By contributor Clinton Harn:
The DCAGE from DFOCUS is an affordable solution for owners of the Panasonic GH3 or GH4. Made in the USA, it is a precision CNC machined aluminium cage specifically designed for the Panasonic GH3 and GH4. The form-fitting design allows full access to all of the camera’s buttons, battery, SD card slot, screen and lens mount.
I have previously used both the Viewfactor cage and prototype Movcam half-cage for the GH4 and was keen to see how the DCAGE measured up. The DGAGE comes in four cheeseplate sides that you assemble to create the cage. You can access all the buttons on the camera and there are a myriad of 1/4 20 and 3/8 mounting holes all over the cage to mount accessories. The cage can be bought with an accessory top handle. The handle is not quick release and bolts onto the top cheeseplate. Because it requires some time to attach it isn’t great if you need to remove the handle frequently to put it away in your bag. The handle can only be mounted on the leading edge of the top plate – this does not allow much versatility with placement. On the plus side the handle is pretty solid and if you are happy with its placement then it will probably work well. Alternatively you could fit a NATO type rail to the top of the cage and a handle from a different manufacturer if you really need a quick release.
The DGAGE retails for $219.99US. It provides a good solution for owners of the GH3 and GH4 without breaking the bank. It is priced very closely to the Viewfactor Contineo Cage ($249US), which strangely doesn’t seem to be available at present on the Viewfactor website. There are now several other GH4 custom cages on the market from makers like Varavon and Motionnine which are also worth checking out before you make a final decision.
Features:
100% CNC machined aluminum construction
Compact, form fitting design. Made specifically to fit the Panasonic GH3 or GH4 like a glove
Full access to all of the camera’s controls, buttons, battery and memory card door
50 1/4-20″ threaded holes and 8 3/8-16” threaded holes on the top and sides of the cage
Weighs 10 oz (283 grams)
HDMI Cable clamp included
Measures 5.8 inches wide by 2 inches deep by 4.4 inches tall
