Ok so, for ProRes recording, grab the Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB and a high-quality cable. Ngl, cheap ones will literally fail and ruin your files—dont risk it! Also, get the Moment 67mm Snap-On MagSafe Filter Mount with a Moment 67mm Variable ND Filter (2-5 Stop). It’s basically amazing for keeping your shutter speed locked in without blowing out those highlights on the new sensor!!

You might find this useful - i've been researching the same stuff and honestly, you gotta be careful not to overspend on day one. Pro tip: check out **Mobile Motion** or even just **YouTube** reviews from creators like *Sidney Diongzon* for budget rigging ideas. I've been there with gear failing... literally lost a whole day of footage once cuz of a bad connection. It sucks. So, instead of the T9 mentioned earlier, maybe check out the Crucial X9 Pro 2TB Portable SSD. It's highkey a better value and still super reliable for ProRes. For a grip, i actually use the Ulanzi CapGrip II Smartphone Camera Grip. It's like twenty bucks and makes the phone feel way more secure in ur hand. I guess it depends on your needs, but having that physical grip is a game changer for stability... just watch out for cheap MagSafe magnets tho, some arent strong enough to hold a rig safely! lol

> I’m not sure what’s actually worth the investment. Tbh, i totally agree that getting a rig is a game changer, but as a beginner, the price of "pro" gear is kinda scary. I've been looking at the DIY route versus buying those expensive pre-made kits. Like, why buy a $100 cage when you can use a [[Neewer Universal Phone Video Rig]] for a fraction of the cost? If you go the DIY/Self-service way:
- Pros: Its way cheaper and you can swap parts around. I use a [[Ulanzi ST-27 Phone Clip]] with a random handle i found and it works great!
- Cons: Might feel a bit wierd or bulky compared to the sleek Apple-focused brands. Professional Kits:
- Pros: Everything just works and looks realy cool.
- Cons: You're paying a huge "Apple tax" for the brand name. I'm realy leaning towards the DIY side cuz i'm still learning. Is it worth it to go pro right away or is starting with generic parts better for the 17 Pro? I dont want to waste money if the sensor is as big as they say and needs specific mounts later. Maybe i'll just stick to the basic stuff for now.

Nice, didn't know that

Late to the party but this whole thread is 💯. Glad I found it.

Sooo, I've been doing mobile video for years and honestly, the 17 Pro sensor rumors have me SO hyped! You might find this useful - check out the SmallRig Universal Mobile Phone Cage Kit. It's basically essential if you want to mount lights or mics without everything feeling flimsy. I learned the hard way that hand-holding for ProRes is a recipe for shaky, unusable clips... seriously, it's a mess. Also, check out the Blackmagic Camera App on the App Store. It's a fantastic free resource that gives you way more manual control than the native app. Ngl, the secret sauce is actually the cable. I suggest the Kondor Blue USB-C to USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 20Gbps Cable cuz it's super reliable. I once used a cheap cord and it literally disconnected mid-take... talk about a mood killer lol. A solid rig and cable combo makes ur setup feel actually professional! 👍