FAQ's: All my gear (and why it doesn't matter so much)

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

More tips for Zhiyun Crane 3-axis gimbal by my buddy Joshua Morin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3uylHdpf6qZoJY

[@MilaLiva]

Your Vlogs are next level skills- wow!! Could you do a "how to cinematic vlog" and explain on camera and computer please? Would be so great! Heard about you from Alex Thomas Norman:) btw new subbie:)

[@danielartefilms9049]

Those are some great tips! Although I prefer using the DJI Ronin 3-Axis Brushless Gimbal.

[@TurboKanimero]

Would you recommend the Zhiyun Crane gimbal over the pilotfly h2 when you are using the sony a7sii/a7rii with a heavy lense (650g) like the Zeiss 35mm 1.4? I thought the crane gimbal is just for very small mirrorless cameras like the a6000.

[@MathieuStern]

Finally someone who say the plain truth and not try to sell you some Luts, presets, swooshy swooshy bam bam zoom and other crap that just make your videos look like a toddler had a seizure on the keyboard when editing. you are a true inspiration !

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

+Mathieu Stern thanks yeah I'm not making my living off KZbin so I just say what I think.

[@SergeGolikov]

"toddler had a seizure on the keyboard when editing" ... Precious! Ha, best comment I've read in a while, right on 👍

[@dukebozikowski3801]

Brandon Li but how do you get the gist looks so contrasty. Whatever I edit Sony footage I feel like the contrast doesn’t operate the same way as it does in canon and Panasonic cameras.

[@Mal0wens]

@Mathieu Stern...I love everything about your comment!! Simply gold!

[@Nunekhiia]

Can I just say, Thank you for having decided to be on youtube. Your videos have taught me so much! and helped me decide for gear and understand equipment better. keep it up!

[@MsTessG]

You are a breath of fresh air. I was getting so bogged down in which technology I should buy and you made me realize that it's not as important as improving my skillset. It's clear you have absolute command of your craft. Your stuff is beautiful. Thanks for sharing and, more importantly, for inspiring me to put my focus back where it belongs.

[@IAMDIMITRI]

Agree that gear does not matter at all. My videos turn out like shit with anything I shoot.

[@amosdesro]

Dimitri T so funny, I was thinking the exact same thing about my stuff. 😁

[@Nunekhiia]

xD ! I feel you

[@theunz]

same here

[@bluecomposite]

Hahahahahaha

[@JomariBatitis]

i think brandon li is right about his opinion. even you have the most valuable camera, if you dont have good lighting, cinematography, & good content your camera is worthless.

[@laurenelise98]

I think this video shows just how logical and straightforward you are which I think is why you excel at what you do

[@Marcus.and.Chelsey.]

I film my videos entirely on my iPhone and I think I completely agree that equipment does not matter completely. The story matters so much more. Great video man!

[@YCImaging]

Man I love this and want to do it for my channel!

[@BunkerMountain]

Do It man! I follow your content on Instagram and KZbin. I think a lot of people would like that.

[@patricklevar]

YCImaging ya love your work to keep up the good work bro

[@MarcusRFilms]

You should definitely do this bro!

[@SopheakPhuong]

YCImaging you did it.

[@WAHOME.]

2yrs ago and you did it👏

[@FKfilmphotography]

For a fellow professional and educator I found this video fantastic to show my GCSE and A Level students. As part of their course the ability to deconstruct and image or video is essential. They learn to visually analyse work using the Decribe, Analyse, Interpret and Judge model. The formal elements are explored fully and they identify the ingredients (composition, lighting, subject matter, viewpoint etc) to the point where they are able to recreate a scene. The choice of gear is the last element they look at.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Great! Sounds like a very thorough and effective way to break down content. Glad technology isn't the first element they dissect.

[@ThereGoesSpider]

Whilst story, lighting and composition are most important... I find gear incredibly important and extremely inspirational. To me a 70d is not an inspirational camera...while an a6500 in 4k on a gimbal makes me incredibly inspired to create. I think most people asking gear related questions are seeking out validation for a purchase that may break the bank if they get it wrong. Myself included. Gear related questions are a sign of respect, admiration and inspiration. Use your powers wisely;)

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Thanks, that's why I spent a lot of the video talking about gear and trying to give concise and useful info - I'm just hoping to communicate the things I've realized after analying so many other people's videos..that gear plays a role to an extent, and beyond that, other factors come into play.

