Are iPhone video cages OVERRATED? SmallRig x Brandon Li iPhone Video Kit - Videographer’s Reaction

You can find the iPhone videography kit here: amzn.to/41RuN6B
The Brandon Li Video Kit made by SmallRig if nothing else, is an intriguing piece of smartphone videography equipment. Smartphone video cages & filming gear has been rising in popularity over the last few years, and SmallRig was kind enough to send over the new Brandon Li x SmallRig Video Kit collaboration to test out. This kit is made exclusively for the iPhone 15 Pro Max smartphone, but SmallRig also carries a generic black version for the iPhone 15 Pro smartphone.
This iPhone videography cage comes with side handles, a variable ND filter for videography, and a removable bluetooth shutter control button on top of one of the side handles.
In this video I will answer the question:
- Is the Brandon Li Video Kit worth it? Or is it an overrated piece of Smartphone video production gear?
- What are the features of the SmallRig smartphone videography kit and how can you use it to create cinematic films on your iPhone 15 Pro Max
- How can you unlock the full videography capabilities of your iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max smartphones, especially the ability to film in Apple Log footage?
- How to use the Black Magic Camera app to compliment the Brandon Li Video Kit and get the absolute best video footage out of your iPhone 15 Pro Max smartphone.
- What do I dislike about the Brandon Li Videography kit and what I wish SmallRig would have included.
- Will I be using the Brandon Li Video Kit on my future commercial media productions?
#brandonli #smallrig #iphonevideographer #iphonevideography #iphonevideokit #smartphonevideography #brandonlismallrig #videogear #gearreview #iphone15promax
Photo/Video Gear I use: www.amazon.ca/shop/calin.charles
Sony A7IV x 2
Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens
Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens
Sony SEL FE 50mm f/2.5 G Lens
Sony SEL FE 85mm f/1.8 Lens
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN ART Lens
Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens
DJI RS3 Pro Gimbal
DJI RS3 Mini
Atomos Ninja V
DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone
Freewell Variable ND Filters
Sony 256GB SF-M Tough Series UHS-II SDXC card
Lexar Professional 2000x SD UHS-II Card
Nanuk 935 Hard Case
WANDRD PRVKE 21L
Follow Me on Social Media:
IG: / calin.charles
YT: @calincharles
00:00 Introduction to smartphone videography kits and cages and my feelings about them.
00:45 Brandon Li Video Kit features and how to use
00:56 Discussion of the SmallRig Quick Release side handles for iPhone video kit.
02:37 Version available for iPhone 15 Pro smartphone
03:20 How to use the bluetooth shutter control on the video kit
04:07 The Variable ND filter included in the Brandon Li smartphone kit
04:41 The Black Magic Camera App and how to use it to improve your videography on iPhone
08:50 Custom camera settings to use for Black Magic Camera App on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
11:21 Is the Brandon Li Video Kit actually worth it? or is it overrated?
12:00 Do you need a smartphone gimbal when using the iPhone 15 Pro for stable footage?
13:00 What I dislike about the cage and wish SmallRig would have included?
DISCLAIMER
This video may contain affiliate links - this does not change the price or the way that you make a purchase; however, I may make a small commission which helps support our content. Thank You!
SmallRig provided the Brandon Li Video Kit for me to test out for the purpose of this video. No money exchanged hands, however I do get to keep the video kit for personal use. They do not get to review this video before I post, or have any influence over what I talk about.

[@Dance_Inside]

Thanks, cool information! Bought it just after your video, got ensured this is a thing I've needed.

[@perfect10bootcamps]

Great review... I'm sold! The reviews on Amazon are equally as complimentary, so this definitely seems like a game changer. You have a new follower today Calin, Thank you brother!

[@calincharles]

Bro you won’t regret it. I stopped using my gimbal entirely for smartphone shoots and use this exclusively with the black magic app

[@PatrickMastersProductions]

I love this rig. Between this and the Black Magic camera app and the ability to stack magnetic filters, it can't be beat. I also picked up a couple of the new Smallrig Universal cages and I have so much versatility no matter what phone I use to shoot on (iPhone 15 Pro Max and Sony Xperia 1 V). Great content. Please keep up the great work.

[@ARAW-__-]

Very helpful video ! It convinced me to go for that kind of cage as well. Initially I was going for the Neewer cage but the quick switch handles are much appreciated. Do you have experience with shiftcam or freewell phone lenses ?

[@x1928]

I literally have a magsafe magnet glued to a 2TB SSD and just slap it to the back of my phone for practicality

[@calincharles]

haha love that

[@mg4340]

Genius

[@Christellezphoto]

Great Review on something I probably never would have considered before this!

[@calincharles]

Haha thanks man. Yeah honestly this kit is SO handy. I 100% Will use it all the time

[@lamarsheridan6030]

Thanks Calin , great video.

