About SMALLRIG
SMALLRIG is a Chinese manufacturer and global brand specialising in professional camera accessories and support systems for photographers, videographers, filmmakers, and content creators. The company is best known for its modular camera cages, mounting systems, tripods, lighting equipment, smartphone rigs, and power solutions. Its products are widely utilised in filmmaking, live streaming, vlogging, commercial video production, and photography.1
Overview
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | SMALLRIG |
| Founded | 2013 (brand) |
| Company Origins | Shenzhen, Guangdong, China |
| Industry | Camera & Video Production Equipment |
| Headquarters | Shenzhen, China |
| Products | Camera cages, tripods, lighting, smartphone accessories, batteries, V-mount systems, gimbal accessories, mounting hardware |
| Global Reach | Available in over 90 countries and regions |
| Target Users | Professional filmmakers, photographers, YouTubers, vloggers, content creators, broadcasters |
| Slogan | Small Rig, Big Dream |
The current SMALLRIG brand was launched in 2013, although the business behind it had been manufacturing camera accessories prior to this date. The brand focuses on designing modular equipment that allows creators to customise their camera setups for varying production needs.1
History
Early Years
The company began manufacturing camera accessories before launching the SMALLRIG brand. According to company information, the SMALLRIG brand itself was officially established in 2013, introducing universal rigging components such as rods, clamps, and mounting systems.2
User Co-Design
A defining innovation of SMALLRIG is its User Co-Design (UCD) programme. Rather than designing products entirely in-house, SMALLRIG collaborates with filmmakers, photographers, and content creators globally to develop new accessories based on real-world production workflows.
The company also introduced the DreamRig Program, which allows professionals to submit ideas that may be developed into commercial products. This user-first development model has become one of the company’s distinguishing characteristics.1
Product Categories
SMALLRIG manufactures a comprehensive range of imaging accessories.
Camera Support
- Camera cages
- Half cages
- L-brackets
- Top handles
- Side handles
- Baseplates
- Shoulder rigs
- Rod systems
These products provide protection, mounting options, and ergonomic handling for cameras.
Mounting Solutions
SMALLRIG is particularly noted for its modular ecosystem of accessories, including:
- NATO rails
- NATO handles
- Magic arms
- Ball heads
- Cold shoe mounts
- Super clamps
- Monitor mounts
- Cheese plates
- Quick-release systems
These components enable creators to construct bespoke camera rigs.
Tripods
The company offers a variety of support systems:
- Carbon fibre tripods
- Aluminium tripods
- Video fluid heads
- Travel tripods
- Desktop tripods
Many models are designed specifically for hybrid photo and video production.
Lighting
SMALLRIG has expanded into LED lighting products, including:
- COB video lights
- RGB lights
- Portable LEDs
- Light stands
- Softboxes
- Light modifiers
Mobile Filmmaking
Products designed for creators using smartphones for professional production include:
- Smartphone cages
- Mobile grips
- Mobile microphones
- Phone tripod systems
- Mobile lighting kits
Power Solutions
Recent product lines encompass:
- V-mount battery plates
- Portable batteries
- Camera power accessories
- USB-C power solutions
- Battery charging systems
Major Product Lines
SMALLRIG products support equipment from numerous manufacturers, including Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Blackmagic Design, RED, DJI, GoPro, and Insta360. The company frequently develops accessories for newly released cameras shortly after launch, making it a popular choice among professionals adopting new camera systems.2
Design Philosophy
SMALLRIG adheres to several core design principles:
- Modular design
- Lightweight construction
- Affordable professional equipment
- Wide compatibility
- User-driven development
- Continuous innovation
Most accessories utilise standardised mounting systems such as 1/4″-20, 3/8″-16, ARRI locating holes, NATO rails, and Arca-Swiss compatibility.
Awards and Recognition
According to the company, SMALLRIG has received multiple international design awards, including iF Design Awards, Red Dot Design Awards, Golden Pin Design Awards, and Red Star Design Awards.
The company also reports the following milestones:
- More than 2 million customers
- Over 900 products
- More than 415 licensed patents
- Distribution in over 90 countries and regions1
Global Presence
SMALLRIG products are sold worldwide through an official online store, authorised retailers, camera specialty stores, and major e-commerce platforms. Its accessories are commonly used in Hollywood productions, documentary filmmaking, television, wedding videography, commercial advertising, YouTube production, live streaming, and corporate video.1
Community
A significant component of SMALLRIG’s business strategy is its creator community. The company actively engages with professional filmmakers, photographers, YouTubers, content creators, cinematographers, and influencers. Users frequently provide product feedback, participate in beta testing, and contribute ideas through the User Co-Design initiative.1
Sustainability
SMALLRIG states that it pursues environmentally conscious manufacturing practices and has implemented initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact as part of its long-term sustainability goals.1
Reputation
SMALLRIG has earned a reputation for offering professional-grade camera accessories at price points generally lower than many traditional cinema equipment manufacturers. It is particularly known for excellent value, broad compatibility across camera brands, rapid support for newly released cameras, an extensive modular accessory ecosystem, and strong engagement with the creator community. The brand is widely used by both independent creators and professional production teams.
Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Pre-2013 | Camera accessory manufacturing begins |
| 2013 | SMALLRIG brand officially launched |
| 2014 | First Facebook user community established; first Sony A6000 cage introduced |
| 2015–2016 | Expanded support for major camera and cinema systems |
| 2017 | DreamRig customisation project launched |
| 2018 | Partnerships expanded with major imaging brands |
| 2020s | Diversified into lighting, power systems, tripods, and mobile filmmaking products while expanding global reach |
See Also
- Camera cages
- Tripods
- Video lighting
- Gimbals
- V-mount batteries
- Modular camera rigs
- Filmmaking accessories
SMALLRIG has grown from a niche maker of camera cages into one of the world’s best-known brands for modular imaging accessories. Its emphasis on creator collaboration, compatibility across camera systems, and affordable professional equipment has made it a prominent choice among filmmakers, photographers, and content creators worldwide.1