[@patricklevar]

wow thank you happy to hear you talk about how camera's are not the main thing... more about how, shot angles light. you got me rethinking how to shot I've made some cool videos on my phone and I keep thinking I got to get a camera but now.... I'm going to learn more about what u just said.... would love more videos on what angles and how to use light better in run and gun shooting situations thanks for your time and hard work

[@fletcherluhur3457]

I sincerely think, you are the best teacher out here in youtube bro Brandon. Been to so many KZbinrs' accounts, but I strongly believe that I get the most out of your teachings. Ironically, I learn more from your playlists than the videos tutorials that I paid for. You Are Awesome Man! You will definitely make it big!

[@djmali]

Props for taking the time and effort in the description section, really helpful. This video was very straight forward, and informative, thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@MeaganFaye]

Just watched 3 of your videos in one sitting and am so happy I found you! I am just getting into videography and have been searching for someone like you. You give direction, explanation and show examples. Thank you and keep up the great work!

[@teasully]

you put out some of the best content, not only your vids but the actual stuff you talk about and help us with. thanks

[@justine313]

Brandon, I absolutely love watching your videos; they leave me in awe every time I watch one. I must say, you have had me questioning myself and the stories I create. Thank you for sharing! With love from a fellow New Mexican

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Gotta represent the Burque

[@maheshka3195]

love your modesty and honesty.

[@BridgetProds]

Your videos are so helpful! Being self-taught I often feel overwhelmed with the amount of information out there, but your videos break things down into really simple and clear advice. Thanks!

[@robieibor]

Thanks a lot for this video! Ever since I watched a video of yours, I have been following you and watching all the videos you post. You're an inspiration, Brandon!

[@tarajadebrown]

Very cool! I felt so happy to hear about how much time the editing takes. I feel so much better :) Keep up the great work!

[@reintvandijk2600]

Glad I found your channel. You give the most extremely useful tips and information. And I do agree that eventhough some people have great looking footage it often lacks a good story and pace. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to new and neat stuff.

[@horrorandhumor4072]

This channel is beyond legit. Brandon will be at over a million subscribers in no time. Quality videos!

[@appartement2046]

Thank you for this! It just goes to show how content is king, and how like any art, everything takes a lot of practice and dedication.

[@victorfilm_]

The colors in this video are so pleasing; the background w your overall skin tone and shirt color looks very balanced

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Thanks, I just used window light and I think that looks the best

[@hellohogo]

Very well put together video man. Looking forward to all that you do.

[@Joey_Helms]

Hey Brandon, great video! I totally hear you on the 'time to edit' piece. If the idea is scripted, simple, or you have already the flow in mind (or really just follow a timeline) then it is quiet fast. But when you have a ton of material and you want to put it together cohesively you run into these blockades of arguments with yourself whether this is the best flow or if you should go a different route. I am in that situation right now with 7 days of Rocky Mountains footage and oh boy am I pushing this project out for a while. If you are in Chicago any time soon let me know - Joey

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Thanks Joey! Good luck with your edit. Take breaks and go for walks.

[@Joey_Helms]

Thanks Brandon, surreal moment rn as I am watching your B&H talk 😂

[@DaleRoossien]

I love the message, I'm a guitar player too, and the parallels are the same. Yeah, it's great to have a sweet axe and amp, but the tone comes from your fingers ultimately, not your gear.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Yeah great comparison..when I've been around guitarists it's pretty much the same conversation, only with different gear. And I think the gear vs skill ratio is pretty similar with guitar as it is with shooting video. It's not like the axe doesn't matter, but even the best guitar would sound awful if I played it.

[@DaleRoossien]

Haha, I dunno.You should give it a try, And the gear rabbit hole in music is just as insane as the filmmaking world. Tech has evolved so much, but the story remains the same.

[@TreneiroVlog]

SO glad that i found this Chanel! Subscribed!

[@Toltaroundtheworld]

Totally agree! Gear doesn't matter so much. As we say in French: "l'habit ne fait pas le moine" Keep up the good work!

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Thanks! I think gear matters a lot, we just need to be careful in analyzing other people's footage. Sometimes what appears to be a fancy camera or LUT is actually just great lighting and choice of subject matter.

