Sony FDR AX700 Top Handle

[240ian]

Hello,

I recently purchased a Sony FDR AX700 and would like to use a top handle in order to capture angles (I film a lot with skating and cars).

My initial plan was to simply buy a top handle that connects via the Hotshoe on top of the camera, yet I'm skeptical if the weight of the camera (plus some of the accessories I plan to add) will be able to be supported by the small connection.

Does anyone have experience with a top handle for FDR cameras and has a more stable solution? 

[ioagount]

Hi 240ian,

I use this handheld for my FDR-AX33.

John.

[240ian]

Hello ! 

I've seen this solution before as well, my main concern with this setup is: 

The AX100 is a fair ways larger, I'm not sure if it will fit and I imagine I'd have to take the rig apart in order to switch batteries or? 

[IamNic]

Hi @240ian,

I had both my FDR-AX100 (sold it a few weeks ago) and my FDR-AX100 in a camera cage usually meant for DSLR cameras.

That way the structure is supported by a base plate beneath the camcorders quarter inch thread, which means the top handle doesn't "rip" out of the camera (at least for me it didn't in 3 years of use).

Since I recently sold it I have some nice pictures of my former AX100, yet the cage is the same on my AX700 (just one part is turned 180 degrees.

 

I used the following parts from the brand "Camvate":

Cage: https://www.amazon.de/gp/aw/d/B06XDHMT33

Side grip (the one included with the cage is not very good and has "play"): https://www.amazon.de/gp/aw/d/B074V4JCYL

Adapter for the MI-Shoe: https://www.amazon.de/gp/aw/d/B00PE3XOZQ

I also have a video somewhere on my NAS which I never uploaded, where I unbox the parts and install them on my AX700 - if you are interested I could render+upload it.

- Nic