Elevate Your DSLR and Mirrorless Camera Rig Fast with These Top 10 Accessories

Lightweight and easily accessible, DSLR and mirrorless cameras are versatile tools that find their way into the hands of both beginners and seasoned videographers. Whether you're working with a Canon EOS or Rebel, Nikon Z series, D3500 or D5600, or a Sony A-series, like A7S, A7R, or A7c, there are ways to rig your DSLR or mirrorless camera on any budget.

As with any camera, the best way to rig it is dependent on you, your shoot, and your own personal preferences, but to get you started, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 essential accessories to create an elevated and versatile camera rig.

What makes this cage so special? The Wooden Camera DSLR cage supports DSLR and mirrorless cameras by size categories instead of by specific model. This allows users the option of using the same cage with a similarly sized DSLR camera without having to purchase an entirely separate set of gear. Thinking about grabbing a different body size DSLR camera? No problem. Simply swap out the 15mm side rod for a different length and enjoy what is essentially 3 different cages in one, with a slight modification of course. No matter which size you choose, each is designed to provide plenty of industry standard mounting points on the top and side without obstructing the camera’s controls. Maximum utility and accessibility all-in-one cage.

Another essential item designed for use with a variety of cameras, the Unified DSLR 15mm Baseplate is a height-adjustable baseplate attachment that provides 15mm lightweight rods at the correct lens height when combined with Unified DSLR Cage (Small) or (Medium). The adjustable design allows you to change height to accommodate various DSLR and mirrorless cameras and their respective optical centers for simple and proper usage with accessories like the Zip Box Pro.

If you’re looking to elevate your rig, a set of lightweight rods will help you raise the bar. Rod systems are great for adding accessories to your rig like follow focuses, matte boxes, lens supports, servo motors, and more. We offer these utility essentials in a variety of lengths to suit the needs of your next project. Add a pair of rods and open up your rig to a new world of potential accessories and combinations.

Once you start adding additional accessories to your rod system, you may need a dovetail for adjusting balance on tripods. Though a DSLR or mirrorless camera rig generally won’t require a particularly large Safety Dovetail, they are available in 8”, 12” and 18” lengths so your rig is covered no matter what other accessories you add to it.

Working best as a trio, these 3 accessories rely on each other for optimal power solutions, as a result we’re counting them as one. Combined, you can easily power your camera and accessories like monitors or lights, swap batteries on the fly, and access your camera controls.  The Wooden Camera Rod Clamp (15mm LW) attaches to your rig via 2 15mm lightweight rods and acts as a support for the Battery Slide which in turn supports, you guessed it, the Power Plate. Wooden Camera offers a myriad of power plates with compatibility ranging from industry standard Gold and V-Mounts to camera-specific pro versions with additional features.

The Wooden Camera Zip Box Pro is a high-quality matte box with a rugged, lightweight design. It blocks unwanted light, prevents glare, and protects your lens from debris — no tools or add-ons needed.

An essential addition to any solo owner/operator’s rig, this single-rod follow focus is as compact as the DSLR itself, providing smooth focus pulls with a 1:1 ratio on all lens types.

Attach on camera lights, monitors, and microphones with this versatile articulating arm. With over 20 unique combinations, the Ultra Arm v2 Customizer gives you the freedom to create the Ultra Arm that’s just right for you. One of the best parts of the Ultra Arm is that you can swap the 25mm balls out to accommodate whichever mount you need. Just buy the balls separately and swap them out as needed. The Universal Combo 1/4"-10 & 3/8"-16 is easily the most innovative feature on this arm, allowing users to swap threading sizes without changing the 
entire ball unit.

Choosing the right batteries can truly make or break any great rig. Though batteries compatible with DSLR and mirrorless cameras can range in size, weight and lifespan, Anton/Bauer Titon Micro batteries act as a “best of” all three categories. At just under 4 inches tall, Titon Micro’s provide the power needed to keep your rig running for hours without adding unnecessary weight and bulk. Their compact form factor also makes carrying backups to remote locations that much easier. Keep your rig light and tight with Anton/Bauer Titon Micro batteries.

Last, but certainly not least, you’ll want an on-camera monitor to ensure that you are getting the shots you need. SmallHD’s newest entry level 5in monitor, the Action 5 is the best companion to any DSLR build. It features a 5" 1920x1080, 440 PPI screen with 2000nits of brightness, so you can clearly see every shot as it happens. This budget friendly monitor includes ActionOS, an incredibly easy to use software interface that gives you access to four powerful monitoring tools designed to help you capture the perfect shot.

DSLR and mirrorless cameras are an inexpensive and versatile option that fit a variety of shooting styles and budgets. Whether you’re attempting to elevate your content creation and videography, or DSLR’s and mirrorless cameras are already a part of your production arsenal, equipping them with these top 10 DSLR accessories can help you maximize your camera’s potential.

What accessories are in your ideal DSLR or mirrorless camera rig? What's your current setup look like? Let us know in the comments below.