[@darzwena]

I love how your responses are so straight to the point. I also admire the fact that youre a Sony user like me! In the world of Canon users Sony doesnt get enough credit And they make some damn good mirrorless cameras!

[@CAMBOSAYS]

Incredible. Love your work, and you pursuit of pace and content. Very inspired.

[@JackStolz]

Some great points Brandon! I will say that you're right about the camera. The one thing I will say about it is that having a camera with full manual exposure in video is very helpful when you want to get the basics down. It helped me seamlessly transition to a nicer camera when the time came.

[@RamPrism]

must be the most genuine vid I've watched. Also, love the approach you have in analyzing vids. Very helpful :)

[@Vikingdescendent]

Real down to earth honest reviews, no trending BS attitude. Good work and thx for posting so many helpful vids!

[@DarioKham]

Thank you Brandon for that nugget of knowledge. (Near the middle of the video)... As a beginner film maker. I too was fascinated with the jazzy stuff I thought made great videos... ie transitions, best camera equipment. and LUTs. But your honest advice about not focusing so much on that stuff but instead on creating good content and pacing and asking yourself more about lighting and subjects was perhaps what I needed to hear at this stage of my process. Not many KZbinrs talk about it in those terms. Oh, and I love how you mention to have fun with it. We sometimes forget the simple things like that on a shoot. Cheers!

[@OffGridHawaii]

You are answering so many of my questions with out me even asking!! Thanks for making these videos!

[@d.morris7796]

You are a Blessing Sir. I love your honesty

[@markwilkins9048]

I know this is an old video, but I just recently discovered you. I am a newb to video and photography, and appreciate your honest take and advice on filmmaking. Focus on story, angles, (visual perspective ) lighting and pacing. That is the meat and potatoes,,,,,everything else is just condiments. I am probably oversimplifying, but You get the drift. Gear certainly enhances one’s ability to make great films, but without the meat and potatoes the nice gear is just an expensive hobby. Thx Brandon, I am a sponge and look forward to watching more of your content.

[@jacksp8de]

Just found your channel today and I'm very impressed. You keep the focus on what really matters. Very informative. Subbed right away

[@CarlosBenjamin]

Brilliant! I found you via Bob Krist and found your work to be stellar, so I subscribed. In an industry that's so gear focused its good to hear someone say that, yes, gear matters, but not really. I look forward to seeing more of your work, starting with the two mentioned here.

[@BrandonPCotter]

Very well done. Thank you for addressing the questions! Can't wait to see where your channel goes. Hoping to find myself in this travel-video field once I'm out of college. Incredible work you've got going.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Go for it!

[@joelflorian1412]

Love your work man. Looking forward to viewing any future videos

[@SplendidBlended]

All your vlogs are amazing. I love your work. It's really inspiring for me to see and include some of your technique and wisdom in my vlogs! Keep up the good work. We'll all be watching!

[@kaspetto]

I'm new to vlogging, and video production. I'm very glad a friend here in china introduced me to you and your channel. Its a high bar, but I think the key, from what I've seen and heard from you, is to capture the soul of the subject, the moment, and give it flow. super excited to watch more of your videos. thanks again

[@LisaMichele]

So much wisdom in this! I always remind myself that "photo" means "light". You HAVE to start with good light, everything else flows from there. Keep up the great work!

[@RossAdams]

I had to two wake up calls yesterday, first from a Chase Jarvis podcast that I need to mature past obsessing over gear & really pursue how to tell a great visual story more & secondly from your B&H lecture where you said 'while you're picking your camera, someone else is getting the shot'. So this video drives that message home for me!

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Check out Tim Kellner who has done some amazing stuff with RX100 only. Just try to shoot something every day, and try to finish the edits you start and show them publicly. Get feedback from strangers.

[@celeste-videography]

Thank you for addressing these questions! Your videos are super helpful

[@UNPRECEDENTEDPICTURES]

Thanks so much for your transparency! I love that you make it clear that the emphasis isn't on the gear you shoot with...I mean as if just anyone could create the same results that you do if they simply had the same gear that you have...that would be a very bold claim. Thanks again!

