Reviewed: Smallrig a6300
A few months back I decided to buy a cage for my Sony a6300 after seeing it featured in a top accessories video for the camera that I had also recently invested in. The decision to get my hands on a Smallrig, specifically the slightly more expensive wooden-handle option, was purely an aesthetic upgrade that not only added size to the small mirrorless camera but also gave it some individuality with its rugged look.
As mentioned, Sony's Alpha range of mirrorless cameras are certainly a step down in size when compared to traditional DSLRS and while this is certainly a selling point due to less space being required in one's camera bag, and less weight around one's neck, it is occasionally worrying knowing that something so valuable is so delicate. Therefore the addition of size and weight adds a sense of security when carrying the camera around in the sense that the cage offers an added layer of protection (obviously just to the body and not the attached lens). Furthermore, the wooden handle provides a large, sturdy grip to wrap one's hand around - combatting the issue of feeling as if it could slip out due to the arguably under-sized handle on the a600 range.
On the other hand this added size and weight can definitely be seen as the price to pay for a safer, yet stockier body. Prolonged carry and use with the cage can be tiring with added pressure on the wrists or neck (depending on where it's being held), and this is exacerbated by the wooden handle. I say this as while the user may feel safer with the concerted action of gripping the larger handle, the hands are left in somewhat of an unnatural shape due to its size and contouring. Moreover, despite this general feeling of the camera being safe, this was slightly offset by the bottom screw often coming loose and scaring me into thinking it would come apart from the camera - and if it's not scary it's definitely a bit annoying hearing the rattling of the loose camera body.
Nevertheless although I did buy the Smallrig cage for aesthetic and safety purposes, it can't go without mentioning that the tool opens up a wide range of possibilities for the shooting of photo and video. While not looking to do so myself, the multiplicity of screw-holes scattered across the cage allow for the addition of other components such as monitors and microphones that can forge a professional set-up at a size far less than what one would expect.
It is these combination of uses that therefore explain why the cage is so popular in the accessory market for the mirrorless camera. Personally, I will be alternating between a 'bare' body and this cage depending on the situation as it's occasionally liberating to have the lighter option around your neck or just change up the look of the camera, similar to how it's refreshing to take a phone out of its case once in a while. For trips abroad or hazardous environments I'll most likely place my camera in the Smallrig for its sturdiness, but for average days out I'll be seeking the lightest and most compact option there is - the bare camera.
