a remote view of the shot. Please know that it’s not as simple as buying the monitor - there are a few accessories you need for this and can find this here!
Why You Need an External Monitor for the FX3
Larger Screen for Better Composition – Most external monitors range from 5” to 7”, offering a much clearer view than the FX3’s small built-in display.
Higher Brightness for Outdoor Shooting – A high-nit display helps in direct sunlight, making it easier to nail focus and exposure.
Accurate Color Monitoring – Professional monitors often support LUTs (Look-Up Tables), allowing you to preview footage in a graded color profile rather than the flat Log look.
Improved Focus Control – With features like focus peaking, false color, and waveform monitoring, you can ensure razor-sharp focus and proper exposure.
Wireless Transmitting Capabilities - This is my FAVORITE part of this monitor, it can act both as a receiver and transmitter! AH! So when you’re on set with 8+ clients everyone can tap into the feed and see what is going on in the shot. In addition to clients, this is great when you’re working with stylists because they can be prepping and taking a look at the shot at the same time. This monitor has really been a crowd pleaser!
2. Rigid.PRO Cinerig Base – The Backbone of a Sturdy Rig
While the Sony FX3’s compact size is one of its biggest advantages, it also means limited mounting options for accessories like monitors, handles, and audio gear. That’s where the Rigid Pro Cini Back comes in—it reinforces the FX3’s body, making it more stable, durable, and customizable for various shooting setups.
This is the base that will transform your FX3 into a true cinema camera. Designed specifically for compatibility with the 8Sinn cage and the FX3 audio handle, the Rigid.Pro Cinerig Base is one of the only “cinerig” solutions available that allows you to utilize the FX3’s built-in audio capabilities. It also features a d-tap splitter with 4 outputs, allowing you to use the v-mount battery of your choice to power multiple accessories at once.
What Makes the Rigid Pro Cini Back Essential?
Multiple Mounting Points – Easily attach monitors, microphones, wireless video transmitters, or battery plates.
Balanced Weight Distribution – Helps prevent strain on the FX3’s small body when rigging multiple accessories.
Improved Heat Dissipation – Keeps the FX3 running cooler during long shoots.
If you’re planning to rig out your FX3 for commercial work, handheld shooting, or professional productions, the Rigid Pro Cini Back is a solid investment.
3. SmallRig Side Wooden Handle Grip – Comfortable, Secure Handheld Shooting
For filmmakers who prefer handheld shooting, having a comfortable, ergonomic grip is crucial. The SmallRig Wooden Handle is one of our go-to accessories for stability, control, and better handling. We actually purchased this handle back in 2021 and have used it on almost every shoot since. It just so happened that the handle worked seamlessly into this build. This is a great addition to just your camera body’s cage!
Why We Love the SmallRig Wooden Handle
Natural Grip Feel – The wooden design provides a comfortable hold for extended handheld shots.
Reduced Hand Fatigue – Compared to metal or rubber handles, the wooden grip feels lighter and more natural in the hand.
Cold Shoe and Mounting Options – Easily attach accessories like a top light or microphone.
For run-and-gun filmmaking, handheld cinematography, or travel videography, the SmallRig Wooden Handle enhances the FX3’s usability without adding unnecessary bulk.
Bonus: The Ultimate C-Stand Book Light Setup for Cinematic Lighting
No rig is complete without proper lighting, and one of the most effective ways to create soft, cinematic visuals is with a book light setup. This setup uses diffusion and bounce to create beautifully soft, natural lighting that’s perfect for interviews, product shots, and narrative work.
What’s in Our Book Light Setup?
Nanlite FC-500B Bicolor LED – A 520W powerhouse with tunable color temperature (2700K-6500K) for precise lighting control.
Impact 6” End Jaw Vise Grip – Holds the light at the base of the c-stand and allows you to point the light up.
TRP Worldwide Ultrabounce Floppy – A versatile 48”x48” bounce that reflects soft, natural light.
NEEWER C-Stand with Boom Arm – Provides the necessary height and stability for the entire setup.
To purchase any of these items, visit this page!
How We Set It Up:
Attach the Ultrabounce Floppy to the top of the c-stand.
Position the Nanlite FC-500B at the base of the c stand using the Impact Vise Grip. The light should be pointing up talwrds the floppy!
That’s it!
This book light method is a staple for achieving high-end cinematic lighting on a budget, making it an essential tool in our production workflow.
Final Thoughts: Elevate Your FX3 Rig
The Sony FX3 is a powerhouse, but rigging it with the right accessories can transform it into an even more capable, professional production tool. With a high-quality monitor, a reliable rigging system like the Rigid Pro Cini Back, and the SmallRig Wooden Handle for handheld control, you’ll dramatically improve your shooting experience.
And don’t forget about lighting—our book light setup with the Nanlite FC-500B, Ultrabounce Floppy, and C-stand is a game-changer for soft, professional lighting.
Need Help Building Your FX3 Rig?
At Bunker Hill Media, we specialize in creating professional video content with the FX3 and other cinema cameras. If you need help setting up your rig or want to book a shoot, contact us today—let’s bring your vision to life.