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

I think it's just important to realize what gear does and doesn't do. A good camera will record good colors reliably. But it won't make midday look like sunset, and it won't save a crappy color grade

[@luisliftstv2434]

Really enjoyed the the FAQ especially the whole talk about lighting and finding the perfect shot

[@addinazhan7621]

This is really good. All videographers, especially the starters should watch this video. It's encouraging in the sense that anyone can make great videos even with basic equipments. It's more to how we optimize them rather than spending so much. Thanks man

[@hkmv1]

Man, all your videos are on point with lots to learn from. Keep it up.

[@kelvinlelvin]

you're a really good presenter man, not to mention a super talented DOP, thanks for the videos really helped me pick out a gimbal

[@IannisMaragakis]

So nice clearing up, that gear follows inspiration and skills. Not the other way. Daidō Moriyama's iconic dog photo was shot with a pocket camera.

[@bologna9204]

Brandon you're awesome and very humble man! I'm definitely learning everything I can about film/photography from you and other sources so I can get the best picture out there! Sometimes I hit dead-ends though with my filming because the content sometimes isn't there but I'll power through that thanks to you! Have a great day!

[@PicturePulse]

Hi Brandon, what lenses are you using? Just kidding, keep your channel alive it is great! I like your cinematic vlogs alot.

[@jmv1968]

You are there best I have viewed!! love your videos. To a creative and critical mind, all your videos are educational!!!

[@tombergemann7202]

Very well spoke. In my opinion, people are often too much concerning about technical specifications about the gear. Today, seldom people are thinking about, what can i do with older and more simple stuff, or just what they have. All is about using 4K, gimbals, LUT's and so on. I also can use Full HD, Flycams and a normal grading. With older equipment, there is much more possible, than some videographers are thinking. It is a pleasure to watch your stuff.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Thank you! Definitely maximize what you can get from your existing gear.

[@m3metro]

Thank you. Great advice and comments from start to finish.

[@weatherfield1817]

Thank you! Not for the tech details but on why they should come after content, pace, and I would add story and emotion. There are upsides and downsides to the internet being saturated with technical knowledge; one of the downsides is that it's hard to find content that seeks a deeper wisdom and connection to storytelling and connecting with an audience, so thanks for spreading this message. Love your work btw

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Yeah I just don't do a lot of narrative work otherwise I would have commented more on story etc. Most of the stuff I do has very little narrative story so I rely on pacing of the edit to maintain interest.

[@MaryKayUlsamer]

Love your teaching style, you’re a natural. More please!

[@marginwalker01]

your videos are super easy to watch. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and vision!

[@Jan-DerekKuster]

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and opinions so openly, straight foreward and authentic! Please keep it like that and stay true to your self! All the best! Cheers Jan 🙏😊

[@georgekenner6588]

Great content.... you are taking people to the next artistic level.... you make us more than just people with cameras. Thank you!

[@ryta5465]

This is a 3 years old video while some newest cameras came out, but the principles that Brandon has taught me hasn't changed much yet to this day!

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

Bravo... this was an excellent encapsulation of your editing/gear/production/aesthetic choices and values.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Thank you!

[@videochannel]

Your all footage are very helpful to me. Thanks.

[@fenilparekh4439]

Thanks for the info, looking forward to more videos and learn more.

[@mattstafford9999]

awesome dude!! love your approach to things, i agree with no luts and small fine tunning, great work!!

[@marco.popescu]

a video that we, tech geeks, felt the need of ahahah ideas matter, keep up with the good work! :)

[@GeoffRendell]

Huge fan, learning a lot thank you so much helping the learning curve.

[@SuperbD2009]

good to see that you're finally doing youtube videos. subscribed!

[@joseperez-cl8jk]

Wow you are the first person that is a real film maker that is to the point THANK YOU keep it up Jop

[@melohman7648]

Great job and clear directions, congrats!

[@ELJAGUAR]

I have watched your B&h seminar this morning and now this video. Definitely you are "grande" I love your philosophy and work ethic. Keep doing quality content, you are a genius. Ps: " meanwhile rest of people is talking and reviewing lenses and cameras, other people around the world are taking shots"

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Great video, Brandon! Your opinions are a much needed breath of fresh air! Thanks for "Gateway to the Ganges." It inspired me to turn off S-Log and just shoot.... with great results.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Great, glad it was useful for you!

[@denverbailey]

Great stuff Brandon, keep it up!