[@calincharles]

Thanks!

[@UraFlight]

Very nice informative review. Thanks for sharing this with us. Can I mount this cage somehow to my main camera cage and use it as a second camera ?

[@calincharles]

Absolutely, you’d just need to buy the right attachment.

[@JadeSambrook]

Being able to add a neutral density filter is the most importand part and that's where cages come in super handy.

[@catkittlitz6341]

WOW this will be so great for my short form projects

[@calincharles]

It honestly will be. Such great UGC application

[@DasOrlando]

Hey! thanks for this review! :D I was wondering if there exists adaptors for another brand lenses like the Beastgrip anamorphic 1.33x mk2 to use it with SmallRig's mount. Thx again, nice channel :)

[@saheb00]

will there be something similar released for the new iPhone because I'm waiting

[@iamVinnyK]

As a Resolve user and recent 15 Pro Max owner, I appreciate your thorough breakdown of the BM app!

[@calincharles]

So glad it was helpful

[@proartwork7189]

I just bought it this morning before discovering your channel. What made me buy it was the fact that the VND filter is also a polarizer. Not many people know bout it.

[@f1remandg]

Very good very imnformative and I agree about the lens sizes even one that is threaded like Neewer

[@guiadeniteroi]

Which cage do you recommend for iphone 14 pro max?? I have om6 also, but it's not the same...i want to alsp buy a rig, but don't know which one... 😢 smallrig?? Other one?

[@amadefortvmovie]

Does anyone have the issue when using the ND on the widest lense you get light leaks coming through the gap in the magnetic filter and also you see the edge of the filter - and the filter mount doesn't quite fit properly

[@jacquesgude]

I've been tempted, since this was initially released, to order one. What has kept me from doing so, thus far, is the fact that one cannot mount both a VND and a Black Pro Mist filter at the same time. I've searched high and low for a workable solution for this particular rig, with no success. Welcome suggestions as I'll likely still order the Brandon Li SmallRig for my 15 Pro Max.

[@calincharles]

I wonder if there’s an adaptor to a larger regular camera filter you can buy… let me look into this.

[@reigndavis7930]

Great rig love everything about it but it is not good when trying to plug in your dpi mic 2 because the age is to long and thick (pause) and the hot shoe mount doesn't fit the dji receive sliding in. Other than that it was good and fun to work with . I love the colors I love can switch the handles. But I was annoyed that I couldn't plug my receiver In the rig. Luckily bluetooth change all of that for me and it up and running smooth.

[@Mr_Kenneth]

The VND lets light and reflections in ftom the lrft side.

[@proartwork7189]

Just use gaffers tape since you now own it.

[@jessejae5820]

I bought this cage ffor my iPhone 15 promax, and I can say its also my go to for my mobile video shoots.

[@calincharles]

It’s such a great tool. Hands down best phone accessory i think I’ve ever purchased

[@CanadaRandom]

Very Nice!

[@calincharles]

It’s a pretty cool little production rig and I’ve been loving using the black magic cam app

[@fernandosanz1369]

Thanks a lot for the video. My question: for indoor basketball shooting, would you recommend this Rig or a gimbal?

[@calincharles]

Depends on the shooting style you want. If you’re going to have to be courtside… probably gimbal? Just cause running movement will be smoother. If you’re making basketball hype vids where you can be on court, then this rig

[@fernandosanz1369]

@@calincharles Courtside definetly, talking about profesional games. But I won't be running along the court, probably staying close to the basket for some action shots.

[@paulnbrenda358]

Unfortunately Brandon’s cage doesn’t fit iPhone 14 Pro. Recently took trip to the EU. I use a minalist cine rig. I use the iPhone for back up So prevent theft and losing my phone or dropping it off a cliff I used the smallrig cage. What I found is that the magnetic lens filter stinks. Lost it the first day! The phone is now unprotected on the back with the cage and now it’s all scratched up and just lost a lot of money for trade in!

[@josephchan0749]

Can this kit allow to stack an additional CPL filter on the VND filter?

[@calincharles]

That’s a good question. I don’t have any other filters this size to test that on unfortunately. I’ll see what I can find out

[@gothamfotografia]

Did you figure out a way to keep dust off the lens when the cage is on? For me since I carry my iphone with me everywhere, each time I want to take a photo or video, I have to remove the iphone from the cage and wipe the dust off, even with the filter attached. That is really annoying.

[@calincharles]

I typically only have the cage on when shooting. So haven’t run into that problem yet.

[@Reader_L]

Great video! With the cage, is it compatible to be mounted on a gimbal like the DJI RS 3 mini? Does it allow plenty of options for different lenses? I am torn between this cage or the beast grip iPhone cage. I need a cage which will allow for the phone to be attached to a gimbal and to attach a variety of lens / ND filters and a SSD device.

