SmallRig is a Chinese manufacturer and global brand specializing 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 used in filmmaking, live streaming, vlogging, commercial video production, and photography.

The current SmallRig brand was launched in 2013, although the business behind it had been manufacturing camera accessories earlier. The brand focuses on designing modular equipment that allows creators to customize their camera setups for different production needs. [1]

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

One of SmallRig’s defining innovations is its User Co-Design (UCD) program.

Instead of designing products entirely in-house, SmallRig collaborates with filmmakers, photographers, and content creators around the world to develop new accessories based on real production workflows.

The company also introduced the DreamRig Program, allowing professionals to submit ideas that may become commercial products. This user-first development model has become one of the company’s distinguishing characteristics. [1]

SmallRig manufactures a wide 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 especially known 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 allow creators to build custom camera rigs.

Tripods

SmallRig offers:

• Carbon fiber tripods

• Aluminum tripods

• Video fluid heads

• Travel tripods

• Desktop tripods

Many are designed for hybrid photo/video production.

Lighting

The company has expanded into LED lighting products including:

• COB video lights

• RGB lights

• Portable LEDs

• Light stands

• Softboxes

• Light modifiers

Mobile Filmmaking

Products include:

• Smartphone cages

• Mobile grips

• Mobile microphones

• Phone tripod systems

• Mobile lighting kits

Designed for creators using smartphones for professional production.

Power Solutions

Recent product lines include:

• V-mount battery plates

• Portable batteries

• Camera power accessories

• USB-C power solutions

• Battery charging systems

SmallRig products support equipment from many manufacturers, including:

• Sony

• Canon

• Nikon

• Fujifilm

• Panasonic

• Blackmagic Design

• RED

• DJI

• GoPro

• Insta360

The company also develops accessories for newly released cameras shortly after launch, making it popular among professionals adopting new camera systems. [2]

SmallRig follows several core principles:

• Modular design

• Lightweight construction

• Affordable professional equipment

• Wide compatibility

• User-driven development

• Continuous innovation

Most accessories use standardized mounting systems such as:

• 1/4″-20

• 3/8″-16

• ARRI locating holes

• NATO rails

• Arca-Swiss compatibility

According to the company, SmallRig has received multiple international design awards, including:

• iF Design Awards

• Red Dot Design Awards

• Golden Pin Design Awards

• Red Star Design Awards

The company also reports:

• More than 2 million customers

• Over 900 products

• More than 415 licensed patents

• Distribution in 90+ countries and regions [1]

SmallRig products are sold worldwide through:

• Official online store

• Authorized retailers

• Camera specialty stores

• Major e-commerce platforms

Its accessories are commonly used in:

• Hollywood productions

• Documentary filmmaking

• Television

• Wedding videography

• Commercial advertising

• YouTube production

• Live streaming

• Corporate video [1]

A major part of SmallRig’s business strategy is its creator community.

The company actively works with:

• Professional filmmakers

• Photographers

• YouTubers

• Content creators

• Cinematographers

• Influencers

Users frequently provide product feedback, participate in beta testing, and contribute ideas through the User Co-Design initiative. [1]

SmallRig states that it is pursuing environmentally conscious manufacturing practices and has initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact as part of its long-term sustainability goals. [1]

SmallRig has earned a reputation for offering professional-grade camera accessories at prices generally lower than many traditional cinema-equipment manufacturers. It is particularly known for:

• Excellent value for money

• Broad compatibility across camera brands

• Rapid support for newly released cameras

• Extensive modular accessory ecosystem

• Strong engagement with the creator community

The brand is widely used by both independent creators and professional production teams.

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]

1. SmallRig: Camera Rigs | Tripods | Lighting | Accessories

2. SmallRig | Our Story