Review on SMALLRIG Camera Cage for Sony A7 II/A7R II/A7S II Mirrorless Digital Camera with Top Handle and HDMI Cable Lock - 2014 by Terry Gernes

I have been using this cage for a year now. My absolute favorite part is the HDMI blocking, I can't even imagine how this port would have lasted so long without it. One time in particular my DJI Ronin went nuts and did a HUGE 180 degree spin and the motor actually got stuck due to a loose HDMI cable. Absolutely no damage to the port, so kudos for this design. What I don't like the most is that it only has one point of contact with the camera. Unlike other Smallrig cages that have a 1/4 floor mount AND a second hot shoe mount that locks it in 2 places and makes it almost impossible for the camera to move freely, this cage allows the camera to shake quite a bit. one piece. If my shoot is longer than an hour, this camera will move 100%, which may be less annoying for some, but my tripod, slider, monopod, and Ronin literally share the same mounting plate for easy swapping. but when the camera pops out of the cage you have to remove the plate, tighten the screw 1/4 as much as possible and put the plate back in place, which seems like nothing but when you're shooting a wedding sometimes you don't do the have the luxury of time. There were a couple of times I just put it back in place, hoping it stayed there long enough not to upset Ronin's balance. When I spent $150 on it I thought I was getting too high quality, but it's a design flaw I just can't help but notice. But other than that, this cage is great. Plenty of mounting options everywhere, when properly seated, the memory card compartment, battery compartment, microphone cover and HDMI cover open perfectly. Almost great. As I said, the Smallrig has a different cage that has 2 contact points but fewer mounting options AND MOST IMPORTANTLY has no HDMI lock and cannot mount it at all. If there is ever a version with 2 contact points AND an HDMI lock in the future, it will be stupid, no matter the price.