[@domanicong1409]

Thanks Brandon. A good 9 minutes spent on watching this video.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Thanks, I tried to keep it as brief as possible with the necessary info

[@domanicong1409]

It cant get any better. Straight to the point. Thanks once again.

[@Ramnizzle97]

man you need more subscribers for sure. you make the best videos I've seen on KZbin and and I've watched a s*** ton. your videos are very informational and interesting. keep up the good work buddy I'm just now getting into this stuff and your videos are a huge help

[@A.Lewisfilms]

"Sometimes the beach ball spins when i dont want it to" hahahaha

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

that's when I go to Reddit to keep my sanity.

[@A.Lewisfilms]

Agreed.

[@nickosborne7894]

Fantastic video mate...just found you on KZbin and loving the content and advice!

[@illuxonstudios7956]

great video. love your forthrightfullness about some subjects. that is a very professional attitude and it really brings out the sincerity in whatever else you do open up about sharing. keep it up

[@CartubeCoIl]

What a great down to earth reviewer, so glad I have found your channel. Cheers.

[@bstadele]

Great eye for angles , location and lighting it will be nice to see you behind the scenes

[@stvprk]

I love your insights on everything. Keep up the hustle!

[@iamkilos]

Your take on good content and pacing I cannot agree more. I really look up to you as a mentor even though I never met you.

[@humbertoteski]

Great and simple answers.

[@JeremyKruis]

this is great. really enjoyed the "gear doesn't matter" rant 👍

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

I've got lots where that came from. You should see my inbox..you'd think I was Geek Squad at Best Buy.

[@oggystig]

Holy shit, finally someone talking some sense on this topic. I honestly feel that so much KZbin footage looks like the "slow motion montage" in a Baywatch episode. Beautiful people doing nothing interesting in slow motion with some cheese music on top for good measure. Respect to you for not sharing your hard learned techniques. "I like what you do, tell me how you do it so I can copy it" WTF??? Back in the day, this was known as "biting someone's style", and there was no bigger shame than being a copycat. Love your content. Subscribed.

[@jerucastanares2491]

I literally take down notes while watching this! Thank you, Brandon!

[@highdesertdragons6674]

WOW.. You really need to keep making these type videos! Great video and looking forward to more of them.

[@DanielSuh1]

thanks for starting this vlog, love your work!

[@DanielSuh1]

do you use the latest macbook pro with upgraded 4gb GPU?

[@YJTung]

Dude this is such an awesome video, thank you for making it. In one of your interviews, you mentioned that as a beginner filmmaker, you can take bits and pieces from your inspirations and build up your own personal style from there. So my question to you is: who were your inspirations when you were first starting out, and who are your inspirations now? Directors, youtubers, filmmakers, anybody.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Thanks! When I first started making videos as a kid, I was inspired by action movies and basically any movie with a high fall or large explosion. Then I decided I wanted to make plot twisters like Twilight Zone, Hitchcock or Shyamalan's early stuff. Then I fell out of love with narrative after film school and got work doing docu/reality stuff..and then I discovered Vimeo and the genre of travel films for the web and started pursuing that. My first travel video influences were Matty Brown and Vincent Urban.

[@DavidRoseberry]

Love it. Thanks for the info, Brandon. Especially liked your comments on your transitions. :)

[@markranger8851]

Thanks for dropping the knowledge. I am an aspiring videographer and I found a lot of this informative.

[@Dorset_Phil]

You have a great eye for a shot, love your videos. Thanks.

[@obc3095]

Great work, and refreshing to see a truly skilled craftsman who's not a "youtube personality".

[@camrolaguardia]

True cinematographer right here! good stuff!

[@bcdinh19]

I really appreciate how explain concepts and tips for even beginners. Can you make a video explaining picture profiles and situations when to use them (in your opinion)?

[@Kiwiphotog01]

Nice man. Thanks for the honesty, looking after your own IP and the business ethics. Like your work and you help keep me inspired for my own business. Thanks.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Thanks, yeah I start this YT channel to blow off some steam and do some light stuff on the side..not intending for it to be a tell-all for my editing tricks. Hopefully this video defuses the questions a bit.

[@crispywisp]

Your videos are so much better than the mainstream vloggers like Peter and Matti. I mean seriously. I could learn more from your videos than watching those mainstream videos who talk about things that are way too good to be true. Just my honest opinion, you make better doc videos than those two mainstreams.