So I finally pulled the trigger on the Sony FX3 for my upcoming wedding gig in Seattle next week and man I am pumped but the weight balance is throwing me for a loop. I was thinking the RS3 Mini would be fine since I usually travel light but my logic was flawed because that XLR top handle adds so much height and I dont want to constantly strip it down to balance. Should I just bite the bullet and get the RS3 Pro or is the standard one enough for the payload? Also I need a solid shotgun mic that wont peek into the frame with a wide lens on that handle. Ive got about 1200 left in the budget for both so I gotta be smart here...
Unfortunately the Mini is a letdown for FX3 handles. I had issues with clearance too. Grab DJI RS 3 Gimbal Stabilizer and Sony ECM-XM1 Shotgun Microphone to save money. TL;DR: Mini is too small.
Agree about clearance. In my experience, DJI RS 3 Pro Gimbal Stabilizer arms fit that handle better, though Zhiyun Crane 4 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal has more torque... get the Sennheiser+MKE+600+Shotgun+Microphone&linkCode=osi&tag=5422-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone.
Regarding what #4 said about "To add to the point above: i been super happy with how my rig holds up for long days, but balancing that handle is definitely a trick." - i've found that relying on tricks can really bite you when you're rushing between locations. In my experience, it's better to simplify the rig than to fight physics. I've tried many setups over the years, and for the FX3, i actually prefer ditching the handle for gimbal work. Swapping to the Sony ECM-B1M Digital Shotgun Microphone is a game changer. It uses the digital shoe for clean audio without the height of the XLR box. It keeps the center of gravity low, which makes your motors way happier and the whole setup less wobbly when you're moving fast. If you really need those XLR inputs for the wedding though, the DJI RS 4 Pro Gimbal Stabilizer is the way to go. It has more vertical clearance than the older models, and those Teflon-coated arms make the balancing process way smoother when you're in a pinch. Honestly, spending a bit more on the gimbal and going with a smarter mic like the B1M will save your back. Just my two cents after years of trial and error... weddings are stressful enough without gear fighting you.
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To add to the point above: i been super happy with how my rig holds up for long days, but balancing that handle is definitely a trick. honestly you should just go on youtube and search for fx3 xlr gimbal clearance because there are a few creators who show exactly how to offset the plate for better reliability. dji actually has a whole compatibility tool on their website too thats way more accurate than what we can guess here. i saw a great breakdown on reddit last month about this exact wedding setup that was super helpful... anyway, hope you enjoy seattle. i spent a week there last summer and the rain was actually kinda nice for the b-roll, plus the seafood is killer and everyone was really chill. i think you'll have a blast shooting there. but yeah, just hit up those search results and you'll find the specific specs you need.
I have been very satisfied with my current rig, but you should be cautious about that high center of gravity. A taller payload creates significant leverage that can strain the tilt motor during fast transitions. It is risky. What lenses are you planning to use? Knowing the weight and length of your glass is essential for calculating the torque requirements for that top-heavy setup.
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