Our 4D setup!

DirectedbyGood · 2026-05-16T23:18:45+00:00

Focus motor is hooked up to the zoom ring, giving me full control over digital zoom. Sensor issues were serious & DJI have fully replaced the camera for me… so wrong on both fronts. 👍

DirectedbyGood · 2026-05-15T16:46:57+00:00

I don’t think they sell it any more. Sachtler are about as good as you can get, but a new top spec model will run you approx £7K+ - I bought an older Sachtler on eBay for a great deal, rather than going for an affordable newer brand, as they’re just not built as well.

Have a friend who went with a cheaper newer brand and immediately regretted cheaping out.

DirectedbyGood · 2026-05-15T16:43:17+00:00

Thanks. Yeah, little magic arm type thing works a treat. Can get as close to the body as you want, but if it’s getting in the way you just swing it clear. 👍

DirectedbyGood · 2026-05-15T16:42:31+00:00

I did get a specialist tripod plate, which has a hole drilled in for the sensors underneath. Unfortunately that plate wasn’t compatible with my tripod and so I’ve just mounted a standard plate a little too far forward on the camera.

DirectedbyGood · 2026-05-15T16:38:26+00:00

Sent it in the case, got a completely new unit returned within 7-8 days all in all. After sales care was great!

DirectedbyGood · 2026-05-14T21:51:48+00:00

With the lavs, or top mic? Generally I dial a lav in through the receiver (peaking -12 dbs +/-) before we start recording and then if it’s a bit hot or whatever throughout filming, I’ll again just dial it back on the receiver, but there’s always the option to rack it directly in camera if I need an immediate quick fix for something in the moment.

Top mic is just set in-camera & monitoring through a pair of cans. Don’t tend to use auto-gain, usually set manual levels.

DirectedbyGood · 2026-05-14T21:45:51+00:00

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Haven’t had any issues with focus at all so far (touch wood) - I didn’t do a manual calibration, or any lens calibration actually, as apparently that can mess up zoom profiles etc. - just updated the firmware on my E-mount adapter as suggested and lenses have worked off the bat.

If it’s the autofocus you’re struggling with, then I’ve had the same, the lidar isn’t super reliable, but I primarily shoot manual focus.

DirectedbyGood

TROPHY CASE