Optimizing a Vertical Camera Rig for Baseball Content
When working with my travel baseball team client, vertical content was a priority for their Instagram audience. This focus influenced every aspect of my preparation and rig setup, ensuring a seamless workflow without the need for cropping or reframing in post-production.
Since all final videos were going to be vertical, I configured my camera to shoot vertically while keeping the rig balanced and functional. Here’s a breakdown of the gear I used, why I chose each component, and my experience using them during the project.
Camera & Lens
Sony FX30 + 18–105mm f/4
The Sony FX30 offers impressive dynamic range for tricky lighting and occasional exposure challenges. It features dual card slots for redundancy, which I’ve never needed in two years—but it provides peace of mind. The internal fan keeps the camera cool even on 90+°F days, though I can’t always say the same for myself.
With its APS-C sensor and 1.5x crop factor, the 18–105mm lens functions like a 27–157.5mm lens. Paired with Clear Image Zoom, it provides excellent coverage. I always use a cage for this rig—it’s not strictly necessary but makes mounting and handling easier, especially on other setups.
The 18–105 lens excelled at capturing tight action from the dugout and wider shots of the field. Its smooth power zoom allowed fatigue-free handling and mimicked the zoom motion of professional sports cameras. While it’s not the fastest lens, that wasn’t a major concern given that some games got darker later in the day.
Memory
Lexar 256GB V90 Cards
These high-speed cards handled high-bitrate recording reliably and allowed me to offload footage quickly between games. After two years of use, they’ve never failed me. While V90 cards aren’t necessary for every sports shoot, the convenience of quickly transferring large files is worth the investment, especially when capturing multiple games in a day.
Tripod
SmallRig AD01
The tripod’s smooth panning and secure locking system provided stable coverage, and its safety blocks prevented accidental slips during fast-paced moments. I’ve never used a more expensive tripod, but this one has proven durable and reliable for my rig.
Adjusting the ball head and height was simple, which is critical when each field and section of the field differs. Being able to fine-tune your shot level, even if the tripod isn’t perfectly aligned, makes a big difference during sports shoots.
Monitor
Atomos Shinobi
The monitor offered sharp visuals for precise framing, even in direct sunlight. It operated reliably with standard NPF batteries throughout the day.
Audio
Rode Wireless Pro
I didn’t rely heavily on audio for this series, but when I did, the wireless mics were useful. Range could be tricky—sometimes a player 100ft away would cut out, while a player 150ft away would work fine.
To ensure I captured all audio, I often used the onboard memory recording, which added extra work in post since I had to locate specific clips. Typically, I synced camera and mic audio in the timeline, but occasionally I had to manually overlay clips.
Other Rig Components
SmallRig Baseplate, 15mm Rods, and V-Mount Plate – Added stability and allowed mounting a V-Mount battery, giving the rig a polished, professional appearance.
SmallRig 99Wh V-Mount Battery – Provided reliable, all-day power. I never needed the camera’s internal battery.
Kondor Blue HDMI & USB-C Cables – Durable, coiled, right-angled cables kept things tidy and protected ports.
SmallRig Matte Box Mini – Blocked distracting sunlight and added a professional touch.
Nisi Swift ND Filters – Controlled exposure in bright conditions without color shifts or vignetting, and were easy to swap as lighting changed, especially at sunset.
Lessons Learned
Optimize for Vertical Content: Designing the rig specifically for vertical recording saved time and eliminated extra steps in post-production.
Prepare Ahead: Pre-rigging the camera the night before a shoot saved valuable setup time and allowed me to focus on finding the best angles.
Test Audio Gear: Using onboard audio is a good backup, but plan for syncing efficiently in post.
By tailoring this setup for vertical content, I was able to deliver high-quality videos that resonated with the client’s audience. If you’re exploring sports videography, I hope this insight helps you craft a rig that works for your needs.