[@calincharles]

Hmmm I’ve never tried mounting my phone to the RS3 Mini. I think ive always assumed it would be too light. You can buy different mount plates for this cage to allow for lenses. Out of curiosity, what would be the incentive of connecting to a larger gimbal?

[@Reader_L]

@@calincharles to hopefully one day get a camera it’s designed for such as the Sony A7 series everyone is banging on about. I recently got a drone and want to compliment the drone footage with normal handheld footage but can only afford to enhance the iPhone for now and think maybe it’s putting my best foot forwards with a decent cage, ND filter and gimbal

[@calincharles]

@@Reader_L honestly, I’d ditch the lenses personally if you’ve got the pro or pro max. Just film on the 24mm or 48mm primarily. Use black magic cam app, and if you want that “mist effect” you could always buy software like dehancer where you can get “bloom” effect. I gotta be honest, the log h.265 footage im recording in black magic cam is pretty amazing and I’d say comparable to Sony footage. I have some lenses and I find the iPhone tries to regularly switch to other lenses when screwed in, so you get a black screen. Also find that it just doesn’t feel as good when you’re shooting video. The lenses I’d say mainly benefit photos on the iPhone

[@Reader_L]

@@calincharles good to hear! I tried so hard to look for lenses I was confident would enhance my videos but there’s so many options and they’re all contradicting reviews so I thought ND filter and gimbal will assist me enough. I’m overseas at the moment so got till April to do my research. Which is helpful as I’m usually trigger happy to buy things. I’ve got decent laptop and Final Cut Pro with motion. Got the Blackmagic app downloaded but not used it much. Do you have any other recommendations or ND filter recommendations? I think I’ll likely go for the beast grip cage for iPhone 15 PM

[@xavierpierre1676]

hows it like shooting at 1250 have you found more latitude when editing or problem cleaning up noise

[@calincharles]

After some testing in the field, I don’t put this into practice. I’d rather drop the dynamic range and have a cleaner final image tbh

[@ceeze9923]

I bought that rig and i ended up securing 5 video contract. Just letting you know that the camera / video button detaches for remote use.

[@calincharles]

Woah love that. And yes! I realized I forgot that part after filming. Such a great feature

[@CesarLeon]

Only problem is that one of the handles gets in the way when you’re trying to connect an ssd

[@calincharles]

Didn’t think of that. But you’re right. You’d either have to only shoot vertical, one handled, or (probably the best option) pick up a super small usbc cord. I have one that I think could fit even with the handle there 🤔 though it is very short. Gonna have to test this out. Honestly, I feel like the more worth while add-on would be a MagSafe wireless power bank. If you film in h.265 you really don’t need the Ssd

[@musicaqueinspira2437]

I have the iPhone 15 Pro Max and use the Blackmagic Camera app with all the specifications I've seen in this tutorial and others. However, my videos always have grain, and I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. I understand it might be due to low light in the places I'm recording, but almost all the material has grain. Can you help me improve this? Thank you in advance

[@calincharles]

The more I do it, the more I feel like the suggestion I’ve heard about the 1250 iso isn’t always the best setting. I often will shoot lower iso now if I can.

[@musicaqueinspira2437]

@@calincharles I have tried with different ISOs and settings, but the footage still looks grainy. Is there anything I can do, or do you think it's just a problem with my phone?

[@calincharles]

@@musicaqueinspira2437 hmm I’m not sure honestly. I’ve had some pretty clean results most times. Are you dialing in your exposure correctly?

[@HatefYaminiOnline]

Great review! Thank you. Subscribed. For what it’s worth, would have appreciated a lower volume on the background music. It was very distracting.

[@BrianHill]

Since this is a getting started product, could you please recommend a getting started shotgun mic and a getting started external storage option that plays well with this rig, including how you would attach and cable the mic and drive? I heard you mention a Rode shotgun at 9:48, so I guess I will start there. For the external storage is an SD holder a good getting started option? Or should one start with an external SSD, like a Samsung T5?

[@calincharles]

Rode wireless go ii is also valuable. Get a Ssd that has usbc 3.2 or usbc4 transfer speeds. There are also SSD’s and external power banks that connect via MagSafe which is why they left the back open. Though my knowledge on them is limited

[@mattaldrich7660]

Does these cages work for EDC?

