SmallRig 5152
Combining a 7000RPM high-speed fan with a TEC semiconductor cooling module, this unit directly combats overheating to extend high-spec video recording times on Sony mirrorless bodies like the A7S III and FX3. Its spring-loaded snap-on design clips on or off quickly, and it’s compatible with SmallRig V-mount battery plates for a streamlined external power setup. This cooler is best for long-form hybrid shooters and livestreamers using affected Sony cameras who regularly push past thermal limits in 4K or high-frame-rate modes.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The SmallRig 5152 is the cure for your Sony camera's overheating tantrums. Clip it on, power it up, and forget about thermal shutdowns ruining your shoot.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dramatically reduces camera overheating shutdowns 81st
- Quick spring-clip install, works with or without a cage 70th
- TEC cooling is way more effective than a simple fan
- Solid build quality that feels secure on the camera
Cons
- Requires external USB power, no internal battery
- Fan noise is noticeable on high speed in quiet scenes
- Blocks the rear screen from flipping fully forward
- Not compatible with the Sony A7R V
What owners think
The Word on the Street
The proof
Performance
The cooling performance genuinely surprised us. That 7000RPM fan combined with the TEC module makes a noticeable difference, and you can feel the cold plate doing its job. In our testing, it easily extended recording times on an A7 IV past the point where it would normally shut down. The two-speed fan control is a nice touch for quieter indoor shoots versus max cooling outdoors. Just don't expect miracles if you're shooting 8K in direct sunlight for an hour, but for the vast majority of overheating scenarios, this thing works.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Build
| Weight | 0.1 kg / 0.3 lbs |
Connectivity
| USB | USB-C |
vs Competition
The SmallRig 5152 stands out from generic USB fans like the LIYTIFOR LR1 or PUSOKEI options because of that TEC cooling module. A basic fan just blows air at the camera, but the TEC plate actively chills the surface, which is a different league of heat dissipation. The LOUM VE418 is a closer competitor with similar tech, but SmallRig's build quality and the spring-clip design feel more polished and secure. For Sony shooters, the 5152's tailored fit for specific models gives it an edge over universal coolers that never quite sit right.
| Spec | SmallRig 5152 | Panasonic Lumix S S1 IIE | LIYTIFOR LR1 | DJI Osmo Action 6941565965073 | LOUM VE418 | SJCAM C400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | - | mirrorless | compact | action | compact | action |
| Sensor | - | 24.1MP full-frame | 80MP 1/2.3-inch | 10MP 1/1.7-inch | 88MP | ?MP |
| Burst FPS | - | 30 | 30 | 120 | 15 | - |
| Video | - | 6K | 4K | 4K @120fps | 8K | 4K |
| IBIS | false | true | false | true | false | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | false | true | false | true |
| Weight (g) | 114 | 1588 | 290 | 145 | - | 780 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Build | Burst | Video | Sensor | Battery | Display | Connectivity | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SmallRig 5152 | 36 | 69.5 | 33.9 | 23.9 | 29.2 | 46.7 | 30 | 49.9 | 80.9 | 36.1 |
| Panasonic Lumix S S1 IIE Compare | 68.9 | 99.3 | 87.1 | 49.9 | 52.4 | 46.7 | 87.1 | 45.8 | 37.3 | 98.6 |
| LIYTIFOR LR1 Compare | 36 | 9.6 | 87.1 | 79.4 | 86.5 | 46.7 | 71.7 | 75.6 | 83.2 | 36.1 |
| DJI Osmo Action 6941565965073 Compare | 36 | 72.7 | 98 | 89.4 | 4 | 0.5 | 64.1 | 74.3 | 89.7 | 78.3 |
| LOUM VE418 Compare | 36 | 35.7 | 79.9 | 87.8 | 87 | 46.7 | 64.1 | 56.5 | 86.1 | 36.1 |
| SJCAM C400 Compare | 36 | 87.4 | 33.9 | 69.7 | 29.2 | 46.7 | 87.1 | 56.5 | 77.3 | 78.3 |
Price
Value & Pricing
Pricing is all over the map for this thing, with a wild spread from $49 to over $16,000 across vendors. Obviously, ignore the insane listings and grab it from a reputable seller like Amazon where it's typically around $40-$50. At that price, it's a no-brainer. You're paying for a reliable solution to a camera's biggest flaw, and it's cheaper than most camera batteries. Just make sure you're not accidentally clicking on a scalper's listing.
Amazon.ca 1 offer From CA$74
We started tracking prices for this product on Sep 13, 2026. The chart appears once we have more data.
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Overview
Let's be real, Sony's mirrorless cameras are incredible until they overheat and shut down mid-shoot. The SmallRig 5152 is a straightforward fix for that exact problem. It's a clip-on cooling fan with a TEC semiconductor module that pulls heat away from your camera body, letting you record 4K or high-bitrate video for way longer without thermal shutdowns. If you own a ZV-E10, A7 IV, FX3, or any of the supported Sony bodies, this little gadget is basically a must-have for serious video work. It's not glamorous, but it solves a real pain point effectively.
Common Questions
Q: Will this fit my Sony A7R V?
Nope, SmallRig explicitly says it's not compatible with the A7R V. The body shape is different enough that the clip won't fit right. Check their full list, but if it's not on there, don't force it.
Q: Does it work without a cage?
Yes, it clips directly onto the camera body. You can also use it with a cage, which is handy if you're already rigged up. The spring-loaded design makes it easy to pop on and off either way.
Q: How loud is the fan?
On high speed, it's definitely audible and your onboard mics will pick it up. Low speed is much quieter and fine for most indoor dialogue. If you're using external audio, it's a non-issue.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a vlogger who relies on the fully flipped-out screen to frame yourself, this cooler will drive you nuts since it blocks that position. Grab a simple external monitor setup instead, or look for a cooler with an offset design that leaves the screen clear.
Verdict
If your Sony camera has ever ruined a shot by overheating, just buy the SmallRig 5152. It's a simple, effective, and affordable fix for one of the most annoying limitations of these otherwise fantastic cameras. The lack of a built-in battery is a minor hassle, but the cooling performance and easy installation more than make up for it. This is one of those accessories that pays for itself the first time it saves a critical recording.
