Easily Switch from Horizontal to Vertical Video with the SmallRig L-Bracket (Sony a7 IV, a7R V, a7S III)
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If you're shooting with a Sony A7 IV, A7R V, or A7S III, and you often need to switch between horizontal and vertical video shots, you're going to want to check out the SmallRig L-Bracket. In today’s video, I’ll be showing you how this handy accessory makes it super easy to transition between both orientations quickly.
What Makes the SmallRig L-Bracket Special?
First off, SmallRig is known for producing high-quality gear, and this L-Bracket is no exception. It’s well-built, with a solid metal construction, so you don’t have to worry about it feeling cheap or flimsy. The build quality alone makes it a solid choice for photographers and videographers who need a reliable, durable product.
One of the best features is how easy it is to switch between horizontal and vertical shooting. The bracket has a foldable design: when you’re shooting horizontally, you simply use it as is, but with the press of a button, you can fold it to the vertical position. It locks securely into place with a satisfying click, making the transition smooth and effortless.
How It Works
To install your camera, simply align the bracket with the battery door for easy access to your battery. SmallRig includes a magnetic screw tightener, which is a small but handy touch, helping keep everything in place while you attach your camera. This makes mounting or unmounting the camera super easy without any fumbling.
The bracket has a slim profile, so it doesn’t take up too much space when you’re shooting in horizontal mode. Plus, it’s an ARCA Swiss compatible plate, which means you can mount it directly onto an ARCA Swiss tripod. If you’re using a Manfrotto tripod, you’ll need an adapter to attach the plate in vertical mode, as this plate is specifically designed for ARCA Swiss systems.
Access to Ports and Battery
A great thing about this bracket is that it doesn’t block your battery door, so you can change your battery on the fly without removing the plate. However, when shooting vertically, there is one slight drawback: the bracket can block access to your camera’s headphone or HDMI ports. But SmallRig thought of a solution! By extending the plate slightly, you can create enough space between the plate and the camera body to still access your ports while shooting vertically.
Simply extend the plate all the way, mount your camera, and you’ll have enough room to access those ports, like the microphone input. This is a really thoughtful feature for anyone who relies on external audio or monitors while filming.
The Only Drawback
The only downside I’ve found is that, when shooting vertically, the L-Bracket blocks your camera’s LCD screen, which makes it harder to frame yourself or check your shot. You can still see a little of the screen at an angle, but it’s not ideal for self-shooting. Unfortunately, you can’t rotate the plate to mount it the other way, as it’s shaped to fit the battery compartment. But aside from this minor issue, the L-Bracket works flawlessly for most shooting situations.
Final Thoughts
If you're a Sony A7 IV, A7R V, or A7S III user, the SmallRig L-Bracket is a fantastic accessory to make your life easier. It’s built to last, offers quick switching between horizontal and vertical shooting, and doesn’t block essential camera functions like the battery door. For anyone who needs to regularly flip between orientations, this is a time-saving game-changer.
Overall, I highly recommend adding this to your gear bag if you’re looking for a simple, efficient way to shoot both horizontal and vertical video without any hassle.
Thanks for reading! Hope you found this helpful. See you in the next one!