[@calincharles]

It’s a bit bulky with the handles to fit in a pocket. Would easily fit in a small bag if you carry one

[@scottishghoststories2404]

can this thing work on android phones as well

[@IAMTALLBOY]

Just came from NAB & met Small Rig they have a universal rig that he shows in 13:12 mark... Brandon Li small rig collab the phone slides in the cage. Where as universal doesn't

[@paulengle5784]

This looks so much more secure/safer than SmallRig's universal smartphone camera cage, which was a nightmare to build out. Most product usage pictures of iPhone camera cages show a microphone and/or light attached, but few of them seem to show a battery AND SSD. You need an external ssd to shoot log/pro res raw, and you'll need a battery if you want to shoot for a while. Right now I think a Beastgrip or Beastcage would most likely be the best for that.

[@calincharles]

Tbh imo anyone using ProRes log footage is making BIG mistakes. The file sizes are GIGANTIC. Like 12 GB/minute of footage on 4k 60fps. I use h.265 Apple log on blackmagic cam app, and get amazing quality footage with a fraction of the file size. 4K60 Apple log is only like 400mb for a minute.

[@paulengle5784]

​@@calincharles An excellent point, and H265 allows you to record for a very long time without the need for an SSD. I know ProRes 422 will edit cleaner with the trade off of massive files. Does choosing the HEVC (H.265) codec give you the same chroma subsampling performance?

[@KaioshinAemi]

It looks cool and look more serious about filming., but it doesn’t give any better quality or better stabilization. It just giving you a secure holding your iPhone.

[@joshuaoh912]

But it’s also giving you attachment points?

[@dupont24x]

No one should be using the DJI osmo gimbal if they want to have more than just the phone. It isn’t strong enough to support more than the phone with a lens. Definitely need to use something bigger.

[@calincharles]

Forsure. Definitely not the tool if you want a large mic or anything. But for most barebones phone filming it’s pretty great.

[@Jesseleerealmusic]

Any recommendations?

[@calincharles]

@@Jesseleerealmusic for what?

[@neilmusician1143]

Can this rig fit for Iphone 14 pro max?

[@calincharles]

It’s made specifically for the 15 pro max. Not sure if they’re the same size or not. I’m guessing not since this one has the 5x tele lens. SmallRig does make other more universally compatible bodies though

[@neilmusician1143]

@@calincharles Thanks for reply. Universal rigs does not have perfect lens mount for Moment lens.

[@calincharles]

@@neilmusician1143 I had a Sandmarc case + lens for this phone, and the universal rig I had was big enough to hold the phone with the case

[@calincharles]

@@neilmusician1143 just checked and they have something called “phone cages & kits for the iPhone 14 series” on their website that seems to have the backplane with screw mounts

[@user-ns2yn7dt9x]

Can you tell me where the battery is please

[@calincharles]

The battery for Bluetooth button?

[@user-ns2yn7dt9x]

@@calincharles yes the battery for the Bluetooth button

[@andrewphillipsphotography3586]

Is it rechargeable?

[@calincharles]

@@andrewphillipsphotography3586 no, but it takes a basic CR2032 V3 battery. Easy to pick up.

[@calincharles]

@@user-ns2yn7dt9x there’s 4 screws on the removable camera button that slides off the side arm. Unscrew those 4 screws and there’s a CR2032 3V battery underneath you can easily replace.

[@lillyinthefield2787]

YOU SAID we dont need the pro res option and a ssd drive just use the blackmagic app but. how do we keep from filling up all the phones storage ??? how do we get the footage off phone and to our MacBook??? anyhelp. im totally newbie mode???👍

[@calincharles]

I think i mentioned that the H.265 (vs prores) is only around 400MB/minute of footage vs the 12GB per minute with the prores. It doesn't fill up your storage very fast. 2, you plug in an external SSD to your phone, transfer the media in the black magic cam app to your external ssd, and then plug in that SSD to your computer and bring the media files over.

[@lockdownfilms1057]

The main reason I have a cage is to be able to add lenses and mount my DJI wireless mic receiver.

[@calincharles]

there's enough cold shoe attachments it shouldn't be an issue for the mic. The availability of additional base plates to accommodate lenses is also a cool add-on. they're pretty affordable as well.

[@spadeofspades6008]

Universal rigs are more practical, because of iPhones are not the same every year.

[@kallepernu9251]

1250 iso? Really?

[@calincharles]

You know, that’s what everyone was reporting, but I feel like I’ve used it and I feel like the grain is too much for me. Maybe it offers the most dynamic range, but I feel like it’s not worth the grain

[@kallepernu9251]

@@calincharles i also watched a video where recommended iso was 1600…that sensor size it must be super grainy. Prefer sticking to lower ones

[@calincharles]

@@kallepernu9251 same

[@kallepernu9251]

Bought the case. Otherwise ok BUT the filter is visible in the frame with wide angle lens 🤷‍♂️

[@calincharles]

@@kallepernu9251 not if you twist it into the correct position. You should be able to move the filter mount until it disappears. The only thing I’ve noticed has been a weird slight light distortion on top left of view while filming in bright light.