Most essential accessories for a new Sony FX3 video setup?

Question

Just spent my life savings on an FX3 for a Chicago doc shoot starting Monday and I'm panicking. Some say a Ninja V is a must-have but others say internal 10-bit is plenty and the monitor just adds bulk. I'm totally lost. What are the absolute bare minimum accessories I actually need to get through my first day?

WarrenBiz · Accepted Answer

Chicago is freezing and unfortunately I had issues with FX3 batteries draining in thirty minutes last winter. Skip the Ninja; it wasnt as good as expected in the cold. You really need these:SmallRig FX3 Cage with XLR Handle Extension<a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Sennheiser+MKE+600+Super-Cardioid+Microphone&#038;BI=8941&#038;KBID=10361&#038;SID=12345&#038;DFF=d50" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Sennheiser MKE 600 Super-Cardioid MicrophoneAnker 737 Power Bank 24000mAh 140W PD Honestly the cage is vital because the handle flexes.

Lazernoe_njpn · Answer

Just saw this. In my experience, reliable media is way more vital than a monitor for doc work.

Sony CEA-G160T 160GB CFexpress Type A (Best reliability)

ProGrade Digital 256GB SDXC UHS-II V90 (Better value) V90s work fine tho.

Shericen · Answer

Honestly, I would suggest skipping the monitor for now. I once had an external recorder fail during a high stakes shoot and it was a total nightmare. Just be careful and make sure to grab plenty of extra batteries from Sony so you dont run out. You might want to consider a protective cage from SmallRig too. Reliability is the most important thing.